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If you’re a dedicated chocolate-lover in search of a melty, indulgent dessert that’s easy to whip up, these Gooey Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes are the answer. They boast a soft, fudgy center that spills out when you take your first spoonful, giving you that irresistible molten chocolate moment without the fuss of a big layer cake.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of espresso powder (optional)
Instructions
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly coat four small ramekins or oven-safe cups with butter, ensuring every side is well-greased. Arrange them on a baking sheet for easy transfer in and out of the oven.
Next, place the chopped chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl. Gently melt the mixture in short 20-second bursts, stirring thoroughly between each interval until smooth. Add the salt, sugar, and optional espresso powder to boost the chocolate flavor, then stir well to combine.
In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs until the yolks and whites are fully incorporated. Add these whisked eggs to the chocolate mixture, stirring thoroughly. Now fold in the flour and vanilla extract, mixing just until no dry streaks remain. Spoon the batter into the prepared ramekins, leaving a tiny bit of space at the top to allow for a fluffy rise.
Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and bake for 8–10 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft. (If you overbake, you’ll lose that classic molten center!) Remove from the oven, cool for a minute or two, then gently run a knife around the edges. Invert the cakes onto dessert plates, and brace yourself for the magical moment when you cut into the warm center.
For an extra flourish, dust with powdered sugar or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve immediately while still piping hot so the molten core remains at its gooey best.
Pro tip: If you prefer to keep the cakes in their cozy ramekins, feel free to skip the inversion step—just dig in with a spoon and enjoy the decadent surprise within.
These Gooey Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes shine for special dates at home, dinner parties, or a quick treat to satisfy your most urgent chocolate cravings. They fit seamlessly into vegetarian diets and can be easily adapted for dairy-free needs by swapping in plant-based butter. Plus, you can play around with flavors: add a sprinkle of chili powder for some heat or incorporate peanut butter for a rich nutty twist. No matter how you customize them, these molten delights deliver all the indulgence in perfect single-sized portions.
