Valentine Molten Chocolate Cakes (Printable)

Individual molten chocolate cakes with a gooey center and rich chocolate flavor, ideal for sharing.

# What You Need:

→ Chocolate Mixture

01 - 4 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
02 - 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

→ Batter

03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 large egg yolks
05 - 1/2 cup powdered sugar
06 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
07 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
08 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract

→ For Serving

09 - Powdered sugar for dusting
10 - Fresh raspberries or strawberries
11 - Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

# How-To:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Generously butter four 6 oz ramekins and lightly dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
02 - Set a heatproof bowl over a pot of gently simmering water. Add chocolate and butter, stirring until completely smooth and melted. Remove from heat and let cool for 2-3 minutes.
03 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened, about 1-2 minutes.
04 - Pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture along with vanilla extract. Whisk vigorously until fully incorporated and smooth.
05 - Sift the flour and salt over the batter. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined—do not overmix or the cakes may become tough.
06 - Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full.
07 - Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 11-12 minutes. The edges should be set while the centers remain soft and slightly jiggly when gently shaken.
08 - Let cakes rest for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin, then invert onto plates. Wait 10 seconds before lifting off the ramekin. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with berries and ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Twenty minutes from craving to chocolate heaven on a plate
  • The kind of dessert that makes people pause and savor every single bite
02 -
  • The difference between molten magic and just another cake is literally thirty seconds in the oven
  • Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the warm chocolate without scrambling
03 -
  • Chocolate quality matters more here than in almost any other dessert
  • The serrated knife trick around the rim prevents any sticking disasters

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