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Red Velvet Lava Cakes for Two: Easy Molten Chocolate Dessert

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These Red Velvet Lava Cakes for Two feature a tender red velvet crumb and a gooey molten chocolate center, making them a decadent yet easy dessert perfect for special occasions or a cozy night in. Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, they deliver comfort and drama in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons (12g) unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
  • 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (55g) granulated sugar
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
  • 2 ounces (56g) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon heavy cream
  • Softened butter or nonstick spray (for greasing)
  • Cocoa powder (for dusting ramekins)

Instructions

  1. Grease two 6-ounce (180ml) ramekins thoroughly with softened butter or nonstick spray. Dust with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chopped chocolate with heavy cream in short bursts (about 20 seconds), stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  4. In another bowl, beat the egg until foamy. Add melted butter, buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red gel food coloring. Blend until smooth.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, whisking just until combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Spoon a heaping tablespoon of batter into each ramekin, spreading to cover the bottom. Drop half of the melted chocolate mixture in the center of each ramekin, then gently spoon the remaining batter on top to cover the chocolate.
  7. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center will be slightly jiggly.
  8. Let the cakes sit for 2–3 minutes. Run a thin knife around the edge to loosen, then invert onto plates or serve straight from the ramekin.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or top with fresh berries. Serve warm.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Dairy-free options include almond milk and vegan butter. Do not overbake to maintain the molten center. Use high-quality chocolate for best results. Cakes are best served warm but can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days or frozen for up to a month.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, lava cake, molten chocolate, dessert for two, easy dessert, Valentine's Day, anniversary, chocolate cake, small batch, comfort food

Find it online: https://fuzzyforker.com/red-velvet-lava-cakes-for-two-easy-molten-chocolate-dessert/