Intense and Fudgy Chocolate Cake

This intensely chocolatey, melt-in-your-mouth cake is a true ode to indulgence. Its molten center, velvety texture, and rich dark chocolate flavor make it an irresistible dessert for any occasion. Whether for a romantic dinner, a family afternoon tea, or simply to treat yourself, this cake will satisfy all your chocolate cravings.

I still remember the first time I tasted a chocolate lava cake. It was during a trip to Italy, in a small pastry shop tucked away in a charming alley in Florence. The melting texture, the contrast between the intense chocolate and the warm center... an unforgettable experience that inspired me to create my own version of this magical dessert.

Today, I'm sharing my recipe for a rich and decadent chocolate cake, an easy recipe even for beginner bakers. Get ready to impress your guests with this elegant and delicious dessert!

Ingredients

Serves 6:

150g of 70% cocoa dark chocolate, chopped
150g of unsalted butter, cut into pieces
150g of powdered sugar
4 eggs
50g of flour
A pinch of salt
Optional: 50g of dark chocolate chips

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 180°C (thermostat 6).
Melt the dark chocolate and butter in a double boiler or in the microwave. Mix until smooth and homogeneous.
In another bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar until the mixture turns white and becomes frothy.
Gently fold the chocolate-butter mixture into the sweetened eggs. Mix using a spatula, making slow, enveloping movements to avoid deflating the mixture.
Add the flour and salt. Mix gently until the flour is well incorporated.
Stir in the chocolate chips (optional).
Butter and flour six individual ramekins.
Divide the batter among the ramekins. Fill them three-quarters full.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The cake should be cooked around the edges but the center should remain gooey.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before removing the cakes from the molds and serving them.

Chef's Tips

For an even more gooey center, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. Feel free to use a cooking thermometer to check the internal temperature of the cake (it should be around 65°C in the center).

You can serve this chocolate cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, fresh cream or a red fruit coulis.