Individual Molten Chocolate Cakes

  • 4

Ingredients

  • 4 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 c unsalted butter cut into pieces
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 c granulated sugar
  • 3 tbsp all purpose flour
  • Confectioner's sugar or unsweetened cocoa powder for dusting

Preparation

Step 1

Position a rack in the middle of the oven and preheat the oven to 450 degrees F. Butter and flour for 4 oz. ramekins or 6 oz. custard cups, then butter and flour them again.

Melt the chocolate with the butter in a double boiler. Remove from heat.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs, yolks and sugar in a mixer on high speed for about 8 minutes, until very thick and pale. Whisk in the warm chocolate mixture, then whisk in the flour just until blended.

Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins. Arrange the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 14 minutes, or until the cakes have risen and have a thin crust, their sides are set, and they are still slightly jiggly at the center; underbaking is better than overbaking.

Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate and let sit for 20 seconds, then unmold by lifting up one side of the ramekin; the cake will fall onto the plate. Dust the tops with confectioners sugar. Serve immediately.