Pin It Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a warm, gooey molten center — perfect for an elegant dessert or a comforting treat.
I first made these at a dinner party and everyone was amazed by how elegant they looked and tasted.
Ingredients
- Chocolate Mixture: 120 g (4.25 oz) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 90 g (scant 1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
- For Serving (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting, fresh berries or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
- Step 2:
- In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Step 3:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
- Step 5:
- Sift in the flour and salt, and fold gently until just incorporated — do not overmix.
- Step 6:
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
- Step 7:
- Bake for 11–13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly jiggly.
- Step 8:
- Let rest for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar and add berries or ice cream if desired.
Pin It These cakes have become a family favorite during special celebrations and quiet cozy nights alike.
Notes
For a deeper chocolate flavor, use high-quality chocolate. Add espresso powder or orange liqueur for a twist and serve with mint, whipped cream, or caramel sauce.
Required Tools
6 ramekins (6 oz each), heatproof mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, baking sheet
Allergen Information
Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in facilities handling nuts. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.
Pin It Enjoy these luscious mini cakes fresh and warm to savor the molten chocolate center at its best.
Questions & Answers
- → What type of chocolate works best for these cakes?
Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with high cocoa content ensures a rich, deep chocolate flavor, while offering a smooth molten texture.
- → How do I achieve the gooey center texture?
Baking the cakes for 11–13 minutes until the edges set but centers remain soft creates the signature molten middle.
- → Can these be prepared ahead of time?
Yes, the batter can be refrigerated before baking. Add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time when baking from cold for best results.
- → What serving suggestions complement these cakes?
Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the rich chocolate flavors.
- → Are there any common allergens to note?
These contain eggs, butter (milk), and gluten from flour. Check chocolate packaging for potential nut traces.