Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Molten Chocolate Cakes Recipe


  • Author: Noah
  • Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 individual molten chocolate cakes 1x

Description

Indulge in these decadent Molten Chocolate Cakes featuring a rich, gooey chocolate center surrounded by a soft, luscious chocolate cake. Perfectly baked to achieve the iconic molten interior, these individual puddings are enhanced with a luscious homemade chocolate ganache and served with creamy ice-cream or whipped cream for an irresistible dessert experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Molten Chocolate Ganache

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 4 tbsp heavy cream (thickened cream)

Cake Batter

  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 100g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter, cut into 1cm / ½” cubes
  • 2 eggs, at room temperature
  • 2 egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup caster/superfine sugar
  • 2 tbsp plain/all-purpose flour

For Serving and Decoration

  • Ice-cream or cream (highly recommended)
  • Cocoa powder or icing/powdered sugar for dusting
  • Strawberries, raspberries or edible flowers (optional decoration)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Molten Chocolate Ganache: Place 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips and 4 tbsp heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in three 20-second intervals, stirring between each until chocolate is fully melted and mixture is smooth.
  2. Chill Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool at room temperature for 10 minutes, then refrigerate for 3 hours until it firms enough to scoop into balls.
  3. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C / 390°F (or 180°C fan) to get it ready for baking.
  4. Prepare Moulds: Grease four 170ml (5.75oz) dariole or pudding moulds with butter, then dust them with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess for a clean finish.
  5. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a bowl, combine 1 cup chocolate chips and 100g unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each until smooth. Let it cool for 5 minutes.
  6. Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In another bowl, vigorously whisk together 2 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and 1/2 cup caster sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
  7. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the cooled melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
  8. Fold in Flour: Add 2 tablespoons flour to the batter and gently fold until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
  9. Fill Moulds: Pour the batter into the prepared moulds, filling each about one-third full.
  10. Add Ganache Center: Scoop a heaping teaspoon of chilled ganache and place it into the center of the batter in each mould. Cover generously with more batter until about 1.5cm from the top rim.
  11. Bake: Place the filled moulds on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the tops spring back lightly when touched.
  12. Unmould and Serve: Let the cakes stand for 2 minutes after baking. Tap each mould on the base and gently release the cake onto serving plates.
  13. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately with ice-cream or whipped cream, dust with cocoa or powdered sugar, and decorate with fresh strawberries, raspberries, or edible flowers as desired.

Notes

  • Note 1: Using good quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips or melts ensures a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Note 2: Using eggs and egg yolks at room temperature helps achieve a smooth batter and optimal texture.
  • Note 3: Chilling the ganache is crucial for it to hold its shape when inserted into the batter.
  • Note 4: Greasing and dusting the moulds with butter and cocoa powder prevents sticking and allows easy unmoulding of the cakes.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French-inspired

Keywords: molten chocolate cake, lava cake, chocolate pudding, individual chocolate cake, dessert, easy chocolate dessert, chocolate ganache