Carla Halls Chocolate Lava Cake Recipes

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.

GHIRARDELLI INDIVIDUAL CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• To make centers, melt 2 ounces of chocolate (1/2 a baking bar) and cream in double boiler. Whisk gently to blend. Refrigerate about 2 hours, or until firm.
• Form into 6 balls; refrigerate until needed.
• To make cake, heat oven to 400 degrees F.
• Spray six 4-ounce ramekins or custard cups with cooking spray.
• Melt 4 ounces of chocolate (1 baking bar) and butter in double boiler; whisk gently to blend.
• With an electric mixer, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla on high speed about 5 minutes, or until thick and light. Fold melted chocolate mixture and flour into egg mixture until just combined.
• Spoon cake batter into ramekins. Place a chocolate ball in the middle of each ramekin.
• Bake about 15 minutes, or until cakes are firm to the touch. Let cool for about 5 minutes.
• Run a small, sharp knife around inside of each ramekin. Place a plate on top, invert, and remove ramekin. Garnish with raspberries and a dollop of whipped cream.

CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Spray four custard cups with baking spray and place on a baking sheet.
• Microwave the butter, bittersweet chocolate and semisweet chocolate in a large bowl on high until the butter is melted, about 1 minute. Whisk until the chocolate is also melted. Stir in the sugar until well blended. Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks, then add the vanilla. Stir in the flour. Divide the mixture among the custard cups.
• Bake until the sides are firm and the centers are soft, about 13 minutes. Let stand 1 minute. Invert on individual plates while warm and serve with vanilla ice cream.

LAVA CHOCOLATE CAKES

Steps:

• Grease the bottom and sides of four 6-oz. ramekins; sprinkle each with 1 teaspoon sugar. Place ramekins on a baking sheet; set aside., In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate; stir until smooth. Stir in confectioners' sugar until smooth. Whisk in the eggs, egg yolks, instant coffee and vanilla. Stir in flour and salt; spoon batter into prepared ramekins. , Bake at 400° for about 12 minutes or until a thermometer reads 160° and cake sides are set and centers are soft., Remove ramekins to a wire rack to cool for 5 minutes. Carefully run a small knife around cakes to loosen. Invert warm cakes onto serving plates. Lift ramekins off cakes. Serve warm with whipped cream or sprinkle with additional confectioners' sugar if desired.