Easy Lava Cakes
Easy Lava Cakes
Easy Lava Cakes are a delightful dessert that everyone loves. With a soft outer cake layer and a warm, gooey chocolate center, these cakes are perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a special dinner, a treat for yourself, or a gathering with friends, lava cakes are sure to impress.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Easy Lava Cakes. First, they are quick to prepare and bake, taking only about 15 minutes to get from the kitchen to your plate. Second, you can personalize them with your favorite toppings like vanilla ice cream or chocolate syrup. Finally, who can resist that amazing molten center? This recipe is sure to satisfy your chocolate cravings!
How to Make Easy Lava Cakes
Making Easy Lava Cakes is simple and fun. You’ll blend chocolate with other ingredients to create a delicious dessert. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of tasty lava cakes in no time!
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup + 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup cake flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3/4 cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Chocolate syrup (optional)
Directions:
- Add dark chocolate chips to a bowl.
- Heat Whole milk in the microwave for 30 seconds, then pour it over the chocolate. Let it sit for a moment and stir until melted.
- Chill the melted chocolate mixture for 20 minutes.
- Sift the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and baking soda together in a separate bowl.
- Whisk in the cake flour and kosher salt.
- Add the room temperature milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients and mix well.
- Scoop the chocolate mixture into an Appé pan.
- Fill each cake cup about 2/3 full with the batter.
- Scoop some of the chilled chocolate into the center of the batter and cover it with more batter.
- Bake for 5-7 minutes, then flip, and bake for 1 more minute.
- Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate syrup, and serve with a scoop of ice cream if you like.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
How to Serve Easy Lava Cakes
Serve Easy Lava Cakes warm right out of the oven for the best experience. They are perfect on their own, but you can elevate the dessert with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate syrup, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. This combination makes every bite even more exciting!
How to Store Easy Lava Cakes
To keep your Easy Lava Cakes fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to 3 days. When you want to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
Tips to Make Easy Lava Cakes
- Make sure not to overbake the cakes; the goal is to keep the center gooey.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
- If you want to make mini lava cakes, you can use a muffin tin instead of a ramekin. Just adjust the baking time accordingly.
- Experiment with flavors by adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange extract to the batter.
Variation
You can add different flavors to your Easy Lava Cakes. Try mixing in chopped nuts, or berries for a fruity twist. You can also use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate for a different flavor profile.
FAQs
1. Can I make lava cakes ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead. Store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, scoop it into the pan and bake as directed.
2. What can I use instead of dark chocolate?
You can use semi-sweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter flavor. Just keep in mind that it will change the overall taste of the cake.
3. Why is the center not flowing?
If the center did not flow, it might have been baked too long. Make sure to watch the baking time closely and remove the cakes as soon as they are set around the edges but still soft in the middle.
4. Can I freeze lava cakes?
It’s not suggested to freeze lava cakes as their gooey texture might change. However, you can freeze the batter and bake them fresh later.