Cocoa Warm Dark Chocolate

Decadent, rich dark chocolate lava cakes with a molten cocoa center—perfect for cozy evenings and sweet home desserts.

I first enjoyed making these cakes on a chilly winter night and loved how they melted perfectly in the center each time.

Ingredients

• Chocolate Base: 100 g (3.5 oz) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa) chopped, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing, 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 100 g (1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• For Serving (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting, Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, Fresh berries

Instructions

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

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Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Generously butter four 6-oz (180 ml) ramekins and dust with cocoa powder tapping out excess.

Step 2:

In a heatproof bowl melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a saucepan of barely simmering water (double boiler method) stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in cocoa powder.

Step 3:

In a separate bowl whisk together eggs egg yolks sugar and vanilla extract until thick and pale.

Step 4:

Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.

Step 5:

Sift the flour and salt over the batter and fold in until smooth and glossy.

Step 6:

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.

Step 7:

Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft. Do not overbake.

Step 8:

Let cakes cool for 1 minute then run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.

Step 9:

Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and fresh berries if desired.

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.

Check price on Amazon

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This recipe always brings the whole family to the table with smiles and warm moments.

Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

Ensure your ramekins are well greased and dusted with cocoa powder to avoid sticking. Use fresh eggs for better texture.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a dusting of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Fresh berries add a nice tart contrast.

Variations

Try adding a pinch of chili powder for a spicy kick or swap dark chocolate with milk chocolate for a milder flavor.

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Slow cook soups, stews, roasts, and casseroles effortlessly for comforting meals with rich, developed flavors.

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This indulgent dessert is quick to prepare yet impressively delicious every time.

Recipe Q&A

→ What type of chocolate is best to use?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with around 70% cocoa content for the richest flavor and smooth texture.

→ How can I tell when the cakes are perfectly baked?

The edges should be firm and set, while the center remains soft and slightly jiggly to ensure a molten core.

→ Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it briefly; bring it back to room temperature before baking for best results.

→ What are good serving suggestions?

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for balanced sweetness and texture.

→ Are there substitutions for dietary preferences?

Try gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing texture.