Best 5 Individual Molten Lava Cakes Recipes

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Generously butter six 6-ounce ramekins (really be generous, and do not substitute non-stick cooking spray). Set the ramekins on a baking sheet.
• Melt the butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Immediately add the chopped chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. If a few chunks remain, place the bowl back in the microwave for 20 seconds, then stir again. Repeat if necessary. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle or beaters, beat the eggs, egg yolks, brown sugar, vanilla and salt at high speed until thickened and pale, about 4 minutes. Add the melted chocolate mixture and flour to the egg mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined (the chocolate sinks to the bottom so be sure to scrape it up into the batter).
• Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins and bake for 10 minutes, until the cakes are set and puffed over the edges of the ramekins. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 to 2 minutes; then, holding the hot ramekins with a dish towel, carefully invert the cakes onto dessert plates. They should pop right out, but you can run a thin-bladed knife around the edges if necessary. Serve immediately. (It's important not to let the cakes sit after baking, as the centers will continue to cook.)
• Make-Ahead Instructions: The batter can be spooned into the ramekins, covered and refrigerated for several hours before baking. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking so they come to room temperature.

LAVA CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease and flour four 6-ounce ramekins.
• Place chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir frequently, scraping down the sides with a rubber spatula to avoid scorching, until chocolate is melted, about 5 minutes.
• Combine eggs and sugar in a large bowl; beat with an electric mixer until pale and thick, about 5 minutes. Mix in melted chocolate, cocoa powder, and flour until combined. Pour batter into the prepared ramekins and place on a baking tray.
• Bake in the preheated oven until the sides are set but the middle is still jiggly, 10 to 13 minutes. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

INDIVIDUAL MOLTEN LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Butter and flour four 4-ounce ramekins.
• Melt chocolate with butter. Remove from heat. Beat eggs, yolks and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed in a deep bowl, 8 minutes, until thick and pale. Whisk chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Whisk in flour.
• Pour batter into ramekins. Place on baking sheet and bake 14 minutes, or until cakes have risen and have a thin crust, sides are set and cakes are slightly jiggly in the center; under baking is better than over baking.
• Carefully invert each cake onto a serving plate and let sit 20 seconds. Unmold by lifting up one corner of mold; cake will fall onto plate. Dust tops with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.

GHIRARDELLI INDIVIDUAL CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• To make centers, melt 2 ounces of chocolate (1/2 a baking bar) and cream in double boiler. Whisk gently to blend. Refrigerate about 2 hours, or until firm.
• Form into 6 balls; refrigerate until needed.
• To make cake, heat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Spray six 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups with cooking spray.
• Melt 4 ounces of chocolate (1 baking bar) and butter in double boiler; whisk gently to blend.
• With an electric mixer, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla on high speed about 5 minutes, or until thick and light. Fold melted chocolate mixture and flour into egg mixture until just combined.
• Spoon cake batter into ramekins. Place a chocolate ball in the middle of each ramekin.
• Bake about 15 minutes, or until cakes are firm to the touch. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
• Run a small, sharp knife around inside of each ramekin. Place a plate on top, invert, and remove ramekin. Garnish with raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

MOLTEN LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Butter eight 6-ounce ramekins and sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar.
• Combine the butter, cinnamon, cayenne, nutmeg and chocolate in a saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently until melted and smooth. Cool slightly. Whisk the flour, confectioners' sugar, eggs and yolks, vanilla extract and almond extract in a bowl until creamy. Whisk in the melted chocolate mixture. Divide among the prepared ramekins.
• Bake the cakes until the tops are stiff and the edges darken, 12 to 14 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool 5 minutes. Loosen the edges of the cakes with a small paring knife and transfer to plates while warm. Dust with confectioners' sugar.