Dive into the luxurious depth of this Chocolate Lava Cake, a decadent dessert that promises a molten chocolate center so rich and fluid, it pours out with each spoonful. This eggless recipe is adaptable for those who prefer dairy-free or gluten-free options, ensuring everyone can indulge in the velvety, melt-in-your-mouth experience without any hassle.
Why You'll Love This: The real charm of this Chocolate Lava Cake lies in its intense chocolate flavor and perfectly gooey center, achieved without the need for additional chocolate ganache or chunks. It’s a simple pleasure that combines the robust taste of dark chocolate with the smoothness of butter and the subtle sweetness of vanilla. This cake is a true celebration of texture and taste, offering a warm, comforting treat that's perfect for any chocolate lover.
Perfect Occasion: Chocolate Lava Cake is ideal for intimate celebrations, romantic dinners, or as a luxurious treat at the end of a cozy family meal. It's also fantastic for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any moment when you want to make a lasting impression with a sophisticated, yet easy-to-make dessert.
Decoration Tips: Serve this Chocolate Lava Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of elegance. Add a scoop of your favorite ice cream on the side—vanilla bean works beautifully with chocolate—to balance the richness. For a festive touch, garnish with fresh berries or a sprig of mint. Drizzling the plate with a little chocolate sauce or caramel can also enhance the presentation and add layers of flavor.
Ingredients:
- 55g (1/3 cup) dark chocolate (couverture chocolate bar or baking chocolate chips)
- 55g (1/4 cup) butter (use non-dairy butter for a dairy-free version)
- 55g (1/2 cup) powdered sugar
- 65ml (1/4 cup) milk (use unsweetened non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour (use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version)
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/8 tsp baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- Prepare your 4-inch cake ring or mini springform pan by brushing it with soft butter. If using a cake ring, secure the base with baking paper and aluminum foil. For ramekins, just butter the sides and bottom well. This step ensures easy removal of the cake.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together using 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Alternatively, melt them together over a double boiler.
- To the melted chocolate mixture, add the milk, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until just combined, avoiding over-mixing to keep the texture light.
- Let the batter rest at room temperature for 10-12 minutes. This allows the flour to hydrate slightly and the batter to thicken.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake ring or pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly, indicating a molten middle.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes. Then, carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Enjoy this heavenly Chocolate Lava Cake, a simple yet elegant dessert that is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!