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Decadent Red Velvet Lava Cakes for Two

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Rich, indulgent red velvet lava cakes with a molten chocolate and cream cheese center, perfect for a romantic dessert for two. Quick and easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (40g), sifted
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • Pinch of salt
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (56g), melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (60ml) or whole milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 2 ounces semisweet or dark chocolate (56g), finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese (30g), softened
  • 1 teaspoon sugar (for cream cheese mixture)
  • Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
  • Whipped cream or fresh berries for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the oven rack in the middle position. Lightly butter your ramekins and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the lava center: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped chocolate, and sugar. Stir until smooth but still slightly chunky. Set aside.
  3. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until combined. Add the egg and beat until smooth. Stir in the buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar.
  5. Fold wet into dry: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  6. Fill the ramekins: Spoon about 2 tablespoons (30g) of batter into each ramekin. Add a heaping tablespoon of the cream cheese-chocolate lava mixture in the center, then cover with the remaining batter, dividing evenly.
  7. Bake: Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still look slightly jiggly.
  8. Cool briefly: Let the cakes rest for 3-5 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then carefully invert onto serving plates.
  9. Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and add whipped cream or fresh berries if desired. Best enjoyed warm.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs and butter for smooth blending. Don’t skip sifting dry ingredients to keep the cake light. Be gentle when folding to avoid dense cakes. Watch the oven closely to avoid overbaking and losing the molten center. Prepare the lava filling in advance for best results. Let cakes rest briefly after baking to release cleanly from ramekins. Oven temperatures vary; use an oven thermometer if possible.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet lava cake, romantic dessert, lava cake for two, easy lava cake, chocolate lava cake, cream cheese lava center, quick dessert

Find it online: https://evabake.com/decadent-red-velvet-lava-cakes-for-two-easy-romantic-dessert-recipe/