Molten/Lava Mini Cakes

Molten/Lava Mini Cakes - (yields 8 mini aluminium cup cases) 

50g melted butter - for brushing 
some cocoa powder - for dusting 
200g good-quality dark chocolate - chopped into small pieces 
200g butter - cut into cubes 
200g castor sugar 
4 eggs + 4 yolks 
200g plain flour 


Method : 

1. Prepare the tin cases by brushing the melted butter all over the inside. Place the tin cases in the fridge or freezer. Brush more melted butter over the chilled butter, then add a good spoonful of cocoa powder into the tin cases to coat around. Tap off any excess cocoa back onto a plate, then repeat with the rest. 

2. Place a bowl over a pan of barely simmering water (double-boil), then slowly melt the chocolate and butter together. Remove bowl from the heat and stir until smooth. Leave to cool for about 10 mins. 

3. In a separate bowl whisk the eggs and yolks together with the sugar until thick and pale and soft peak. Sift the flour into the egg mixture, then beat together on low speed. 

4. Now, pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture in thirds, beating well between each addition, until all the chocolate is added and the mixture is completely combined to a cake batter. 

5. Transfer the batter into a jug/pitcher (for easy filling into the tin cases). Fill the batter evenly into each tin case. Chill for at least 30 mins or overnight. 

** The batter can now be frozen for up to a month and cooked from frozen. To bake from frozen, simply carry on as stated, adding 5 mins more to the baking time.

6. Heat oven to 190 degrees C. Place all the tin cases on a baking tray, then bake for 10-12 mins until the tops have formed a crust and they are starting to come away from the sides of their cases. Remove from the oven, then leave to sit for 1 min before turning out. 

7. To loosen the mini cakes, by moving the tops very gently so they come away from the sides, easing them out of the cases. Tip each mini cake slightly onto your hand so you know it has come away, then tip back into the case. Slowly, tip the case onto serving plate, remove the tin cases. 

8. You may serve each Molten Mini Cake with a scoop of vanilla ice-cream or some fresh whipped cream or even with caramel sauce. 

** You may use ramekins if you don't want to use the aluminiumn cases (about 150ml) 


by ma-li