Fallen Chocolate Cakes
27 comments » 
Could there be anything better than a rich, decadent chocolate dessert that will please not only kids but also the most demanding dinner guests? Actually, there could be – if such a dessert could take less than 10 minutes to prepare and less than 10 minutes in the oven. And here it is! I give you the most fabulous fallen chocolate cakes (or chocolate lava cakes or molten chocolate cakes – they go by so many names) that I have yet to make. These cakes were recently featured as the Dessert of the Week on dinnervibe, which is a website and weekly newsletter that provides quick and easy recipes and accompanying grocery lists to make menu planning a cinch. When asked to contribute a dessert that adhered to the quick and easy model, I knew in an instant that these chocolate cakes would fit the bill.
One of the best things about these cakes is that on top of being so quick to prepare and bake, you can get them ready far ahead of time to accommodate your schedule. The batter for these chocolate cakes can be refrigerated for several hours until you’re ready to bake them. If you choose to do this, take the molds out of the fridge before starting dinner and bring them back to room temperature before baking. In my ideal scenario, here is how it would happen:
- You prepare these earlier in the day when you have a free few minutes and pop them in the fridge.
- Once you’re ready to start dinner, remove the prepared cakes from the refrigerator.
- Before you sit down to dinner turn on the oven to preheat.
- Enjoy dinner… yum!
- After you clear the dishes, put the cakes in the oven and turn on the coffee – you’ll have a warm dessert in less than 10 minutes!
Seriously, what could be easier? (I feel sort of like Ina Garten uttering that statement!) This is great because it works for a regular week night meal or for when you have company. No matter when you decide to make these cakes, it will turn a great meal into a phenomenal dinner!
If you have a soft spot for chocolate cakes, you’ll love these:
Cookies and Cream Oreo Cake
Gooey Chocolate Cakes
Almost Fudge Gateau
Perfectly Chocolate Cake
Texas Sheet Cake
Fallen Chocolate Cakes
Yield: 4 cakes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 to 7 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients:
8 Tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick), plus more for the molds
2 teaspoons all-purpose flour, plus more for the molds
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate
2 eggs
2 egg yolks
¼ cup sugarDirections:
1. Heat the oven to 450 degrees F.
2. Butter and lightly flour four 4-ounce molds, custard cups or ramekins; tap out excess flour.
3. Use a double boiler set over hot (not boiling) water to heat the butter and chocolate together until the chocolate is almost completely melted. Set aside and cool for 5 minutes. Meanwhile, beat the eggs, yolks, and sugar together with a whisk until light and thick. Whisk the melted chocolate and butter together until creamy; it should be quite warm. Pour in the egg mixture, then quickly beat in the flour, just until combined.
4. Divide the batter among the molds. Put the molds on a baking sheet and bake until the center is still quite soft but the sides are set, about 6 to 7 minutes.
5. Invert each mold onto a plate and let sit for about 10 seconds. Un-mold by lifting up one corner of the mold; the cake will fall out onto the plate. Serve immediately. Optional accompaniments: powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, berries, or whipped cream.
(Adapted from How to Cook Everything
by Mark Bittman)
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Yet another nummy wonder you’ve created! Awesome…
Great photo too!!
Patricia
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I love this!!! The perfect dinner party dessert! This type of chocolate cake is my favorite, and having a recipe that can be prepped in advance is key to a successful dinner party (Ina says that too
I love how you sliced the strawberry on top!
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This is a dream come true. People love chocolate and to be able to serve it fresh from the oven with a minimum of effort is marvelous. Thanks once again.
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Hi Michelle!
We love the cakes and our readers here at dinnervibe too! Lots of great response for your chocolate beauties! Thanks again!
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I can not wait to prove this (look absolutely delicious!!!)
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it looks soooo delicious, i love chocolate and strawberies so this is perfect for me, cheers from london,
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That looks extremely naughty! I want!
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Oh, not the temptation I need today but it looks very lovely.
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Perfect all around chocolatey dessert! Stunning presentation!
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These look perfect! Rich chocolate AND a make-ahead! I love it!
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Yes yes yes… A very bright idea, even for unexpected guests!
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I had a fallen cake once but it just fell on the ground and it didn’t look as good as the cake you made.
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I’ve been a fan of your blog for a while. These cakes look really good and seem so easy to make! I’ll have to try them one day!
Do you have any tips on how to have such a successful blog like yours? How do you get the attention of other bloggers? I would love your advise!
Thanks =)
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Elegant! Decadent! Chocolate! And quick and easy? Thank you!
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Lovely! My kids would love this.
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What a pretty cake. My hubby would love it. The strawberry on top looks beautiful!
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OMG, this is unbelievely good! I’ve book mark it. Thanks.
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I love these cakes… and i agree they are easy to make and a are a great desert treat. I bake variations of these but eggless and are an all-time favourite. Just love it when the chocolate oozes out…the taste is heavenly.
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Look similar to my favorite Nigella Lawson recipe. The picture is gorgeous, makes me want one NOW.
PS Just got a tripod and have been having so much fun w/ the settings you wrote about and playing with camera. DH complains I come to dinner too late!
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My favorite kind of dessert!!
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ok, that looks really good!
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Hard to believe that it doesn’t take that much effort, and yet the result is so amazingly pretty. I bet it tastes good too.
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Could I use a muffin tin for the molds? Thank you!
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Michelle on January 31st, 2012 at 11:15 am
Hi Cat, I actually use a muffin tin for these Gooey Chocolate Cakes (very similar recipe): http://www.browneyedbaker.com/2008/04/01/twd-gooey-chocolate-cakes/
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I just had this for my birthday dessert, and I think it is probably my favorite birthday dessert so far! Perfectly chocolaty with a warm, gooey center; just top it with vanilla ice cream, and you’re golden!
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