Ready for date night (or any night), rich molten chocolate cakes for two are the best option for your next night in.
My favorite molten chocolate
Many molten chocolate cakes are just under-baked chocolate cakes or brownies. Not that that isn’t tasty, it’s just not very safe. This recipe uses a super quick and easy mocha ganache using chocolate, heavy cream, and a bit of espresso powder.
This recipe is sized-down to be perfect for a couple, but can easily be doubled or even tripled if you need it. I have also made this exact recipe for myself and saved one for the next day. No shame.
Molten Chocolate Cakes for Two
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 2 cakes 1x
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon heavy cream
- 1/3 cup bittersweet chocolate chips, divided
- pinch espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons butter, plus more for ramekins
- 1/2 tablespoon cocoa powder
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- pinch kosher salt
- whipped cream and berries (optional)
Instructions
- Place 1 1/2 tablespoons chocolate chips and heavy cream in a small bowl with espresso powder. Microwave for 45 seconds and stir until smooth. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 425°. Coat ramekins with butter and sprinkle with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Combine butter and remaining chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl and microwave for 30 seconds, stir. Repeat until the chocolate is just melted.
- Using a whisk, beat eggs and brown sugar in a large bowl until light and tripled in volume. Mix in vanilla.
- Gently fold melted chocolate into egg mixture until incorporated. Fold in flour and salt, stirring until smooth.
- Put half of the batter in each of the two 6-8 oz ramekins. Place half of the ganache in the center of each partially filled ramekin and top evenly with remaining batter.
- Bake until edges are firm and cakes wobble slightly when jiggled, 13–15 minutes. As soon as the ramekins are cool enough to touch, invert onto small plates and serve immediately with whipped cream and berries, if desired.
Notes
My favorite way to eat these cakes is straight from the oven, still in the ramekin, topped with a massive amount of whipped cream and raspberries.
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Lori says
You are speaking my language with these! I love that they can be easily adjusted for more guests! Photos are beautiful too.
★★★★★
Sarah says
Thanks Lori! I’ve made 12 of these little beauties in advance for a party and kept them in the fridge until after dinner. Then bake them resh for dessert!
Niki says
I love recipes perfectly sized for two! These look delicious, and so much easier than what I ever expected from a molten cake.
★★★★★
Sarah says
Thanks Niki! They’re so easy I’ve been known to make them on a whim on a weeknight!
Abbey says
Molten chocolate cakes are my favorite! Espresso powder is a game changer. Thanks for sharing that, will be incorporating it from now on!
★★★★★
Sarah says
My favorite tip, enjoy!!
Kathryn says
Oh, Sarah! This is so delicious looking. I can’t wait to try this out when we have a night to ourselves! I’m inspired to make this happen ASAP!
★★★★★
Sarah says
Chocolate is the ultimate inspiration for great things!