These molten lava cakes, also known as "Magma Kek," are the ultimate indulgence for chocolate lovers. Each individual cake features a moist, tender crumb with a hidden, gooey center of melted chocolate, making every bite a delightful surprise. This decadent dessert is surprisingly easy to prepare and perfect for special occasions or when you want to treat yourself to something extra special. Baked in individual ramekins, these cakes are not only delicious but also visually impressive, with a golden top and a rich, molten center. Serve them warm for the best experience, as the chocolate filling oozes out with every spoonful, creating an irresistible dessert that’s sure to be a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
You’ll love these molten lava cakes for their simplicity and irresistible flavor. The batter comes together quickly, with ingredients you likely already have on hand, yet the result is an elegant dessert that feels like a restaurant-quality treat. The contrast between the soft, baked exterior and the rich, liquid chocolate center makes these cakes incredibly satisfying. They are perfect for serving warm, straight out of the oven, when the chocolate is at its most gooey and indulgent. Plus, you can easily customize the recipe by adding your favorite toppings, such as a sprinkle of powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries. These cakes are also ideal for small gatherings or romantic dinners, as they are baked in individual portions.
Perfect Occasion:
Molten lava cakes are perfect for special occasions, whether you're celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or just want to impress your guests with a rich, chocolatey dessert. These individual cakes make an excellent choice for intimate dinners, as their presentation is as impressive as their flavor. They’re also great for a cozy night in, especially when you’re craving something indulgent but don’t want to make a large dessert. You can serve them as a show-stopping end to a dinner party or make them for a holiday celebration when you want something truly memorable.
Decoration Tips:
For a beautiful presentation, serve the molten lava cakes dusted with powdered sugar, which adds a simple yet elegant touch. You can also garnish them with a few fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, to add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream on the side will take the experience to the next level, as the cold ice cream contrasts wonderfully with the warm, gooey cake. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle some melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the top of the cakes before serving. If you’re feeling creative, sprinkle some chopped nuts like hazelnuts or almonds on top for added texture and flavor.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 200 grams granulated sugar (1 cup + 2 tablespoons; if not adding chocolate inside, add 2 more tablespoons of sugar)
- 100ml vegetable oil (a little less than 1 cup)
- 300ml milk (1.5 cups)
- 425 grams flour (3 cups)
- 10 grams baking powder (1 packet)
- 5 grams vanilla (1 packet or 1 teaspoon)
- Optional: chocolate chips or a chocolate bar for filling
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture becomes light and frothy.
- Gradually add the vegetable oil and milk, mixing well after each addition.
- Sift the flour, baking powder, and vanilla together, then slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir until everything is well combined, and the batter is smooth.
- Lightly grease your ramekins or small bowls with vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Divide the batter evenly among the bowls, filling each about halfway.
- If you want to add a chocolate filling, sprinkle chocolate chips on top or place a piece of chocolate in the center of each portion before baking.
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) with the fan setting on. Bake the cakes for 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on the size of your bowls, so if using smaller bowls, check them earlier as they will bake faster.
- Once the tops are golden, insert a toothpick into the edge of the cake (not the center). If it comes out clean, the cakes are ready. Allow them to cool to room temperature.
- When cooled, carefully remove the cakes from their bowls. Use a spoon to hollow out the center of each cake and fill the cavity with melted chocolate or chocolate spread. Replace the removed cake pieces to cover the filling.
- Serve the cakes while still warm for the best gooey chocolate center. Enjoy the molten chocolate oozing out with every bite.
Enjoy!