Skip to main content

Molten Chocolate Cakes

Individual warm chocolate cakes with soft centers appeared on restaurant dessert menus across the country late in the decade.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

5

ounces bittersweet (not unsweetened) or semisweet chocolate, chopped

1

/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter

1

tablespoon brandy

2

large eggs

2

large egg yolks

5

tablespoons sugar

1

teaspoon vanilla extract

1

1/2 teaspoons instant espresso powder or instant coffee powder

Large pinch of salt

1

tablespoon all-purpose flour

1

/2 cup chilled whipping cream

Need to make a substitution?

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Generously butter four 3/4-cup soufflé dishes or custard cups. Arrange on baking sheet. Stir chocolate and butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Remove from heat; stir in brandy. Cool 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

    Step 2

    Using electric mixer, beat eggs, yolks, 4 tablespoons sugar, vanilla, 1 teaspoon espresso powder and salt in medium bowl until very thick ribbon falls when beaters are lifted, about 6 minutes. Sift flour over batter; fold in flour. Fold in chocolate mixture. Divide batter among dishes, filling completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover loosely; refrigerate. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before baking.)

    Step 3

    Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake cakes until tops are puffed and dry and tester inserted into center comes out with moist batter still attached, about 15 minutes. Cool cakes 5 minutes.

    Step 4

    Beat cream, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon espresso powder in small bowl until firm peaks form. Top cakes with whipped cream and serve warm.