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
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C / 390°F (or 180°C fan) to get it ready for baking.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the cooled melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Flour: Add 2 tablespoons flour to the batter and gently fold until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fill Moulds: Pour the batter into the prepared moulds, filling each about one-third full.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
