Grandpa Joe's
Molten Lava Chocolate Cake

It tastes as good as it looks, and it looks spectacular!

About this recipe

When a grandson requests "Molten Lava Chocolate Cake", something with which you have no prior knowledge, one has no choice but research and experiment.  This is the result.

Ingredients

  • unsweetened baking cocoa
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate
  • 2 ounces semisweet chocolate
  • 10 tablespoons salted butter
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups confectioners' sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons orange liqueur

Directions

  1. Grease the bottom and sides of six 6-ounce ramekins.  Dust with cocoa powder.
  2. In a small saucepan, melt the chocolate and butter over low heat, stirring constantly.  Allow the chocolate mixture to cool to about room temperature.
  3. Add the eggs and egg yolks to a mixing bowl and whisk until combined.  Then, mix in the confectioners’ sugar.
  4. When the sugar is combined, add the chocolate mixture and flour.  Mix thoroughly.
  5. Add the vanilla and orange liqueur.
  6. Pour the batter into the six ramekins.  Place the ramekins on a cookie sheet.
  7. Bake in a preheated 425° F oven for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the sides are set and the centers are still soft.  The tops should be puffed and cracked.  Let stand 3 minutes.  
  8. To serve, run a small knife around the inside of each ramekin to loosen the cake.  Then place a serving dish over the top of the ramekin and invert the two dishes to allow the cake to fall onto the serving plate.
  9. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Molten Lava Chocolate Cake.

Notes

  • Larger ramekins may be used, but six ounce portions work best.
Posted: December 2015.