Description
Indulge in this rich and decadent Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake, combining the luscious flavors of semi-sweet chocolate and creamy peanut butter with a gooey, molten center. Perfectly baked to achieve a delicate crust with a warm, flowing interior, this dessert is an irresistible treat for peanut butter and chocolate lovers alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
For Greasing
- Butter for greasing ramekins
- Cocoa powder for dusting ramekins
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare ramekins: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter, then dust them lightly with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess to ensure the cakes can be easily released after baking.
- Melt butter and chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, melt the unsalted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate together over a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
- Add peanut butter: Whisk in the creamy peanut butter into the melted chocolate mixture until fully combined and smooth, creating a rich base for the batter.
- Combine sugar and eggs: Stir in the powdered sugar until incorporated. Beat in the whole eggs and egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each addition is well blended before adding the next. Then, mix in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance flavor.
- Fold in dry ingredients: Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and unsweetened cocoa powder, taking care not to overmix. The batter should be just combined to maintain its light texture.
- Fill ramekins and bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 11 to 13 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and molten.
- Cool and serve: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them stand for 1 minute. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then invert each onto a serving plate. Serve immediately while the centers are warm and gooey for the perfect molten lava effect.
Notes
- For a stronger peanut flavor, use natural peanut butter and sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top before serving.
- Do not overbake, as the molten center will firm up quickly losing the lava texture.
- These cakes are best enjoyed fresh from the oven for optimal gooeyness and flavor.
