Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake
Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of our Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake. This sumptuous dessert combines the luxurious flavors of unsweetened chocolate, rich buttermilk, and a hint of vanilla, all baked to perfection with a warm, fudgy sauce hidden beneath its surface. As you cut into the cake, the luscious chocolate sauce flows out, creating a magical chocolate experience that pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Perfect for gatherings or a special treat, this easy-to-follow recipe is sure to impress your family and friends. Get ready for a chocolate treat that will leave everyone asking for more!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
unsalted butter
2 tablespoons (Melted)
unsweetened chocolate
2 ounces (Melted)
buttermilk
2 cups (Warmed)
vanilla extract
1 teaspoon (None)
unbleached flour
2 1/2 cups (Sifted)
packed brown sugar
2 1/4 cups (Divided)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (None)
baking soda
1 teaspoon (None)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup (Optional)
unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup (Plus 2 tablespoons, for sprinkling)
boiling water
2 1/2 cups (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
2
In a double boiler over simmering water, melt the unsalted butter and unsweetened chocolate, stirring occasionally until smooth and combined.
3
While the chocolate mixture is melting, gently heat the buttermilk in a small saucepan until it's warm, but not boiling, about 100°F (37°C).
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the unbleached flour, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined, ensuring no lumps remain.
5
If desired, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips for an extra chocolate kick.
6
Incorporate the melted chocolate mixture into the warmed buttermilk, adding the vanilla extract. Mix until fully blended.
7
Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
8
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
9
In a separate small bowl, mix the remaining 1 1/4 cups of brown sugar with the unsweetened cocoa powder until well combined, and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the batter in the pan.
10
Carefully pour the boiling water over the top of the cocoa and sugar layer without stirring; this will create the fudgy sauce.
11
Immediately place the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center feels firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out slightly moist.
12
Keep an eye on the cake as it may brown around the edges a bit more than desired.
13
Allow the cake to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving, but for the best results, let it cool for at least 2 hours.
14
When ready to serve, invert the cake onto a serving platter so the rich, fudgy sauce becomes a luscious topping. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or whipped cream for the ultimate treat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake?
It is a rich, velvety dessert combining unsweetened chocolate, buttermilk, and vanilla with a warm, fudgy sauce hidden beneath the surface.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
What size baking pan is needed for this recipe?
A 9x13-inch baking pan is required.
How do I prepare the baking pan?
The 9x13-inch baking pan should be greased thoroughly.
How do I melt the chocolate and butter?
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 ounces of unsweetened chocolate in a double boiler over simmering water until smooth.
To what temperature should I heat the buttermilk?
The buttermilk should be heated until warm, approximately 100°F (37°C), but not boiling.
What dry ingredients are whisked together first?
Whisk together 2 1/2 cups of unbleached flour, 1 cup of packed brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Are chocolate chips required in this recipe?
No, adding 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips is optional for an extra chocolate kick.
When do I add the vanilla extract?
The 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract should be added to the melted chocolate and buttermilk mixture.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Pour the chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined, taking care not to overmix.
What creates the fudgy sauce layer?
The sauce is created by sprinkling a mixture of cocoa and sugar over the batter and then pouring boiling water over the top without stirring.
How much brown sugar is used in the topping?
The topping uses 1 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar mixed with cocoa powder.
How much cocoa powder is needed for the sprinkling layer?
Use 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa plus an additional 2 tablespoons for sprinkling.
How much boiling water is poured over the cake?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 cups of boiling water.
Should I stir the boiling water into the batter?
No, you must carefully pour the boiling water over the top without stirring to create the fudgy sauce.
How long does the Chocolate Lava Cake bake?
Bake the cake for 30 to 35 minutes.
How can I tell when the cake is finished baking?
The center should feel firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted should come out slightly moist.
Why might the edges of my cake be darker?
The cake may naturally brown around the edges a bit more than the center during baking.
How long should the cake cool before serving?
Allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes, though 2 hours is recommended for best results.
How is the cake served?
The cake should be inverted onto a serving platter so the fudgy sauce becomes a luscious topping.
What are the best toppings for this cake?
It pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, crème fraîche, or whipped cream.
What type of flour does the recipe suggest?
The recipe uses 2 1/2 cups of sifted unbleached flour.
How much total brown sugar is used?
A total of 2 1/4 cups of packed brown sugar is used (1 cup in the batter and 1 1/4 cups for the topping).
What amount of unsalted butter is needed?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter.
How much unsweetened chocolate is required?
You will need 2 ounces of melted unsweetened chocolate.
Is there salt in the recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
How much baking powder is included?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of baking powder.
How much baking soda is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe contains 12 ingredients.
Can I substitute the buttermilk?
While the recipe specifies buttermilk for its rich flavor and acidity, typical substitutions include milk with lemon juice or vinegar.