Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Valentines Day is next week, and if you are like me you probably have dessert on your mind. Something chocolatey and scores well in the 'wow' and romantic category. So imagine a mint-chocolate river oozing from the cratered precipice of a piping hot buttery molten lava cake, creating a warm rolling lusciousness on your tongue. Sounds good doesn't it? And it is. This version of molten lava cake is unique and special for the mint fudge sauce that is spooned over providing a cool menthe contrast to a rich and creamy chocolate cake.


Even better is that this recipe is very simple to make and very forgiving of mistakes. The best part is that the batter can be whipped up and refrigerated the night before, leaving ample time to focus on that special dinner, and not to mention that special someone.


Molten Chocolate Cakes with Mint Fudge Sauce
From Bon Appétit, January 2001
Mint Fudge Sauce
Ingredients
  • 4 1/2 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped
  • 1/3 cup hot water
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 3/4 teaspoon peppermint extract
Method
  1. Stir both chocolates in top of double boiler over barely simmering water until melted. 
  2. Add 1/3 cup hot water, corn syrup and extract; whisk until smooth. Remove from over water. Cool slightly. (Can be made 2 days ahead. Cover; chill. Before serving, rewarm in saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.)

Molten Cakes (makes 6 cakes)
Ingredients
  • 5 ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 10 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 large eggs
  • 3 large egg yolks
  • 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
Method
  1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Butter six 3/4-cup soufflé dishes or custard cups. 
  2. Stir chocolate and butter in heavy medium saucepan over low heat until melted. Cool slightly.
  3. Whisk eggs and egg yolks in large bowl to blend. Whisk in sugar, then chocolate mixture and flour. Pour batter into dishes, dividing equally. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover; chill.)
  4. Bake cakes until sides are set but center remains soft and runny, about 11 minutes or up to 14 minutes for batter that was refrigerated. Run small knife around cakes to loosen. Immediately turn cakes out onto plates. Spoon sauce around cakes. 

23 comments:

  1. ElFebruary 7, 2012 at 10:43 PM

    You can't go wrong with chocolate but when you add mint it's unbelievable. What a great idea. It looks divine!

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  2. Fun and Fearless in BeantownFebruary 7, 2012 at 11:03 PM

    I don't even like chocolate molten lava cake and this looks awesome!

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  3. tasteofbeirutFebruary 8, 2012 at 4:48 AM

    I have been in love with the chocolate cakes ever since I tasted one in Paris about 20 years ago; great recipe and thanks!

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  4. Sam Hoffer / My Carolina KitchenFebruary 8, 2012 at 6:41 AM

    Every time I see these beauties I tell myself I'm going to give them a try. Hasn't happened yet. Maybe this Valentine's day will be the magic day.

    Stunning photo of the cake with the mint leaves Christine.
    Sam

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  5. Belinda @zomppaFebruary 8, 2012 at 7:19 AM

    Was this for me??????? Heavens.

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  6. Simply LifeFebruary 8, 2012 at 7:28 AM

    oh wow! those photos are incredible and this looks like an unbeatable dessert!

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  7. The Church Cook February 8, 2012 at 8:24 AM

    Good heavens! Christine, this looks wonderful! The only thing it is missing is a photo of Alex eating it. :) Big hugs to our boy!

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  8. T.W. Barritt at Culinary TypesFebruary 8, 2012 at 9:07 AM

    I think I'm in LOVE! Especially the mint fudge sauce!

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  9. Asha @ FSKFebruary 8, 2012 at 10:45 AM

    YUmm! I love the first photo of oozing chocolate!

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  10. nancy at good food mattersFebruary 8, 2012 at 10:52 AM

    Hi Christine, Your chocolate desserts are always the most tantalizing--best looking Molten Lava cake I've seen!

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  11. Kitchen ButterflyFebruary 8, 2012 at 2:30 PM

    This is on my bucket list to make - it looks so good......

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  12. ClaudiaFebruary 8, 2012 at 2:35 PM

    Hello Chocolate! My Goodness, that sings!

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  13. Delicious DishingsFebruary 8, 2012 at 2:40 PM

    Mint chocolate... mmm. Takes this up quite a notch from the typical molten chocolate cake!

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  14. SavoringTime in the KitchenFebruary 8, 2012 at 4:01 PM

    Mint just makes chocolate twice as good! This does sound like a wonderfully delicious recipe and how perfect for a special someone for VDay!

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  15. Cathy at Wives with KnivesFebruary 8, 2012 at 4:33 PM

    A rich chocolate dessert is a must have on Valentine' Day. And the touch of mint makes it extra special. A lovely finish to a holiday meal, Christine.

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  16. La Table De NanaFebruary 8, 2012 at 7:45 PM

    They look perfect! The first ones I made were Susan's recipe:)

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  17. sallyFebruary 11, 2012 at 11:02 AM

    Love the combination of mint and chocolate! It seems especially good for a molten chocolate cake.

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  18. Gloria BakerFebruary 11, 2012 at 11:27 PM

    look amazing and delicious Christine!!

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  19. ReeniFebruary 12, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    So sinfully delicious! And gorgeous too. Love that mint sauce!

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  20. Julia @The Roasted RootFebruary 13, 2012 at 5:00 PM

    I think you took molten chocolate cake to a new level...yours is very molten-ey! I have been waiting to get a visual of a chocolate recipe where the chocolate is oozing out like this! I want all six of the cakes!

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  21. VictoriaFebruary 18, 2012 at 2:45 PM

    There are few things more decadent than a molten chocolate cake. This looks fabulous! Thanks for sharing (even if I read it AFTER Valentine's Day, haha).

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  22. Magic of SpiceFebruary 19, 2012 at 6:11 PM

    Mint and chocolate in my favorite dessert...love this!
    Hope you had a lovely valentines :)

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  23. Milena AndradeMarch 1, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    hello, this recipe is delicious, I loved your blog
    I will visit more often! kisses.
    (Brazil)

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