Valentine Molten Chocolate Lava (Print version)

Rich chocolate cakes with molten centers and fresh mixed berries for a luscious dessert experience.

# Ingredient List:

→ For the Chocolate Lava Cakes

01 - 4 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 large egg yolks
05 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt

→ For Serving

09 - 2 cups mixed fresh berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
10 - 1 tbsp powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
11 - Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (optional)

# How To Make It:

01 - Preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease four 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour, shaking out any excess.
02 - In a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water (or in the microwave), melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
04 - Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
05 - Sift in the flour, add vanilla extract and salt, and gently fold until just combined.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
07 - Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft (do not overbake).
08 - Let cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully run a knife around the edges and invert onto dessert plates.
09 - Top each cake with a generous handful of fresh berries. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately, with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They look incredibly impressive but come together in under thirty minutes, most of which is hands-off baking time
  • The contrast between warm molten chocolate and cool fresh berries makes every bite feel like a special occasion
  • You get that restaurant quality dessert experience without leaving your house or paying restaurant prices
02 -
  • The baking window is surprisingly narrow, check at 10 minutes even if you think it needs more time
  • Letting the melted chocolate cool slightly before mixing with eggs prevents them from partially cooking
  • Room temperature eggs incorporate better into the batter, pull them out while you preheat
03 -
  • Run your knife under hot water before cutting the first cake, it slices through cleanly
  • If you're unsure about doneness, err on the side of underbaked, they continue cooking slightly as they sit

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