These chocolate molten lava cakes are incredibly easy to make and the perfect small batch dessert that is made from ingredients you have in your kitchen.
Preheat oven to 425°F. Place chocolate and butter in small bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes in 30 second intervals until melted, stirring between each interval.
In a medium bowl, whisk eggs, sugar and vanilla for about 1 minute or until thickened and pale. Fold melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Fold in the flour, espresso powder and salt and stir until just combined.
Generously butter and flour four (6 oz) ramekins. Fill both ramekins with lava cake batter. Press 1 chocolate square right into center. Use a spoon to scoop cake mixture over the chocolate square.
Bake lava cakes for about 12-14 minutes or until firm on the edges and slightly soft in the center. Let cool for 3 minutes and then loosen the edges of the cake with a butter knife. Turn onto small plates and serve with some vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Use quality dark chocolate as it contributes to the flavor.
If you don't want a rich chocolate flavor, just omit the espresso powder.
To prevent lava cakes from sticking to ramekins, butter and flour them. You can also use powdered sugar or cocoa powder as well.
The cakes are done when the edges are firm and the center is slightly soft. Let cool for a couple of minutes before removing from the ramekins.