Ghoulish Red Velvet Molten Lava Skulls
Dive into the deliciously haunting experience of Ghoulish Red Velvet Molten Lava Skulls. These individual red velvet cakes are uniquely shaped like skulls, with a rich and gooey chocolate center that mimics oozing lava. Perfect for adding a touch of spooky elegance to your Halloween dessert lineup, these treats will delight both kids and adults with their devilishly decadent flavors and presentation.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 ounces
heavy cream
1/4 cup
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 teaspoons (plus more for pan)
cake flour
1 cup
baking soda
1/4 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (melted)
granulated sugar
1/2 cup
buttermilk
6 tablespoons
red food coloring
2 teaspoons (gel)
vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon
apple cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon
large egg yolk
1
yellow chocolate candies
12
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the lava centers. Place the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a small heatproof bowl. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it starts to steam and small bubbles appear around the edges. Be careful not to boil. Pour the heated cream over the chocolate chips and whisk until the mixture is smooth and the chips are completely melted. Cover the surface directly with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate for about 2 hours until firm.
2
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Prepare a skull-shaped baking pan by generously spraying it with nonstick cooking spray and dusting it with extra unsweetened cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
3
In a large bowl, combine the cake flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
4
In a separate bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and egg yolk. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and the color is fully incorporated.
5
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture of the cakes.
6
Evenly divide the batter among the skull-shaped cavities of the prepared pan, filling each about halfway.
7
Using a tablespoon, scoop out six portions of the chilled chocolate mixture and shape them into balls. Place one chocolate ball into the center of each skull cavity, pressing it lightly into the batter.
8
Top the chocolate balls with the remaining cake batter, ensuring each ball is completely covered.
9
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for approximately 18 minutes, or until the tops spring back when lightly pressed with a finger.
10
Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently inverting them onto a cooling rack or large serving platter.
11
Once cooled slightly, place yellow chocolate candies in the eye sockets of each skull for an eerie finishing touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the molten chocolate center at its best.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Ghoulish Red Velvet Molten Lava Skulls?
They are individual red velvet cakes shaped like skulls with a rich and gooey chocolate center that mimics oozing lava.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe makes 6 individual skull-shaped cakes.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
How long do the cakes need to bake?
Bake the cakes for approximately 18 minutes.
What ingredients are needed for the lava centers?
The lava centers require 2 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/4 cup of heavy cream.
How do I prepare the chocolate lava mixture?
Heat the heavy cream until steaming, pour it over the chocolate chips, whisk until smooth, and then refrigerate until firm.
How long should the chocolate mixture refrigerate?
The chocolate mixture should be refrigerated for about 2 hours to become firm enough to handle.
What type of baking pan is required?
A skull-shaped baking pan is needed to achieve the ghoulish appearance.
How do I prevent the cakes from sticking to the pan?
Generously spray the pan with nonstick cooking spray and dust it with extra unsweetened cocoa powder.
What dry ingredients are in the cake batter?
The dry ingredients include cake flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
What wet ingredients are used for the red velvet batter?
The wet ingredients are melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, apple cider vinegar, and one large egg yolk.
What kind of red food coloring should be used?
The recipe recommends using 2 teaspoons of red gel food coloring.
Why is apple cider vinegar included?
Vinegar is a traditional red velvet ingredient that reacts with the baking soda and buttermilk to help the cake rise.
How should I combine the wet and dry ingredients?
Gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined to ensure a good texture.
How much batter goes into the pan initially?
Fill each skull cavity about halfway with batter before adding the chocolate center.
How do I insert the lava center into the cake?
Shape the chilled chocolate mixture into balls and place one in the center of each cavity, pressing it lightly into the batter.
How do I finish filling the skull cavities?
Top the chocolate balls with the remaining cake batter, ensuring they are completely covered.
How do I know when the cakes are done?
The cakes are done when the tops spring back after being lightly pressed with a finger.
How long should the cakes cool before inverting?
Allow the cakes to cool in the pan for a few minutes before gently inverting them.
What is used for the skull eyes?
Yellow chocolate candies are placed in the eye sockets for an eerie look.
When should the molten lava skulls be served?
They should be served immediately to ensure the center is at its most molten and gooey state.
Can I use regular flour instead of cake flour?
Cake flour is used to provide a finer and more tender crumb, which is ideal for these individual cakes.
What type of cocoa powder is used?
The recipe calls for unsweetened cocoa powder.
How much buttermilk is used in the recipe?
The recipe requires 6 tablespoons of buttermilk.
Is the egg yolk used on its own?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for one large egg yolk rather than a whole egg.
How many chocolate candies are needed?
You will need 12 yellow chocolate candies total for the 6 skulls.
Should the butter be melted?
Yes, the 1/2 cup of unsalted butter should be melted before mixing into the wet ingredients.
What is the description of the cake's flavor?
It features devilishly decadent red velvet flavors combined with semi-sweet chocolate.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, the spooky presentation and sweet flavors make it a delight for both kids and adults.
How do I prevent a skin from forming on the ganache?
Cover the surface of the chocolate mixture directly with plastic wrap before refrigerating.