Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- ½ cup (1 stick) butter
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- Powdered sugar, for dusting

Special Equipment Needed:
- 8-inch round cake pan
- Electric mixer
- Microwave-safe bowl

Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch round cake pan with butter and set aside.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval, until completely melted and smooth.
3. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat together the sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and mix until combined.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and cocoa powder.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Time:
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Temperature: 350°F
Serving Size: 8

Nutritional Information: Calories – 250; Total Fat – 14g; Saturated Fat – 8g; Cholesterol – 80mg; Sodium – 120mg; Carbohydrates – 30g; Fiber – 2g; Sugar – 20g; Protein – 4g

Substitutions for Ingredients
- Unsalted butter can be used in place of salted butter.
- Brown sugar can be used in place of granulated sugar.
- Almond flour can be used in place of all-purpose flour.

Variations:
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter for a mocha flavor.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the batter for a spiced flavor.

Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth before adding to the egg mixture.
- Do not overmix the batter or the cake will be dense.

Storage Instructions:
The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Reheating Instructions:
The cake can be reheated in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.

Presentation Ideas:
- Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top the cake with fresh berries and a dollop of whipped cream.

Garnishes:
- Chocolate shavings
- Fresh berries

Pairings:
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries

Suggested Side Dishes:
- Fresh fruit salad
- Roasted vegetables

Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the cake is too dry, add a tablespoon of melted butter to the batter.
- If the cake is too dense, make sure not to overmix the batter.

Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before beginning.
- Make sure to use a clean bowl and utensils when preparing the batter.

Food History:
Chocolate lava cake is a classic dessert that has been around since the 1980s. It is believed to have originated in France and is now a popular dessert around the world.

Flavor Profiles:
This cake has a rich, chocolatey flavor with a hint of sweetness from the sugar.

Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the cake with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Top the cake with fresh berries for a pop of color.

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Taste: Rich, Decadent, Chocolaty, Moist, Sweet