Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes Recipes

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 450°F and set an oven rack in the middle position. Generously butter six 6-ounce ramekins (really be generous, and do not substitute non-stick cooking spray). Set the ramekins on a baking sheet.
• Melt the butter in a medium bowl in the microwave. Immediately add the chopped chocolate and stir until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. If a few chunks remain, place the bowl back in the microwave for 20 seconds, then stir again. Repeat if necessary. Set aside.
• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle or beaters, beat the eggs, egg yolks, brown sugar, vanilla and salt at high speed until thickened and pale, about 4 minutes. Add the melted chocolate mixture and flour to the egg mixture and fold with a rubber spatula until just combined (the chocolate sinks to the bottom so be sure to scrape it up into the batter).
• Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins and bake for 10 minutes, until the cakes are set and puffed over the edges of the ramekins. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 to 2 minutes; then, holding the hot ramekins with a dish towel, carefully invert the cakes onto dessert plates. They should pop right out, but you can run a thin-bladed knife around the edges if necessary. Serve immediately. (It's important not to let the cakes sit after baking, as the centers will continue to cook.)
• Make-Ahead Instructions: The batter can be spooned into the ramekins, covered and refrigerated for several hours before baking. Take them out of the fridge about 30 minutes before baking so they come to room temperature.

INDIVIDUAL MOLTEN CHOCOLATE COCONUT CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees F, butter and flour 6 (6-ounce) custard cups. Toast coconut: Spread coconut on a nongreased baking sheet and put in oven until lightly brown and fragrant (about 10 minutes). Remove from the oven and reserve. Put 6 ounces of the chocolate and the butter and 1 tablespoon of the coconut extract in a double broiler being careful not to let the bowl that the chocolate mixture is in come in contact with the boiling water. Stir until all of the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth and glossy, take off heat and let cool slightly (about 2 to 3 minutes). Use an electric mixer with the whisk attachment to beat the eggs, yolks, sugar, and remaining 2 tablespoons of coconut extract at low-medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes. Increase speed to high and beat until the egg mixture becomes pale and thick (about 5 to 8 additional minutes). Reduce speed back to its lowest setting (we don't want a cloud of flour in our kitchen!). Gradually sift in the flour while mixing, add the chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and beat again until completely incorporated and mixture is thick and glossy being careful not to overmix (about 5 minutes). Carefully fold in toasted coconut. Fill each prepared custard cup about half way, place a few of the remaining chocolate chips into each custard cup. Top off each with remaining batter. Place all custard cups on a baking dish that is at least 1/2-inch deep (in case of any spills). Bake cakes until edges are set and center is still slightly jiggly (about 12 minutes). Let cool slightly making sure you don't cool the cakes too much, they're best served warm. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cake and invert the cake onto individual plate. Dust with powdered sugar and more toasted coconut flakes, if desired.

EASY CHOCOLATE MOLTEN CAKES

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Butter 6 dariole moulds or basins well and place on a baking tray.
• Put 100g butter and 100g chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl and set over a pan of hot water (or alternatively put in the microwave and melt in 30 second bursts on a low setting) and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly for 15 mins.
• Using an electric hand whisk, mix in 150g light brown soft sugar, then 3 large eggs, one at a time, followed by ½ tsp vanilla extract and finally 50g plain flour. Divide the mixture among the darioles or basins.
• You can now either put the mixture in the fridge, or freezer until you're ready to bake them. Can be cooked straight from frozen for 16 mins, or bake now for 10-12 mins until the tops are firm to the touch but the middles still feel squidgy.
• Carefully run a knife around the edge of each pudding, then turn out onto serving plates and serve with single cream.

INDIVIDUAL MOLTEN LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• Position rack in middle of oven and preheat to 450 degrees F. Butter and flour four 4-ounce ramekins.
• Melt chocolate with butter. Remove from heat. Beat eggs, yolks and sugar with an electric mixer on high speed in a deep bowl, 8 minutes, until thick and pale. Whisk chocolate mixture into egg mixture. Whisk in flour.
• Pour batter into ramekins. Place on baking sheet and bake 14 minutes, or until cakes have risen and have a thin crust, sides are set and cakes are slightly jiggly in the center; under baking is better than over baking.
• Carefully invert each cake onto a serving plate and let sit 20 seconds. Unmold by lifting up one corner of mold; cake will fall onto plate. Dust tops with confectioners' sugar and serve immediately.