Looking for a dessert that’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort? These French Chocolate and Hazelnut Moelleux (often known as lava cakes) are the perfect solution. The name “moelleux” means soft or tender in French, and that’s exactly what these are – rich chocolate cakes with a gooey, molten center. They’re a true delight and the ultimate treat for any chocolate lover.
Serve them warm with fresh berries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and your family will be begging for the recipe.
Ingredients (Serves 6):
- A little flour for dusting the ramekins
- 7 oz (200g) dark chocolate with hazelnuts, chopped into small pieces
- 5.3 oz (150g) unsalted butter
- 125g granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 80g all-purpose flour
- A handful of hazelnuts, coarsely chopped
- Fresh berries for garnish (optional)
You’ll need: Six small ceramic ramekins or soufflé dishes, buttered and floured.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 410°F (210°C). Prepare your ramekins by greasing them with butter and dusting with a thin layer of flour.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water (a double boiler). Stir until smooth. Remove from the heat.
- Create the batter. Add the sugar and lightly beaten eggs to the melted chocolate mixture. Whisk well until fully combined. Sift the flour into the batter and gently fold it in until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Bake the cakes. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the center of the preheated oven for approximately 10 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center should still be soft and wobbly.
- Serve immediately. Carefully remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for about 5 minutes. Gently run a knife along the edges of each ramekin, then invert the cakes onto a serving plate. Garnish with the chopped hazelnuts and fresh berries, like raspberries. Serve them right away while the center is still warm and melted.
Serving Suggestion:
These lava cakes are fantastic on their own, but for a truly decadent experience, serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a simple berry sauce. For a quick and easy sauce, mix 200ml of sour cream with 2 tablespoons of raspberry jam. Enjoy!
