Baked Chocolate Lava Cake

A classic dessert that never fails to impress, Baked Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect treat for chocolate lovers. With a warm, gooey center and a rich, cake-like exterior, each bite offers a satisfying burst of chocolatey goodness. Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, these individual lava cakes are an indulgent delight.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp salt

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease 4 ramekins with butter or non-stick cooking spray.
2. Melt the Butter and Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate chips together. Stir the mixture every 30 seconds until smooth and fully melted.
3. Mix in Sugar: Stir in the sugar until it is fully incorporated into the melted chocolate mixture.
4. Add Eggs: Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure to mix well after each addition.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in the flour and salt until the batter is smooth and well combined.
6. Divide the Batter: Evenly divide the batter among the 4 prepared ramekins.
7. Bake the Cakes: Bake the cakes for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will remain soft and gooey.
8. Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool for a few minutes before inverting them onto plates. Serve immediately while the centers are warm and lava-like.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 12-14 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4

Variations

1. Add a Flavor Twist: You can add a tablespoon of orange zest or espresso powder to the batter for a rich twist of flavor.
2. Use White Chocolate: For a lighter version, use white chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet chocolate.
3. Nutty Lava Cake: Add chopped nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, or walnuts to the batter for added crunch.
4. Berry Lava Cake: Top the cakes with fresh raspberries, strawberries, or a berry coulis for a fresh contrast to the rich chocolate.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage and Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover lava cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the lava cakes in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or until warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, as it can cause the gooey center to firm up.

10 FAQs

1. Can I prepare this dessert ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter and store it in the ramekins in the fridge. Bake it right before serving for a fresh, warm dessert.
2. Can I use a different type of chocolate? Absolutely! You can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate chips, but semi-sweet chocolate provides the best balance of sweetness.
3. What can I serve with chocolate lava cake? A scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs wonderfully with the rich chocolate flavor. Fresh berries are also a great addition.
4. Can I make mini lava cakes? Yes, you can use smaller ramekins to create mini versions of these cakes. Adjust the baking time to 8-10 minutes.
5. How do I know when the lava cakes are done? The edges should be set, but the center should remain slightly jiggly when you tap the ramekin.
6. Can I make lava cakes in muffin tins? Yes, muffin tins work as well. Just adjust the baking time slightly since the cakes will be smaller.
7. What happens if I overbake the lava cake? If overbaked, the center will no longer be gooey and lava-like, and you’ll have a regular chocolate cake instead.
8. How do I make sure the lava cake stays gooey in the center? The key is to not overbake them. Keep a close eye on them after 10 minutes, and check for the slightly soft and jiggly center.
9. Can I use ramekins made of glass? Yes, glass ramekins work fine, but make sure to adjust the baking time slightly as glass may heat differently than ceramic.
10. Can I freeze lava cakes? Yes, you can freeze the uncooked batter in the ramekins. Just bake them directly from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

Baked Chocolate Lava Cakes are a simple yet indulgent dessert that offers a perfect combination of rich chocolate flavor and a gooey center. With minimal ingredients and a quick prep time, these cakes make for a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you serve them with ice cream or enjoy them plain, these lava cakes are sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!

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