Lava Chocolate Cakes

By TrayH

True decadence at its best, this rich chocolate cake created by the Taste of Home Cooking School features a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out onto the dessert plate. Whether you enjoy it garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or sprinkled with confectioners' sugar, you'll want to lick the plate clean!

Ingredients

• 4 teaspoons sugar
• 1/2 cup butter, cubed
• 4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1-1/2 teaspoons instant coffee granules
• 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Whipped cream, optional
• Additional confectioners' sugar, optional

Details

Adapted from tasteofhome.com

Preparation

Step 1

* 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.


Yield: 4 servings.

***********************************************************************
***********************************************************************

** NOTE: As ovens can vary in temperature, you might have to experiment with the baking time in your oven to achieve the signature “lava” cake soft centers.