Molten Chocolate Tunnel Cake Recipe Recipe Cards

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease 8 (4-ounce) or 6 (6-ounce) jars/ramekins with non-stick cooking spray and arrange on a rimmed baking sheet.
• In a large microwavable bowl, microwave the butter and chocolate in 30 seconds intervals until melted, about 2 minutes, whisking at each interval. Add sugars and whisk until well combined. Whisk in heavy cream and vanilla. Add the flour and whisk until just combined.
• In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs with a hand-held mixer on high speed until pale yellow and airy, about 5 minutes. Using a rubber spatula, fold the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture until well blended. The batter will be thin and bubbly.
• Pour batter into prepared jars/ramekins, filling each one almost full. Bake for 13-14 minutes until cakes are set around the edges, but soft in the centers. Let stand a few minutes before serving right out of the jars or inverting ramekins onto plates.
• Notes: Batter can be made the day ahead and the jars can be placed in the refrigerator until you're ready to bake and serve. They're best served warm right out of the oven, but they reheat nicely in the microwave.

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.

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE CAKES

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Using a double boiler, melt chocolate and 6 tablespoons butter. Add sugar, and stir until melted. Remove from heat, and set aside.
• In a bowl, combine eggs and 1/3 cup flour, and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in chocolate mixture until well blended.
• Butter and flour four 1/2-cup souffle dishes, and divide batter among them. Bake until cakes are puffed and dry on surface but still soft in center, about 6 minutes.
• Remove cakes from dishes, and place on serving plates. Sprinkle with fleur de sel, and serve hot or cool.