Molten Ina Garten Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Molten chocolate lava cake erupts with decadent pleasure, promising a sensory journey beyond ordinary desserts.

Dark, intense chocolate cascades from its delicate shell like liquid gold.

Professional chefs and weekend bakers alike revere this dramatic creation for its stunning visual and gustatory appeal.

Crisp edges give way to a silky, molten core that promises pure indulgence.

Each forkful delivers a luxurious experience that transforms an average moment into a gourmet celebration.

The interplay of textures – crisp exterior meeting flowing center – creates a symphony of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Let’s elevate your dessert game with this irresistible chocolate masterpiece that will leave you craving more.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 475 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients for Ina Garten’s Rich Chocolate Lava Cake

• Butter: Select high-quality, unsalted butter for best flavor and consistent melting.
• All-Purpose Flour: Choose fresh, sifted flour to ensure smooth cake texture.
• Granulated Sugar: Use pure white sugar for clean, sweet profile.

• Bittersweet Chocolate: Select high-quality chocolate with 60-70% cocoa content for rich, intense flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensure room temperature for smooth melting and even incorporation.

• Large Eggs: Pick fresh, room temperature eggs for better volume and smoother mixing.
• Egg Yolks: Choose bright yellow, firm yolks for rich, creamy texture.
• Salt: Use fine sea salt to enhance chocolate's deep flavor profile.

• Powdered Sugar: Select finely ground sugar for elegant, light dusting.

Tools You’ll Need for Ina Garten’s Chocolate Lava Cake

• Oven: Standard home oven for baking lava cakes.
• Ramekins: 4-ounce ceramic dishes for individual servings.
• Baking sheet: Flat metal tray to hold ramekins during baking.
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl: For melting chocolate and butter.
• Large mixing bowl: Spacious container for whisking eggs and sugar.
• Whisk: Hand tool for blending ingredients smoothly.
• Sifter: Kitchen tool for adding flour without lumps.
• Spatula: Flexible utensil for folding ingredients.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Precise tools for ingredient quantities.
• Dessert plates: Serving dishes for presenting lava cakes.
• Powdered sugar shaker: Optional tool for elegant dusting.

Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Ina’s Lava Cake

Create Chocolate Lava Cakes with Kitchen Magic

Prepare to transform simple ingredients into molten chocolate masterpieces that will make taste buds dance with excitement!

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a blazing 450°F. Grab ramekins and generously coat them with butter and a dusting of flour. Arrange them on a sturdy baking sheet ready for chocolate transformation.

• Melt Chocolate into Silky Perfection

Break chocolate into chunks and partner with butter. Use a double boiler or microwave, gently coaxing them into a smooth, glossy river of deliciousness. Stir continuously, watching the magic unfold as chocolate surrenders to heat.

• Whip Egg Mixture to Dreamy Clouds

Crack eggs into a spacious bowl. Add sugar and a pinch of salt. Whisk with passion until the mixture becomes light, airy, and transforms into a pale yellow dream. The texture should whisper of culinary elegance.

• Blend Batter with Finesse

Sift flour into the egg mixture like a gentle snowfall. Fold the molten chocolate slowly, creating a harmonious dance of ingredients. Stir until the batter speaks of pure indulgence – smooth, rich, and irresistible.

• Bake and Unleash Liquid Gold

Pour batter into prepared ramekins with confident strokes. Slide into the fiery oven for 6-8 minutes. Watch for edges that firm up while the center remains tantalizingly soft – the hallmark of a perfect lava cake.

• Unveil Chocolate Decadence

Let cakes rest momentarily in their ramekins. Flip onto elegant plates with a swift, confident motion. Dust with a whisper of powdered sugar. Serve immediately and watch eyes light up with pure dessert joy.

Melting Tips for Ina Garten’s Gooey Chocolate Lava Center

Experiment with dark, milk, or white chocolate to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Adjust baking time slightly; shorter bakes create more liquid center, while longer bakes result in firmer chocolate flow.

Incorporate orange zest, espresso powder, or a splash of liqueur into the chocolate mixture for unexpected taste dimensions.

Top with fresh berries, mint leaves, vanilla ice cream, or caramel drizzle to elevate the dessert’s visual and flavor appeal.

Plating Suggestions for Ina’s Lava Cake Dessert

• Pair with Creamy Companions: Serve these decadent lava cakes alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream to balance the rich chocolate intensity.
• Create Elegant Presentation: Carefully place the warm cake on a white porcelain plate, dust with powdered sugar, and garnish with fresh mint leaves or a light raspberry coulis for visual appeal.
• Enhance Flavor Experience: Complement the chocolate dessert with a small glass of port wine, espresso, or amaretto liqueur to elevate the tasting experience and add depth to the dessert's chocolate notes.
• Design Textural Contrast: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or hazelnuts around the lava cake to introduce a delightful crunch that contrasts with the cake's molten, silky interior.

How to Save and Reheat Ina Garten’s Lava Cake

• Preserve Freshness: Store leftover lava cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap to maintain moisture and prevent flavor absorption.
• Reheat with Care: Warm chilled lava cakes gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a preheated 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent losing the signature molten center.
• Freeze for Later: Freeze unbaked ramekins of prepared batter for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking directly from chilled state. Add 1-2 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from frozen.
• Smart Preparation: Mix dry ingredients and store in a sealed container at room temperature up to 3 days before baking. Prepare chocolate mixture separately and refrigerate for quick assembly when dessert craving strikes.

Sinful Ina Garten Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s chocolate lava cake delivers rich, molten chocolate magic straight from her Barefoot Contessa kitchen. Warm chocolate centers flow like liquid silk when you break through delicate cake edges, promising pure dessert bliss.

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Ingredients

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• 6 oz (168g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ½ cup (113g) unsalted butter
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp salt

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 450°F with rack positioned centrally. Meticulously butter and flour six ramekins, ensuring complete coverage to prevent adhering.
2. Chocolate Melting: Construct a double boiler using a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Uniformly chop chocolate and butter, stirring until achieving a glossy, seamless consistency while avoiding water contamination.
3. Egg Mixture: Combine whole eggs, additional yolks, granulated sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Whip energetically with an electric mixer until transforming into a thick, pale yellow cream that creates soft ribbons when lifted.
4. Batter Creation: Delicately sift flour over egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula to maintain volume. Incorporate melted chocolate using smooth, deliberate motions to create a unified batter.
5. Baking Process: Distribute batter evenly among ramekins, filling three-quarters full. Arrange on a rimmed baking sheet and slide into preheated oven. Bake for 6-8 minutes, monitoring carefully—edges should set and slightly puff while center remains slightly unstable.
6. Plating and Serving: Allow cakes to rest for 60 seconds after removing from oven. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate, holding firmly for 10 seconds before lifting. Garnish with a dusting of confectioners’ sugar and optional fresh raspberries or mint leaves for an elegant finishing touch.

Notes

• Precision Matters: Exact measurements and timing are crucial for achieving the perfect lava cake texture, so use a kitchen scale and set a timer.
• Temperature Control: The short baking time and high oven temperature are critical; even 30 seconds can transform the cake from gooey to overcooked.
• Ramekin Preparation: Thoroughly buttering and flouring the ramekins ensures a clean, smooth release and prevents the delicate cake from sticking.
• Chocolate Quality Counts: Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for the richest, most intense chocolate flavor and silky smooth texture.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 475
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 21g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 41g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 180mg