Recipe: Lava Cake

Everyone knows I love chocolate (who doesn't?), especially the healthy kind that has at least 70% cocoa. That's why, whenever I want something decadent, I make this desert. Also, it's super easy to make and takes no time at all. It's not meant for those of you dieting, but it won't hurt every now and then! Trust me... ;-)


For 4 servings, you'll need:
- 1.5 cup chocolate *
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup confectioner sugar
- 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks **
- 1/2 tsp good vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup flour
- baking spray

* I like to use half bitter chocolate, half semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can adjust the proportions to your liking.
** Considering that the Lava Cake is molten on the inside, you may feel safer using pasteurized eggs. It's up to you!

My ingredients

First, melt the chocolate with the butter in a double boiler...

 ... until you get this wonderful chocolaty delight! Because you will add eggs next, you should cool the chocolate down a bit by leaving it at room temperature and stirring occasionally.

Then add the confectioner sugar and mix well.

Whisk in the eggs + egg yolks.

Don't forget about the vanilla extract. It goes so well with chocolate! I promise! :-)

Finally, add the flour and mix just until it's all incorporated. Don't over-mix, or else you'll get a tough outer layer to your lava cake.

Put them in ramekins or tin baking cups or whatever you want. Don't forget the baking spray! Otherwise, coat the baking dishes with butter and flour.

Bake in a preheated oven at 390 degrees for 10 - 11 minutes. If you don't want the inside to be too gooey, bake them a little longer. Be aware, though, that if you bake them too long, you'll end up with some delicious brownies instead of Lava Cakes. :-)

This is what my Lava Cakes look like fresh out of the oven.

Let them cook a little bit, then loosen edges with a knife (gently!), and invert on a serving plate.

On the outside, they'll look like a brownie, but on the inside, they'll be full of chocolaty heaven. Try it out! It's easy and delicious! It will be tough not to make it everyday. I speak from my own experience! :-)

You can leave me messages/comments on the blog, on Facebook (search for "Traveler Through Life") or at lauraanamariahurjui@gmail.com

Yours,
Laura