Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes For Two Or More Recipes

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR TWO

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Combine the chocolate and 4 tablespoons of the butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high in 30 second intervals, stirring in between each with a rubber spatula, until completely melted and smooth, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes total.
• Brush a 12-ounce ramekin with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon softened butter and sprinkle lightly with granulated sugar. Place the ramekin on a baking sheet.
• Add the egg, egg yolk, granulated sugar, espresso powder, vanilla extract and salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk on medium-high until fluffy and pale, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes. Turn the mixer to low, add the flour and whisk for a couple of seconds to combine. Turn off the machine.
• Add the chocolate mixture, turn on the machine and mix until just combined. Remove the bowl from the stand mixer and pour the batter into the prepared ramekin. Bake until the sides are firm but the center is still soft, 17 to 19 minutes. (A cake tester inserted into the center of each cake should not come out clean.) Do not overbake.
• Let the cake cool for 1 minute. Invert onto a serving plate, sprinkle with confectioners' sugar and serve warm.

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR TWO

Steps:

• Heat oven to 425 degrees and butter a 10-ounce ramekin. Dust the buttered ramekin with granulated sugar.
• 2. Combine the chocolate and 3 tablespoons butter in a heat-safe bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Cook, stirring occasionally, until melted and smooth. (Alternatively, combine in a bowl and microwave in 30-second blasts, stirring in between, until melted and smooth, about 1 minute.) Remove from the heat and set aside.
• In a medium bowl, combine the 3 tablespoons sugar, egg, egg yolk, vanilla and salt. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is thick, foamy and pale, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the flour until smooth.
• Using a spatula, add the chocolate to the egg mixture and stir gently until combined.
• Pour the mixture into the ramekin. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes or until the edges are set and puffed, but the center is still soft when lightly pressed. (You can also cover and refrigerate the batter up to a day in advance. Add an additional minute or 2 to baking time if you are baking the cake directly from the refrigerator.)
• Use an offset spatula or small knife to loosen the edges of the cake from the ramekin. Place a plate over the ramekin and carefully invert the warm cake. Use an oven mitt or clean kitchen towel to remove the ramekin, dust the cake with confectioners' sugar and serve with ice cream or whipped cream.