The Simple Lava Chocolate Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the richness of chocolate with the creaminess of peanut butter. This decadent cake features a molten chocolate center that oozes out when cut, creating a delightful lava effect. It’s the perfect treat for chocolate and peanut butter lovers, and its straightforward recipe makes it a popular choice for home baking.

The exact origins of the Lava Chocolate Cake, also known as Molten Chocolate Cake or Chocolate Lava Cake, are not entirely clear. However, it is believed to have been a serendipitous creation in the mid-1980s. The story goes that a young chef named Jean-Georges Vongerichten was experimenting with chocolate cakes at his restaurant in New York City. He accidentally undercooked a batch of individual chocolate cakes but decided to serve them anyway, resulting in a warm and gooey center that became an instant hit among his customers.

Since then, the Lava Chocolate Cake has gained immense popularity worldwide and has become a staple on many restaurant dessert menus. Its reputation as a luxurious and indulgent treat has made it a favorite choice for special occasions and celebrations.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 oz. semi-sweet baking chocolate, chopped
• 6 T. butter, cubed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs
• 4 T. all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp Knees peanut butter
• 1 + ½ T. unsweetened cocoa powder

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius).
2. Spray two 8 oz. ramekins with non-stick cooking spray.
3. Place 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder in the first ramekin. Swirl the cocoa powder all around the ramekin to coat its inner surface entirely. Tap out the excess cocoa powder into the second ramekin. Add the remaining ½ tablespoon of cocoa powder to the second ramekin and repeat the swirling and tapping process to cover it completely with cocoa powder.
4. In a medium-sized microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and cubed butter.
5. Microwave the chocolate and butter mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and completely melted. This should take about 3 to 4 intervals.
6. Set the chocolate mixture aside and let it cool for approximately 10 minutes.
7. Add the granulated sugar and eggs to the chocolate mixture. Whisk the ingredients together until they are thoroughly incorporated.
8. Gently fold in the all-purpose flour using a spatula. Mix until the flour is just barely combined with the rest of the batter.
9. Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins, dividing it equally between the two.
10. Place a large teaspoon of Knees peanut butter in the center of each ramekin, making sure to press it down slightly and covering it with cake batter.
11. Place the two ramekins on a quarter sheet pan and then transfer them to the preheated oven.
12. Bake the cakes for approximately 14 minutes. The outer portion of the cakes should be baked, while the center will remain jiggly and molten.
13. Remove the cakes from the oven and serve them immediately to enjoy the gooey, molten chocolate and peanut butter lava center. For an extra indulgence, consider adding a scoop of ice cream on top of the cake.

Enjoy your delicious and simple lava chocolate cake, a perfect treat for any chocolate lover!