Decadent Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes Recipe

Introduction:

Have you ever experienced the sheer joy of cutting into a lava cake and watching the molten, gooey chocolate ooze out? The sensation is nothing short of magical. Now, imagine that molten chocolate is paired with the richness of hazelnuts and the creamy sweetness of Nutella. If you’re a fan of chocolate, this will be your new favorite dessert.

This recipe for Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes combines the velvety texture of dark chocolate with the nutty undertones of hazelnuts, creating a dessert that’s as elegant as it is indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving a treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, these individual-sized cakes are sure to impress. With a crispy outer layer and a molten center, each bite of this dessert is guaranteed to be an explosion of flavors.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step instructions to create these molten chocolate hazelnut cakes, along with tips for making them perfect every time. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes!

What are Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes?

A lava cake is a classic French dessert made from a rich chocolate batter that is baked to create a crispy exterior, but remains molten and gooey in the center. The concept of Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes takes this traditional dessert to the next level by incorporating chocolate-hazelnut spread, such as Nutella, into the molten center, infusing each bite with nutty and creamy sweetness.

These cakes are served in individual portions, typically in small ramekins, and are a popular choice for special occasions like dinner parties, romantic dates, or as a treat for yourself after a long day. Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes offer the perfect balance of sweet, nutty, and chocolatey flavors, making them a decadent dessert loved by many.

Ingredients for the Perfect Lava Cakes 🍫🌰

Making these molten cakes from scratch is simple, and you likely already have most of the ingredients in your kitchen. Below is everything you need to create the Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes.

For the Lava Cake Batter:

• ½ cup (115g) butter – The butter creates the smooth base for the batter.
• 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate – Dark chocolate is the star of the show! It adds richness and deep flavor.
• ¼ cup (60g) chocolate-hazelnut spread – Nutella or any chocolate-hazelnut spread enhances the molten center, making it gooey and indulgent.
• 2 large eggs – The eggs are essential for binding the batter and giving the cakes structure.
• 2 large egg yolks – Extra egg yolks add richness and contribute to the luscious texture.
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar – Sweetness is essential to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
• ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour – The flour helps set the edges of the cake while keeping the center molten.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – Vanilla adds an extra layer of flavor that complements the chocolate.
• Pinch of salt – A touch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.

For Garnish:

• Powdered sugar – For a light, sweet finishing touch that gives your cakes a touch of elegance.
• Chopped hazelnuts – Add a crunchy element to contrast with the creamy cake, and enhance the hazelnut flavor.
• Vanilla ice cream (optional) – A scoop of cold ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm molten cake.

How to Make Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes

Step 1: Preheat & Prepare the Ramekins

Before you start working on the batter, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This temperature ensures that the cakes will cook quickly and develop that signature crispy outer shell while keeping the center molten.

Next, prepare your ramekins by greasing them with butter. Once greased, lightly dust them with flour or cocoa powder to prevent the cakes from sticking. This will also give the cakes a beautiful, smooth finish once you invert them from the ramekins.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Melt butter and dark chocolate together in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler. Alternatively, you can microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. This method will ensure that your chocolate doesn’t burn and stays smooth.

Once the butter and chocolate are melted and combined, stir in the chocolate-hazelnut spread (like Nutella). The heat from the chocolate will help melt the spread and blend it into the mixture seamlessly. The resulting mixture should be smooth, glossy, and rich.

Step 3: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened. The sugar will dissolve into the eggs, and this process helps create a creamy batter.

Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Be careful not to deflate the batter too much. After combining these ingredients, sift in the flour and fold until just incorporated. It’s important to keep the batter light, as the flour helps provide structure to the cake.

Step 4: Fill the Ramekins & Bake

Now that your batter is ready, carefully divide it evenly between the prepared ramekins. Do not overfill; you want to leave a little room at the top to allow the cake to expand during baking.

Bake the cakes for 10-12 minutes. The cakes should have set edges, but the center will still be soft and gooey. This is the key to a molten center, which is what makes lava cakes so delightful!

Step 5: Serve the Cakes

Once your cakes are done baking, let them cool for about 1 minute before attempting to invert them. Run a knife around the edges of the ramekin to loosen the cakes. Then, carefully invert the cakes onto plates. Be gentle—lava cakes can be delicate!

Garnish with a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of chopped hazelnuts, and, if you like, a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat. The hot cake paired with cold ice cream creates a wonderful contrast in temperature and texture.

Tips for the Perfect Lava Cakes

• Don’t Overbake: The secret to molten lava cakes is to bake them just long enough to cook the edges but leave the center soft. Overbaking will result in a solid center, which defeats the purpose of the molten lava effect.
• Use Quality Chocolate: The quality of your chocolate will directly impact the taste of the cake. Opt for a good-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
• Customize Your Lava Cakes: You can add different fillings, such as caramel or even a piece of hazelnut praline, to create a unique twist on the traditional lava cake.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake the cakes when you’re ready to serve them. Just remember that you may need to add a minute or two to the baking time if they are chilled.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes ahead of time by preparing the batter, placing it in the ramekins, and refrigerating them until you’re ready to bake. Just add an extra 1-2 minutes to the baking time if the cakes are cold from the fridge.

2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate for dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter cake. However, dark chocolate gives a deeper, more complex flavor, which balances well with the sweetness of the hazelnut spread.

3. How do I know when the lava cakes are done?

The cakes should have set edges but a soft, slightly jiggly center. You can gently touch the top of the cake with your finger to check for firmness. If it feels solid in the middle, they’re overcooked.

4. Can I use other nuts besides hazelnuts?

Absolutely! While hazelnuts are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute other nuts, like almonds, pecans, or walnuts, if you prefer a different flavor.

Conclusion:

Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cakes are the ultimate indulgence for any dessert lover. The combination of rich dark chocolate and creamy hazelnut spread creates an irresistible molten center that is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet cravings. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, these cakes will impress everyone who gets a taste.

With their gooey centers, decadent flavor, and crunchy hazelnut garnish, these lava cakes are perfect for any dessert lover. Enjoy making and sharing this delicious recipe with family and friends, and don’t forget to savor every moment of the indulgence!

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