Molten chocolate cake

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Not to be confused with Petit Gâteau.
Molten chocolate cake
Chocolate Fondant.jpg
Alternative namesLava cake, chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate lava cake
CourseDessert
Place of originFrance
United States
Main ingredientsButter, eggs, sugar, chocolate

Molten chocolate cake is a popular dessert that combines the elements of a chocolate cake and a soufflé.[citation needed] 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]

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[]

Chocolate lava cake smothered in chocolate sauce

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. A variation of the cake can be prepared in a microwave oven.[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.

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "Chocolate fondant". Retrieved 6 May 2014.
  2. ^ Jump up to: a b c Machlin, Sherri (23 August 2011). American Food by the Decades. ABC-CLIO. p. 226. ISBN 978-0-313-37699-3.
  3. ^ "Chocolate fondant". Retrieved 1 January 2018.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ "Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake". AllRecipes.com. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
  6. ^ "Chocolate Cake in a Mug". Food Network. Retrieved 14 April 2018.
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