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A delightful spread of various valentines themed food items

Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes with Raspberry Coulis

Indulge in these rich and decadent chocolate lava cakes, featuring a molten chocolate center and a vibrant homemade raspberry coulis. Perfect for a special dessert, these cakes are surprisingly simple to make and sure to impress.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 2 cakes
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Lava Cakes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
  • 4 ounces dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • salt Pinch of
For Raspberry Coulis
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
  • 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon water (optional, if needed for consistency)
Garnish
  • Fresh raspberries
  • mint leaves
  • powdered sugar for dusting

Equipment

  • 6-ounce ramekins
  • baking sheet
  • heatproof bowl
  • saucepan
  • fine-mesh sieve

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Generously butter two 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, then place them on a baking sheet.
  2. Melt butter and chopped dark chocolate in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in the microwave until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly.
  3. Whisk whole eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar in a medium bowl until light in color and slightly thickened.
  4. Gently fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, then stir in the flour, vanilla extract, and salt until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly wobbly.
Raspberry Coulis & Serving
  1. While cakes bake, combine raspberries, sugar, and optional water in a saucepan; cook over medium-low heat for 5-7 minutes until the raspberries break down.
  2. Press the coulis mixture through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds, if desired.
  3. Carefully invert each lava cake onto a dessert plate. Drizzle with raspberry coulis, and garnish with fresh raspberries, a mint leaf, and powdered sugar before serving immediately.

Notes

Ensure not to overmix the batter to maintain a tender crumb. For best results, use good quality dark chocolate as it significantly impacts the flavor of the lava cakes. The key to a molten center is to remove the cakes from the oven when the edges are set but the very center is still wobbly. If you prefer a thicker coulis, cook it a little longer to reduce. You can prepare the coulis in advance and chill it until ready to serve. Leftover coulis can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.