Ingredients
Chocolate Mixture
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate, roughly chopped
- 6 oz dark chocolate, roughly chopped
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, cut into chunks
Dry Ingredients
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Egg Mixture
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
Toppings (optional)
- Ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare muffin tin: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray a muffin tin with baking spray and then dust evenly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking and add extra chocolate flavor.
- Melt chocolate and butter: Place the chopped semi-sweet and dark chocolate along with the butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 1 minute, then stir. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is completely smooth and combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, powdered sugar, and salt thoroughly to eliminate lumps and ensure even mixing.
- Whisk eggs: In a separate larger bowl, whisk the 4 large eggs and 4 egg yolks together until well blended and slightly frothy.
- Mix batter: Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture, then the dry flour mixture to the whisked eggs. Stir gently using a rubber spatula until just combined. If you notice small lumps, use a whisk carefully to smooth them out; some minor lumps are acceptable. The batter will be thick and glossy.
- Fill muffin tins and bake: Scoop the batter evenly into the prepared muffin tin cups. Bake in the preheated oven for 8 to 10 minutes. The edges should be set and cooked through, but the centers will remain soft and slightly wet, creating the signature molten lava effect.
- Cool and serve: Let the cakes cool in the muffin tin for 1 minute. Then, carefully remove each cake using a spoon or plastic utensil and invert them onto serving plates. Immediately top with optional ice cream, whipped cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar. Serve promptly for the best molten experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation and a smoother batter.
- Do not overbake, as the molten center is the signature feature of these lava cakes.
- Dusting the muffin tin with cocoa powder instead of flour enhances the chocolate flavor and prevents whiteness on the cake edges.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best lava effect.
- Substitute chocolate types to adjust bitterness or sweetness as desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American