This cake is supposed to have molten chocolate lava oozing out the center. Because, well, molten chocolate lava is romantic and sexy. And if you're making molten chocolate lava cakes for your sweetie for Valentine's day, you want to up the sex appeal. You could also bake this cake while wearing nothing but an apron and heels… or an apron and work boots, for all the romantic guys that are reading this. Yes, that. I love a man in an apron. Wait, where was I?
Oh yeah, lava cake. It sounds dangerous—to bake in the buff—and kind of uncomfortable, but your Valentine will like it. Trust. He or she won't even care if there's lava or not. Champagne helps too.
I didn't care if there was lava or not either, because I wasn't going for hot and steamy. I made these molten chocolate lava cake with a gal-pal, not my sweetie. Tasha came over to whip up some sweet treats in preparation for Valentine's day. It's her first Vday as a wife. Romantic, right? I know, that's why I wanted to be there for it. I mean, actually there, on Valentine's day. We're double dating…I'll probably sit between them. Super sexy. The good news is, you don't need just one special day to be romantic with your sweetie. Surprise that lucky guy or girl with a molten chocolate lava cake on a totally random night, and desired results will be achieved.
Note to Evan: The way to this girl's heart is pulled pork. Ok, pulled pork and diamonds. Just sayin.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Adapted from McCormick
4 ounces dark baking chocolate, broken in pieces
|
1/2 cup butter
|
1 tablespoon brandy (or a flavored liqueur, or wine)
|
1 teaspoon vanilla
|
1 cup powdered sugar
|
2 eggs
|
1 egg yolk
|
6 tablespoons flour
|
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional toppings:
powdered sugar
whipped cream
fancy pink candies or sprinkles
|
Preheat oven to 425. Butter 4 custard cups or 4 muffin tins.
Heat chocolate and butter together, either for a minute in the microwave, or in a double boiler, until butter is melted. Whisk together until chocolate is melted. Whisk in brandy, vanilla, and powdered sugar. Stir in eggs and extra yolk until combined. Stir in flour & cinnamon. Evenly divide batter among muffin tins.
Bake for 9-12 minutes, until sides are firm and centers soft. Take heed—I baked 13 minutes, which resulted in not having a runny lava center. They were, however, still extra delicious, lava or lava-less.
Loosen edges with knife, and remove cakes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar, caramel sauce, and whipped cream...and little pink candies.
|
