Molten chocolate cake

REDIRECT Chocolate lava cake

Molten Chocolate Cake

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A molten chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate center

Molten chocolate cake, also known as chocolate lava cake, is a popular dessert that combines the elements of a flourless chocolate cake and a soufflé. It is known for its rich, gooey center that flows out when the cake is cut open.

History

The molten chocolate cake is often attributed to French chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten, who claimed to have invented the dessert in New York City in 1987. However, the concept of undercooked chocolate cake with a liquid center was already known in France.

Preparation

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A chocolate lava cake served with ice cream

The preparation of molten chocolate cake involves a few key steps:

1. Ingredients: The main ingredients include chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, and a small amount of flour.
2. Melting: The chocolate and butter are melted together to form a smooth mixture.
3. Mixing: Sugar and eggs are beaten together until light and fluffy, then combined with the chocolate mixture.
4. Baking: The batter is poured into ramekins or molds and baked at a high temperature for a short period, allowing the outer layer to set while the center remains liquid.

Serving

Molten chocolate cake is typically served warm, often with accompaniments such as vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries. The contrast between the hot cake and cold ice cream enhances the dessert's appeal.

Variations

There are several variations of molten chocolate cake, including:

• White Chocolate Lava Cake: Made with white chocolate instead of dark chocolate.
• Flavored Lava Cakes: Incorporating flavors such as raspberry, orange, or coffee into the batter.
• Gluten-Free Lava Cake: Using almond flour or other gluten-free alternatives.

Related pages

• Chocolate cake
• Soufflé
• Flourless chocolate cake