Molten Lava Chocolate Cakes

There are so many variations on this recipe, but the one thing that stays constant throughout is it's insanely rich and delicious chocolaty flavour! The other thing that should happen in every variation of this recipe is the incredible oozing of the chocolate as you slide your fork into the cake.  This is what this cake is known for, but unfortunately there are some recipes that fail at creating this finale.  The recipe I have provided here is super easy, and guarantees an oozing filling (as long as you don't overcook!).  

Tip: serve this recipe at a dinner party. Guests love individual desserts! 

Tip: Add fresh or frozen berries to the batter before baking to add another flavour dimention.

Ingredients:

4 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate (baking chocolate works best)

1/2 cup unsalted butter

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

3 tbsp flour

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

whipping cream for garnish (optional)

berries for garnish (optional) 

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 350ºF

2.  Melt butter and chocolate in a bowl over simmering water.  This is called a double boiler. To do this, just fill up a small pot about a quarter of the way up with water, then put a bowl on top so that it rests just above the water, or just touching the water. This ensures that you do not burn your chocolate.

3.  After butter and chocolate mixture have melted, stir in sugar, eggs, flour, baking soda, and salt.

4.  Grease 3-4 individual ramekins, and flour lightly.  Fill halfway with chocolate batter.  Bake for 15 minutes, until the sides are fully baked, but the centre is still oozing. Try really hard not to get tempted to open your oven till it is ready to come out.  These cakes are like souffles, they will sink! 

5.  Flip ramekins over onto individual plates so that the cakes will release.  Garnish with berries and whipped cream, and serve!