Chocolate Lava Cake
Warm center · powdered sugar · fresh berries
Written by Chef Robert Hale
Published on Feb 9, 2026
Serves: 2
Rich, molten-centered chocolate cakes meant to be shared with love.
Ingredients:
- 4 oz high-quality dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar, for dusting
- Fresh berries, for serving
Chef Robert Hale
Corporate Executive Chef & Brand Ambassador for Cangshan Cutlery, Culinary Institute of America Ambassador & Fellow
Instructions
1. Prep:
Preheat oven to 425°F.
Butter two small ramekins and lightly dust with cocoa powder or flour.
2. Melt:
In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate and butter together (double boiler or microwave in short bursts).
Stir until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
3. Mix:
In a separate bowl, whisk egg, egg yolk, and sugar until slightly thickened and pale.
Fold in melted chocolate, flour, and salt just until combined.
4. Bake:
Divide batter evenly between ramekins.
Bake 10–12 minutes, until edges are set but centers remain soft.
5. Serve:
Let rest 1 minute, then invert onto plates or serve directly from ramekins.
Finish with powdered sugar and fresh berries.
Chef Hale Tip:
The key is confidence—pull them early.A slightly underbaked center is the whole point.
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