Individual Chocolate Cakes

58 Ratings
  • 5 6
  • 4 9
  • 3 18
  • 2 17
  • 1 8

These molten lava-inspired cakes are the ultimate rich and decadent chocolate dessert. This recipe is courtesy of fashion designer Ralph Rucci.

The Martha Stewart Show, September Fall 2008

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Read the full recipe after the video.

Recipe Summary

Yield:
Makes 4
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Ingredients

Directions

  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

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  • Butter four 4-ounce ramekins and lightly dust the inside of each ramekin with cocoa powder, tilting to coat; tap out any excess and set aside.

  • Heat butter and chocolate in heatproof bowl set over (but not touching) simmering water until chocolate is almost completely melted.

  • Meanwhile, in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until light and thick.

  • Slowly add butter mixture to mixer; add flour and mix until well combined. Divide batter between prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and transfer to oven. Bake until sides are set and center is soft, 7 to 10 minutes.

  • Invert each mold onto a plate and let stand for about 10 seconds. Gently tap the tops of molds and carefully lift to remove. Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired; serve immediately.

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Reviews (15)

58 Ratings
  • 5 6
  • 4 9
  • 3 18
  • 2 17
  • 1 8
Martha Stewart Member
02/19/2011
These cakes are so good and so easy!! They took no time at all to cook or to eat!!
Martha Stewart Member
01/15/2011
This is so easy and delicious. the ingredients are really simple, but this dessert is fabulously elegant. I have given these little cakes away before and everyone loves them! If I ever need a good recipe for something I always come out here. My motto for the kitchen is, "When in doubt, ask Martha." :D
Martha Stewart Member
02/13/2009
I just made this last night for my friend and we both loved it! Simple ingredients and no-fuss. I placed some whipped cream on the side, but next time I would probably serve it with a raspberry sauce as well. It was so easy and turned out delicious! Also, to respond to the note below, I used 2 tsp and had no problems with it.
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Martha Stewart Member
02/03/2009
Has anyhone noticed that the video states 2 Tbsp of flour and the recipe states 2 Tsp? Which is correct?
Martha Stewart Member
10/04/2008
it's so yummy :) i'm in heaven :P
Martha Stewart Member
09/29/2008
This cake is wonderful! I made this for my In-Laws and they felt as though they were eating something from a specialty bakery! I make a simple raspberry sauce, and using a bottle with a tip, made designs on white plates before placing the cake on top. I dusted with 10x sugar, placed a dollop of whipped crean on the side, and placed a few more berries on the cake and cream for color! This is a recipe I will use again and again! Everyone loved it... especially me!!!
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Martha Stewart Member
09/24/2008
This is basically the same recipe as "Jean-Georges's Warm Soft Chocolate Cakes" which is also on this site. Jean-Georges's recipe calls for 2 teaspoons all-purpose flour plus more for dusting the molds. All ingredients are the same, cooking time is a little different. It's a good comparison if you have any questions concerning Ralph Rucci's recipe.
Martha Stewart Member
09/23/2008
As experienced cooks, my friend Sheila and I added a bit more flour and baked it for 12 minutes instead of ten and they were perfect. Since they have to be made right before you eat them, this was great fun to do while the husbands played chess. Delicious food, great company and good entertainment. What could be better? Susan Yarina
Martha Stewart Member
09/20/2008
I watched the segment a few times. He clearly said 2 Tablespoons flour, but added a tiny amount to the mixer, so perhaps 2 teaspoons is correct. One stick butter is used in the recipe, and additional butter is needed for the ramekins. Using cocoa instead of flour to dust the ramekins prevents white streaks on chocolate cakes once they are turned out of the pan. (If you are frosting a regular cake, it won't make a difference).
Martha Stewart Member
09/20/2008
This is a great little cake which I also saw on Oprah a few years ago-it was called Choco-Hoto-Pots. Yes, I agree that Martha was rude in cutting him off which isn't the first time she's been rude to a guest.
Martha Stewart Member
09/20/2008
I was eager to see the molten center of the cake but when Ralph was about to show it Martha skipped to the next topic. Very disappointed...But I will try out the recipe, thanks.
Martha Stewart Member
09/19/2008
I have eaten this dessert in restaurants and delicious. Mr.Rucci was excited to show the viewer the chocolate flowing from the cake when cut into and Martha cut him off which was rude and a disservice to the viewers! Domke
Martha Stewart Member
09/19/2008
Valrhona Chocolate
Martha Stewart Member
09/19/2008
Hello! I just finished watching that part on the show. You use a whole stick of unsalted butter in the chocolate.
Martha Stewart Member
09/19/2008
I missed the beginning of the show when they were making this receipe and have a question about the butter. In the ingredients, it says to use 1 stick of butter for the molds, but in the directions it says to heat the butter with the chocolate. "How much butter should I use with the chocolate?"
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