Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake Recipe
Indulge in the rich and decadent Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake, featuring a molten chocolate center infused with bold espresso. This dessert combines smooth melted chocolate and butter with a tender cake batter, baked to perfection for a gooey, luxurious treat perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a chocolatey delight.
- Author: Bella
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 7-10 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
Chocolate Mixture
- 175 g Butter (6.1 oz)
- 185 g Chocolate (6.5 oz)
- 1 pinch Salt
Batter
- 4 Eggs
- 2 Egg yolks
- 90 g Granulated sugar (3.1 oz) (100 ml)
- 90 g All-purpose flour (3.1 oz) (140 ml)
- 50 ml Espresso or strong coffee (1.7 fl. oz)
For Ramekins
- Butter or oil for greasing
- Cocoa powder for dusting
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 180° C (356° F) to prepare for baking your lava cakes.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter and add the chocolate pieces. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until combined and slightly frothy.
- Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture while stirring gently to avoid curdling.
- Sift Flour: Sift the all-purpose flour into the combined mixture and stir carefully until just incorporated to ensure a smooth batter.
- Add Espresso: Pour in the espresso or strong coffee and mix everything together until you have a smooth, uniform batter.
- Prepare Ramekins: Grease disposable foil ramekins thoroughly with butter or oil. Then sift cocoa powder inside, coating the bottoms and sides lightly to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- Fill and Bake: Fill the prepared ramekins with the batter about three-quarters full. Bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 10 minutes. The edges should be firm, while the center remains soft and jiggly to achieve the signature lava effect.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a minute before inverting onto plates. Serve immediately for the best molten chocolate experience.
Notes
- Be careful not to overbake, as the lava center relies on a soft and slightly undercooked middle.
- If you don’t have espresso, strong coffee works perfectly as a substitute.
- Use good-quality chocolate for a richer taste and smoother texture.
- Disposable foil ramekins make for easy cleanup and serving.
- Let the cakes rest briefly before serving to avoid burning from the molten center.
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, espresso lava cake, molten chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, easy lava cake recipe, coffee flavored dessert