Ingredients
Method
Step 1 – Melt the butter and chocolate
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate together using a double boiler or microwave (20-second bursts). Stir until smooth and glossy. Let it cool slightly.
Step 2 – Mix eggs and sugar
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture turns pale and frothy.
Step 3 – Combine everything
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while stirring. Add vanilla, flour, and salt. Mix until smooth and shiny.
Step 4 – Prepare the skillet
- Grease a small 6–8 inch oven-safe skillet with butter or non-stick spray. Pour in the batter and smooth the top.
Step 5 – Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes. The edges should look set, and the center should still jiggle slightly. That’s how you get the molten middle.
Step 6 – Serve warm
- Dust with powdered sugar and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve right from the skillet for that cozy, rustic vibe.
Notes
- Bake just until the center jiggles — a minute too long will cook away the lava center.
- Use high-quality chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best flavor.
- For a richer version, add a spoonful of Nutella or caramel in the middle before baking.
- The cake is best eaten fresh, right out of the oven. Once cooled, it becomes more like a fudgy brownie (still delicious, though).