Molten chocolate cake
Molten chocolate cake is a popular dessert that combines the elements of a chocolate cake and a soufflé. Its name derives from the dessert's liquid chocolate center,[1] and it is also known as chocolate moelleux (from French for "soft"), chocolate lava cake, or simply lava cake.[2] It should not be confused with chocolate fondant, a recipe that contains little flour, but much chocolate and butter, hence melting on the palate (but not on the plate).[3]
 | |
| Alternative names | Lava cake, chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate lava cake |
|---|---|
| Course | Dessert |
| Place of origin | France United States |
| Main ingredients | Butter, eggs, sugar, chocolate |
History
The United States-based chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten claims to have invented molten chocolate cake in New York City in 1987, but the French chef and chocolatier Jacques Torres disputes this, arguing that such a dish already existed in France. According to Vongerichten, he pulled a chocolate sponge cake from the oven before it was done and found that the center was still runny, but was warm and had both a good taste and texture. Regardless of who invented the dish, Vongerichten has been credited with popularizing it in the United States, and it became almost a de rigueur inclusion on high-end restaurant dessert menus.[2][4]
Preparation
Molten chocolate cakes characteristically contain five ingredients: butter, eggs, sugar, chocolate, and flour.[2] The butter and chocolate are melted together, while the eggs are either whisked with the sugar to form a thick paste, producing a denser pastry, or separated, with the white whipped into a meringue to provide more lift and a lighter result. A tablespoon of strong coffee is sometimes added to enhance the chocolate flavor. Vanilla extract, salt and cinnamon are additionally recommended in some cases to add extra flavor.[5]
The cakes are typically baked in individual portions in ramekins, or brioche molds. However, there are a number of creative variations in chocolate lava cakes or molten chocolate cakes such as preparing the cakes in a coffee or tea mug. The cake can also be prepared in a microwave oven instead of an oven in certain cases.[6]
A scoop of ice cream, fresh fruit, a drizzling of fruit and/or chocolate sauce, and dustings of powdered sugar are typical enhancements. A sprig of mint is sometimes used as a garnish.
References
- "Chocolate fondant". Retrieved 6 May 2014.
- Machlin, Sherri (23 August 2011). American Food by the Decades. ABC-CLIO. p. 226. ISBN 978-0-313-37699-3.
- "Chocolate fondant". Retrieved 1 January 2018.
- Josh Chetwynd (1 May 2012). How the Hot Dog Found Its Bun: Accidental Discoveries and Unexpected Inspirations That Shape What We Eat and Drink. Lyons Press. pp. 41–43. ISBN 978-0-7627-8529-2.
- "Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake". AllRecipes.com. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
- "Chocolate Cake in a Mug". Food Network. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
