Pistachio Chocolate Lava Cakes That Melt From the Middle Recipe
These Pistachio Chocolate Lava Cakes are a decadent dessert featuring a luscious molten chocolate center and a delightful crunch of finely chopped pistachios. Perfectly rich and indulgent, they offer a warm, gooey chocolate experience with a nutty twist, ideal for special occasions or a cozy treat.
- Author: Douaa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
For the Lava Cakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup finely chopped pistachios, plus extra for garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Garnish:
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
- Additional chopped pistachios
- Prepare Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter four ramekins to prevent sticking and place them on a baking sheet for stability during baking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until completely melted and smooth. Allow this mixture to cool slightly so it won’t cook the eggs in the next step.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, vigorously whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar together until the mixture turns pale and thick, indicating sufficient aeration for a light texture.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Then fold in the all-purpose flour, salt, finely chopped pistachios, and vanilla extract. Mix just until combined, being cautious not to overmix, which could toughen the cakes.
- Fill Ramekins: Evenly divide the batter among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full to prevent overflow during baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should be set and firm, while the center remains soft and molten, ensuring the signature lava effect.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for about 1 minute. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate to release the cake. Dust with powdered sugar and sprinkle with extra chopped pistachios for an elegant finish before serving warm.
Notes
- Use good-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
- Do not overbake; the center should remain molten to achieve the lava effect.
- Allow the melted chocolate mixture to cool slightly before mixing with eggs to prevent curdling.
- Ramekins should be well buttered to ensure easy release of the cakes.
- These cakes are best served immediately while warm and gooey.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (about 100g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 110mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
Keywords: Pistachio Lava Cake, Chocolate Lava Cake, Molten Chocolate Cake, Pistachio Dessert, Gooey Chocolate Cake, Chocolate Pistachio Recipe