Easy
50 min·8 servings
Lemon & Almond Cake
Moist, golden, and sunshine-bright — the cake that won't last a day.
dessertcakelemon
dessertchocolatedinner-partyquick
Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes
Time:30 min
Difficulty:Medium
Servings:2 servings
These individual flourless chocolate cakes are naturally gluten-free and deliciously dramatic. When you cut into them, the warm chocolate centre flows out like lava. A celebration in a cake, best served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dusting of cocoa powder.
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 200 °C. Grease 2 ramekins (200 ml each) with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
- 2
Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or use a microwave, stirring until smooth.
- 3
Whisk eggs, sugar, and vanilla together with an electric whisk for 3–4 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- 4
Fold the chocolate mixture gently into the egg mixture along with sea salt until just combined.
- 5
Divide between the prepared ramekins.
- 6
Bake for 12–14 minutes — the top should be set but the centre still trembles slightly.
- 7
Run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.
- 8
Serve immediately with a scoop of ice cream.
💡 Tips for Success
- →The key is timing — test doneness by gently shaking the ramekin. The centre should wobble slightly.
- →Prep batter ahead and refrigerate; bake when ready to serve.
- →Use good-quality chocolate — it makes all the difference.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- →Overbaking — the centre needs to be slightly underdone.
- →Not preheating the oven — consistency is key.
- →Using chocolate that's too high a cocoa percentage — it can be bitter.
🔄 Substitutions
- →Dark chocolate → milk chocolate (70/30 dark)
- →Vanilla ice cream → crème fraîche or Greek yogurt
- →Cocoa powder → chopped hazelnuts
