Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake

Ingredients

• 2 large egg yolks
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons white sugar
• 3 ounces chopped dark chocolate
• 5 tablespoons butter
• 4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step 1: Generously butter the insides of four 5 -ounce ramekins.

Step 2: In a bowl, whisk egg yolks, eggs, and sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes foamy and lighter in color.

Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chopped chocolate and butter in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted (about 1 to 3 minutes).

Step 4: Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until combined.

Step 5: Sift in cocoa powder, then stir to combine well.

Step 6: Sift in the flour and salt, stirring until the batter is fully combined.

Step 7: Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 8: Transfer the batter to a resealable plastic bag. Cut off one corner of the bag to create a piping tip.

Step 9: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins. Gently tap the ramekins on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

Step 10: Refrigerate the filled ramekins for 30 minutes.

Step 11: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).

Step 12: Arrange the chilled ramekins in a casserole dish. Add warm tap water to the casserole dish, enough to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

Step 13: Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center remains soft.

Step 14: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for 15 minutes.

Step 15: Run a knife around the edges of each cake to loosen it. Invert the ramekins onto serving plates and dust the cakes with powdered sugar before serving.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	394
Total Fat	29g (37%)
Saturated Fat	16g (82%)
Cholesterol	241mg (80%)
Sodium	207mg (9%)
Total Carbohydrate	32g (12%)
Dietary Fiber	1g (4%)
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	7g (14%)
Calcium	39mg (3%)
Iron	2mg (9%)
Potassium	155mg (3%)

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.