Perfect Chocolate Lava Cake At Home

dark chocolate

🥗Healthier: cacao powder

💰Cheaper: semi-sweet chocolate

Cacao powder reduces calories and sugar while maintaining chocolate flavor.

unsalted butter

🥗Healthier: coconut oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Coconut oil provides a healthier fat option.

heavy cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: milk + cornstarch

Greek yogurt reduces calories while maintaining creaminess.

Start by making whipped cream with heavy cream, powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste, and a pinch of salt. Whisk for 1.5 to 2 minutes until just combined.

Cover whipped cream with plastic wrap and refrigerate until lava cakes are done.

Prepare raspberry coulis by tasting raspberries to determine sweetness. Add raspberries, a touch of water, sugar, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice to a saucepan.

Heat over medium-low, mashing raspberries for 3 to 5 minutes until dissolved and thickened. Add more water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Strain the sauce through a strainer, pressing with a spoon to extract liquid. Refrigerate uncovered until ready to use.

Prepare ramekins by brushing softened butter inside and coating with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.

Chop dark chocolate with a serrated knife and combine with cubed butter and espresso powder in a heatproof bowl.

Melt chocolate and butter over a double boiler, stirring constantly until smooth and silky. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean paste. Let cool for 10 minutes.

In a mixer, combine 3 whole eggs, 1 egg yolk, sugar, and salt. Whisk at medium-high speed for 4 to 5 minutes until doubled in volume and pale.

Add flour to the cooled chocolate mixture and whisk until no clumps remain. Pour chocolate mixture into egg mixture and gently fold to combine without losing air bubbles.

Divide batter evenly between four 4-ounce ramekins, smoothing the tops. Bake in the oven at 450°F for about 9 minutes, watching closely.

To serve, place a plate over each ramekin and flip to release the lava cake. Dust with powdered sugar, add whipped cream and raspberry coulis.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens