Introduction
Some recipes come from family traditions, others from cookbooks, and a few are born from unforgettable moments. The “Ex-Wife’s Call” Chocolate Lava Cake falls squarely into the last category. This dessert represents temptation, truth, and that slow-building suspense you feel when your phone lights up with a name you haven’t seen in years.
Just like that unexpected call, this cake delivers a molten, emotional center—rich, warm, and impossible to ignore. It’s indulgence with a wink, crafted for anyone who loves their dessert like their drama: intense, irresistible, and best served hot.
Ingredients
For the cakes (makes 4 individual lava cakes):
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
4 oz (115 g) good-quality dark chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
¼ cup (32 g) all-purpose flour
½ tsp vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Butter and cocoa powder (for coating the ramekins)
Instructions
Prepare the stage: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter four ramekins and dust them lightly with cocoa powder. Tap out the excess.
Melt the drama: In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together, either over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth and glossy.
Whisk the emotion: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until slightly thickened and pale.
Combine the tension: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir with a spatula. Add the flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Mix just until combined—don’t overthink it (or overmix).
Fill the molds: Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins.
Bake to the brink: Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft and shy.
The reveal: Let the cakes rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and gently lift the ramekin.
Serve immediately: The molten center should ooze out like a secret you weren’t planning to share.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries—anything cool to balance the heat.
These cakes must be eaten the same day; the lava center will firm up once fully cooled.
If preparing ahead, refrigerate the filled (but unbaked) ramekins for up to 24 hours. Add 1 additional minute of baking time when using chilled batter.
Variations
