New York Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten is credited with inventing this molten masterpiece back in 1987. This decadent dessert was meant to be individual chocolate cakes. However, they were taken out of the oven too early. Hence, this cake that oozes a chocolate center onto the plate was born. Serve this dessert right from the oven with vanilla ice cream or freshly whipped cream. Suggestion: keep the ramekins at room temperature while you serve dinner and toward the end of the meal place the cakes in the oven…they take only 14 minutes! Perfect for Valentines Day dessert…….it will be for ours!
Chocolate Lava Cake (Adapted from Paula Deen)
Serves 6
6 (1 ounce) squares bittersweet chocolate
2 (1 ounce) squares semi-sweet chocolate
10 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup flour
1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar
3 large eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla
Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Grease 6 ( 6 oz) custard cups. Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat. Add flour and sugar to chocolate mixture. Stir in eggs and yolks until smooth. Stir in vanilla. Divide batter evenly among cups. Bake for 14 minutes (This seems to be the magic number). Edges should be firm and center giggly. Remove from oven. Run a knife around the edges and invert the cake onto a plate. Dust with confectioners sugar. Garnish with raspberries and mint. Serve with vanilla ice cream. Do Ahead: Make the cakes a day before the party and keep ramekins in fridge. Bring to room temperature before baking.
My 4 children, ages 20 through 27, will fall out of their chairs when I present this as the last course at tomorrow evening’s family dinner. This is their all time favorite dessert and they order it every time we occasionally go out to dinner as a family. Who knew this was so easy to make? You did, Tina! Thank you!
I was was also surprised at how easy it was the first time! Bon Appetit!
Raspberries and chocolate are the family fave. My husband saw this picture and now I am committed to make these. So funny, we just ate at Public House (Pump Room inspired by Jean Georges.)