Description
Indulge in a quick and rich Molten Lava Cake for One, featuring a soft, moist cake exterior with a warm, gooey chocolate center. Perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings with simple pantry ingredients and ready in under 20 minutes, this single-serving dessert is customizable and ideal for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate and Butter Mixture
- 3 oz bittersweet chocolate (high-quality)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
Wet Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 egg yolk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Gather all ingredients and preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly butter a small ramekin or an oven-safe mug to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together in short bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. This mixture forms the molten core.
- Combine Sugar and Egg Yolk: Whisk the sugar and egg yolk in a separate bowl until thick and pale to create a tender cake crumb.
- Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing just until combined. Sift in the flour and fold carefully to avoid overmixing.
- Bake to Perfection: Pour the batter into the prepared ramekin and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains soft and molten. Watch closely to maintain the gooey center.
- Serve Warm: Remove from oven and let cool for about a minute before serving. This allows the cake to set enough to hold its shape while keeping the molten center flowing.
Notes
- Use fresh eggs and high-quality chocolate for optimal flavor and texture.
- Do not overbake; a few extra seconds can ruin the molten effect.
- Melt chocolate and butter slowly to prevent burning and ensure smoothness.
- Use room temperature eggs to help them whip properly and improve structure.
- Choose a ramekin between 6 to 8 oz for best thickness and baking consistency.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (about 4 oz)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg