Decadent Molten Chocolate Cherry Lava Cakes
Indulge in the ultimate dessert experience with these Decadent Molten Chocolate Cherry Lava Cakes, inspired by the talented Danny Boome from the Food Network. This luxurious treat features rich bittersweet chocolate and plump, brandy-soaked cherries nestled within a soft, molten center. Perfect for impressing your guests or satisfying your own sweet tooth, these individual cakes can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge, allowing you to bake them fresh whenever you're ready. With each bite, you'll experience a luscious cascade of chocolate that pairs beautifully with the tartness of cherries. Elevate your dessert game with this delightful recipe that serves six to perfection!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
brandy or cognac
1/4 cup (measure)
orange juice
1/3 cup (measure)
dried cherries
1/2 cup (coarsely chopped)
bittersweet chocolate
6 ounces (chopped)
butter
3/4 cup (plus additional for greasing ramekins)
eggs
3 (whole)
egg yolks
3 (separated)
sugar
1/2 cup (measure)
flour
3 teaspoons (measure)
cocoa powder
6 teaspoons (for dusting ramekins)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine brandy and orange juice. Heat until just simmering, then add dried cherries. Allow to simmer for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let cherries soak for approximately 10 minutes until plump.
2
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
3
Set up a double boiler or a heatproof bowl over a pot of simmering water. Add chopped bittersweet chocolate and butter to the bowl. Stir occasionally until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, then remove from heat.
4
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Beat until the mixture is light in color and thick in consistency.
5
Carefully pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, gently folding to incorporate. Sift in the flour, and mix until just combined. Avoid over-mixing to preserve the airy texture.
6
Grease six 4-ounce ramekins with butter. Dust each ramekin with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess. Evenly divide the chocolate batter among the prepared ramekins.
7
Drain the soaked cherries and place a few into the center of each ramekin. Use a spoon to cover the cherries with batter, ensuring they are well-hidden for that delightful molten surprise.
8
Position the ramekins on a baking sheet for easier handling and bake in the preheated oven for 7 to 9 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers remain soft.
9
To serve, carefully invert each ramekin onto a dessert plate. Allow it to rest for 10 seconds, then gently lift the mold—watch the molten cake fall out. If the cakes resist, serve them directly in the ramekins.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dessert recipe?
The recipe is for Decadent Molten Chocolate Cherry Lava Cakes.
Who is the original inspiration for this lava cake recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the talented Danny Boome from the Food Network.
How many servings does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed to serve six people.
What kind of chocolate is used in these lava cakes?
The recipe calls for 6 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate.
What are the cherries soaked in?
The dried cherries are soaked in a mixture of 1/4 cup brandy or cognac and 1/3 cup orange juice.
How long should the dried cherries soak?
They should be simmered for 1 minute and then soaked for approximately 10 minutes until they are plump.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 450 degrees F (232 degrees C).
How should the chocolate and butter be melted?
They should be melted together using a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water.
How many whole eggs and egg yolks are required?
The recipe requires 3 whole eggs and 3 egg yolks.
What is the desired texture of the egg and sugar mixture?
The eggs and sugar should be whisked until the mixture is light in color and thick in consistency.
How much sugar is needed for the batter?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of sugar.
How should the flour be added to the chocolate mixture?
The flour should be sifted in and mixed until just combined to keep the texture airy.
How much flour is included in the recipe?
Only 3 teaspoons of flour are used.
Why shouldn't the batter be over-mixed?
Avoiding over-mixing helps to preserve the airy texture of the lava cakes.
What size ramekins are recommended?
Six 4-ounce ramekins should be used.
How do you prepare the ramekins for the batter?
Grease them with butter and dust them with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess.
How much cocoa powder is needed for the ramekins?
Approximately 6 teaspoons of cocoa powder are used for dusting.
Where are the soaked cherries placed in the cakes?
Place a few cherries into the center of each ramekin and cover them with batter so they are well-hidden.
How long do the lava cakes bake?
They bake for 7 to 9 minutes.
How do you know when the lava cakes are done?
The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft.
How do you serve the molten cakes from the ramekins?
Invert the ramekin onto a plate, let it rest for 10 seconds, and then gently lift the mold.
What should I do if the cakes won't come out of the mold?
If they resist being inverted, you can serve them directly in the ramekins.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, the cakes can be prepared in advance and stored in the fridge to be baked fresh later.
How much butter is needed for the batter?
3/4 cup of butter is required for the batter.
What is the total amount of orange juice used?
1/3 cup of orange juice is used for soaking the cherries.
What is the quantity of dried cherries?
1/2 cup of coarsely chopped dried cherries is needed.
Can I use cognac instead of brandy?
Yes, the recipe suggests either 1/4 cup of brandy or cognac.
How many ramekins does this recipe fill?
The batter is divided evenly among six ramekins.
What is the main description of the flavor profile?
It is described as a luscious cascade of chocolate paired with the tartness of brandy-soaked cherries.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include dessert, molten cake, chocolate, cherry, lavacake, cocoa, and brandy.