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Molten Lava Cake ~ I’m not really crazy about the name but hey … it fits! We could call it Budino al Cioccolato for Italian baked chocolate pudding but somebody might not know that means creamy, rich chocolate oozing out of a crispy chocolate crust. Molten Lava Cake = Must Love Chocolate!
Simple ingredients blended together in such a way to make a decadent dessert fit to serve at any occasion. Butter, a little bit of flour, confectioners sugar, eggs and egg yolks, chocolate, vanilla and a little orange liqueur. That’s it! No mixer needed, just a serious chocolate craving and you’re good to go.
I cleaned out my pantry of the assorted chocolate chips I had on hand. You will need a combination of semi-sweet and bittersweet. Microwave the chocolate and butter on 50% power for 1 minute then stir. Repeat if needed but only until the pieces of chocolate are almost completely melted.
Stir until all pieces are melted and the chocolate is smooth. Pretty 🙂
Gently fold in the confectioners’ sugar and flour. The mixture will be a little thick so don’t worry about getting it completely blended. We are trying to cool the chocolate a little before adding the eggs. No cooked
scrambled eggs in this dessert!
Gently whisk the eggs and egg yolks, do not beat. Add the vanilla and Grand Marnier and whisk just until blended. Add the eggs to the chocolate mixture and blend until smooth.
Divide the batter evenly in six butter 6-ounce ramekins or custard cups.
Bake for 14 minutes at 425 degrees. Do not over-bake or you’ll have no lava!
Garnish with fresh raspberries or strawberries and sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.
You may also garnish with sweetened whipped cream but I chose to serve with three very small scoops of good vanilla ice cream. The cream is the perfect balance for the rich warm chocolate. Is it good? Oh yes, it is good. If you have a chocolate lover in your life, this will make them very happy. This little cake is pretty darn terrific!
Molten Lava Cakes
(adapted from a recipe by Paula Dean – of course!)
4-ounces good quality bittersweet chocolate (like Ghirardelli)
4-ounces good quality semi-sweet chocolate (I used Ghirardelli chips)
10 tablespoons unsalted butter (plus extra for buttering the ramekins)
dash salt
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
3 large whole eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons Grand Marnier
Raspberries or strawberries, and whipped cream or ice cream for garnish
Extra confectioners’ sugar for dusting
Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
Grease 6 (6-ounce) ramekins or custard cups. Place on a baking sheet so they are not touching. In a large mixing bowl combine the butter and chocolate. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute. Stir and repeat if needed at 30 second intervals until the chocolate pieces are almost melted. Remove from the microwave and stir until smooth and all chocolate is melted.
Fold in the confectioners’ sugar, a dash of salt and the flour but don’t worry if it’s not completely mixed. In a separate bowl lightly whisk the eggs and egg yolks. Add the vanilla and the liqueur and whisk until blended. Add the eggs to the chocolate mixture and blend until smooth and fully combined.
Divide batter between the 6 cups and bake at 425 degrees for 14 minutes. The edges will be firm but the center will be runny. Allow the cakes to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Run a knife around the edge of the ramekin to loosen the cake and place on a serving plate. Sift a little confectioners’ sugar on top and add fresh raspberries and a small scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve and enjoy.
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That should get your Monday going! I hope you had a nice fall weekend. I saw three leaves on our little front yard tree starting to turn orange. It seems early this year but I’m not complaining! Bring on the fleece, fuzzy slippers and warm sweaters, and soup, we’re going to need lots of soup!
Here’s a little photo I swiped from my daughter’s Facebook. Isaac (my grandson) is now 7 months old. Can’t believe how fast he is growing. He can laugh so hard it amazes me. He also sleeps beautifully. She is one lucky Momma and I am one lucky Gram.
Hope you have a great day – and thanks so much for stopping by!
Tricia
Gerry @Foodness Gracious says
So these lava dealios..look amazing!! but the little guy is stealing all of the limelight. Too precious 🙂
Roz says
Hi Tricia, you know I have NEVER made a lava cake, but boy I sure do love them! Yours sounds and looks DEE-lish! Thanks for stopping by my blog the other day, I'm now following you on Google, FB, and Pinterest! Lots of good recipes here!
A SPICY PERSPECTIVE says
I've always love these, name and all! But I haven't made them in a long time. Thanks for the inspiration. 🙂
Cooking on a Dime says
What an adorable baby! <br /><br />Those lava cakes are awesome. Yum!
The Café Sucré Farine says
Tricia, I'm not sure which is lovelier, your chocolate cakes or your grandson! Both look amazing, such a sweet little man!
Mary says
You did a fabulous job with these cakes. I love molten lava cakes and yours sound especially delicious. I hope you are having a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
Donalyn says
Love the pic of your grandson – they are amazing, aren't they? Love the cake too – great recipe!
Inside a British Mum's Kitchen says
this is bookmarked and will be gratefully used – often!!! fabulous fabulous recipe!! the picture of your grandson is adorable :)<br />Mary x
Amy (Savory Moments) says
I adore molten lava cakes – they are so decadent and yummy!
Blond Duck says
Your grandson (so cute!) will love these when he gets old enough to eat them!
DessertForTwo says
One of my favorite desserts! 🙂
Shelia and Mister Bean says
Oh Trish! What a sweet little boy! What a peaceful picture this is…his eyelashes resting on his plump little cheek, his little dimpled hands holding his blanket….I know he is a happy little baby and will appreciate his Nana's cooking!
Kari Lindsay says
When we go out to dinner and there is Chocolate Molten Lava something or other on the menu, I have been know to order a green salad for my meal, so that I can eat the whole dessert myself! YUM!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I have led a sheltered life and deprived for so long, this is actually the first time I've ever had Molten Lava Cake. But I can guarantee the rest of this week has been filed with lentils, kale, yogurt and salad! So worth every, single bite!
Mary says
Tricia, these look wonderful but your grandchild stole the show :-). What a sweetheart. Have a wonderful day. Blessings…Mary
Sue/the view from great island says
Tricia these are to die for. Sometimes i intentionally undercook my brownies just to get that molten deliciousness inside, but now I know the official method. The last two shots, molten cake and adorable grandson, are killers!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
Great idea Sue. I have a recipe for brownie pudding – and I bet that is exactly what it is, underbaked batter. Yum!!!
Angie's Recipes says
Gosh..that oozing out chocolate looks incredible. Great clicks, Tricia.<br />Really already 7 months? It seems just yesterday that you talked about the arrival of Isaac…<br />
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
Thanks Angie – your photos are always tremendous! 7 months, where does the time go?
Mary says
While I absolutely love the Italian name, these are most definitely Molten Lava Cakes. Although, I have to admit that they most certainly are the best looking ones I have ever seen. Your photographs have me wanting to make them today!<br /><br />P.S. Could your grandson possible get any cuter? He is growing SO fast!!
a. maren says
hmmm i like your italian name for it 🙂 but when it looks this good, who cares what it's called?! also is that your grandson? he is completely adorable. love the peaceful sleep of tiny babies.
TexWisGirl says
oh, your grandson is adorable. 🙂
Anna and Liz Recipes says
Oh Tricia I am making this dessert for my guests this weekend! Thanks for the recipe… and the photo of your grandson is so beautiful and precious! 🙂
Shiloh Barkley says
Oh man! I gotta make these for my sweetie, and they'll be a good excuse for a crate and barrel purchase!<br />http://www.shilohstaste.com
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
Hope they turn out great Shiloh! Anytime is a great time for a new kitchen gadget purchase 🙂 Crate and Barrel – yeah!
Anna and Liz Recipes says
Oh Tricia… You got me on this one, it sounds like a great cookbook you have there! And I will make this one for my guests this weekend. Ah.ha.. Beautiful photo of your grandson too!
Chatty Crone says
Oh my gosh I LOVE those.<br />And I see you have a pug on your side bar – I love PUGS too.<br />And your grandson is adorable.<br />Love, sandie
Big Dude says
Bev has made these a few times over the summer and we loved them. Your rendition looks totally awesome – great shots. The baby sure looks contented.