Lava cake

Lava cake, also known as molten chocolate cake or chocolate lava cake, is a popular dessert that combines the elements of a flourless chocolate cake and a soufflé. Its name derives from the dessert's liquid chocolate center, and it is also known as chocolate moelleux (from French for "soft") and chocolate lava cake.

History

The origin of the lava cake is disputed. Some claim that it was the result of a major kitchen disaster. The dessert was supposedly created by a Michelin star chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten in New York City in 1987, who claimed to have pulled a chocolate sponge cake out of the oven before it was done and found that the center was still runny, but was warm and had both a good taste and texture. Not wanting to throw it away, he served it in his restaurant and it was an instant success.

However, other sources establish that the recipe was created by Jacques Torres, a French chef and chocolatier. Torres has disputed Vongerichten's claim, arguing that such a dish already existed in France. According to Torres, he learned the recipe while at culinary school in Paris.

Preparation

The lava cake's defining characteristic is its liquid chocolate center. The dessert is traditionally served warm with the center at a high temperature. It's made from simple ingredients: chocolate, butter, sugar, and eggs. The ingredients are mixed together, poured into a ramekin and baked until the outside is set, but the inside remains liquid.

The key to making a lava cake is the baking time: if it is baked for too long, the center will set and there will be no "lava" flow when it is cut into. Conversely, if it is not baked long enough, the cake will not be set and it will simply collapse.

Variations

There are many variations of the lava cake. Some recipes include liqueurs such as Grand Marnier, or flavored with espresso or mint. Others use white chocolate instead of dark. Some chefs have also created vegan and gluten-free versions of the dessert.

See also

• List of desserts
• French cuisine
• American cuisine

External links

• Recipe for Chocolate Lava Cakes from Food Network

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