Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake Recipe
Indulge in a decadent Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake that combines rich dark chocolate with a hint of espresso for a sophisticated twist on a classic dessert. This recipe yields individual molten cakes with crispy edges and a gooey, molten center that oozes luscious chocolate espresso lava upon biting in. Perfect for an impressive yet easy-to-make treat, these cakes bake quickly and deliver a deep, satisfying flavor perfect for coffee and chocolate lovers alike.
- Author: Dylan
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 individual lava cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Main Ingredients
- 175 g Butter (6.1 oz)
- 185 g Chocolate (6.5 oz), preferably dark or semi-sweet
- 1 pinch Salt
- 4 Eggs
- 2 Egg yolks
- 90 g Granulated sugar (3.1 oz) (approx. 100 ml)
- 90 g All-purpose flour (3.1 oz) (approx. 140 ml)
- 50 ml Espresso or strong coffee (1.7 fl. oz)
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180° C (356° F) to ensure it is fully heated by the time your batter is ready.
- Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the chocolate pieces and stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and fully combined. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale and slightly frothy.
- Combine Chocolate Mixture with Eggs: Gradually pour the melted butter and chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture, stirring continuously to avoid cooking the eggs.
- Sift and Add Flour: Sift the all-purpose flour into the combined mixture and gently fold it in until fully incorporated and smooth without overmixing.
- Add Espresso: Pour in the espresso or strong coffee and mix everything until you achieve a smooth, consistent batter.
- Prepare Ramekins: Grease disposable foil ramekins thoroughly, then sift cocoa powder over the greased surfaces, ensuring the bottom and sides are coated evenly. This will help the cakes release easily after baking.
- Fill and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins and bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes. The cakes are done when the edges are set and firm, but the centers remain soft and jiggly, ensuring the molten lava texture inside.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor.
- Do not overbake; the central lava effect depends on the cake still being soft inside.
- Greasing and dusting ramekins with cocoa powder prevents sticking and adds flavor.
- Serve immediately out of the oven for the best molten effect.
- You can add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar as a perfect complement.
Keywords: Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake, Molten Chocolate Cake, Espresso dessert, Molten Lava Cake Recipe, Quick chocolate dessert