Budget Chocolate Lava Cakes
A wonderfully affordable version of the classic dessert, with the same irresistible, molten chocolate center. Quick, easy, and perfect for a cosy treat.
Serves: 2
Cost: $2.00 NZD (approx)
Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
¼ cup (25g) cocoa powder
A pinch of salt
3 tbsp (45mL) boiling water
¼ cup (60mL) milk (or plant-based milk)
2 tbsp (30mL) oil
⅓ cup (65g) sugar
2 eggs (or 2 tbsp apple sauce, 2 grated apples, or 2 flax/chia eggs)
½ cup (60g) plain flour
Method
Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan forced). Grease two ramekins well.
In a medium bowl, mix the cocoa powder and salt with the boiling water to form a smooth paste.
Whisk in the milk and oil until the mixture is smooth and combined.
Add the sugar and eggs (or egg substitute), and whisk until well incorporated.
Gently fold in the flour until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared ramekins.
Bake for 7 to 9 minutes. The tops should be firm and the edges set, but the center should still be soft.
Let the cakes rest for 1-2 minutes. Then, carefully run a knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately.
Tips
Get the center right: The key to the lava center is not overbaking. Start checking at 7 minutes.
Dairy-free/Vegan: Use plant-based milk and an egg substitute like apple sauce or a flax egg to easily make this vegan.
Prepare ahead: Assemble the batter in the ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for up to a few hours before baking. Add an extra minute to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Serving suggestion: Delicious dusted with icing sugar and served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a few fresh berries.
Mix-ins: Add a few chocolate chips to the center of the batter in the ramekins for an extra chocolatey surprise.
