Lava desserts are delightful treats known for their molten, gooey centers. Here are a few popular types:
- Chocolate Lava Cake: A classic dessert featuring a warm, gooey chocolate center. When you cut into the cake, the molten chocolate flows out, creating a rich and decadent experience.
- Salted Caramel Lava Cake: Similar to the chocolate lava cake, but with a luscious salted caramel filling. The balance of sweet and salty flavors makes this dessert irresistible.
- Matcha Lava Cake: This variation uses matcha (green tea) powder in the batter and filling, offering a unique, slightly bitter taste that pairs well with the sweetness of the cake.
- Red Velvet Lava Cake: A twist on the traditional red velvet cake, this version features a cream cheese lava center that oozes out when cut into.
- Peanut Butter Lava Cake: Perfect for peanut butter lovers, this cake has a warm, molten peanut butter center that complements the chocolatey exterior.
- Fruit Lava Cake: Filled with fruit purees like raspberry, strawberry, or mango, these cakes offer a fresh and tangy twist to the traditional molten dessert.
Basic Recipe for Chocolate Lava Cake
Ingredients:
- 4 oz (115g) semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour 4 ramekins.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth.
- Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, whisking until combined.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still soft.
- Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto serving plates.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Enjoy your delicious, molten lava desserts!