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Lightened-Up Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes for Two

lightened-up molten chocolate lava cakes - featured image
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Rich, fudgy molten chocolate lava cakes made with applesauce to cut the fat and calories, perfect for a guilt-free indulgence. Ready in under 20 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 oz (about 55g) dark chocolate (70% cocoa), chopped
  • 1 tablespoon (14g) unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons (25g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons (16g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon (5g) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet on the middle rack to heat up.
  2. Grease two 6-ounce ramekins generously with butter or cooking spray, then dust with cocoa powder and tap out excess.
  3. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped dark chocolate and 1 tablespoon butter. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and glossy (about 40-50 seconds). Stir in applesauce until combined. Set aside to cool slightly.
  4. In a medium bowl, whisk together whole egg, egg yolk, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract for about 1 minute until pale, thick, and slightly frothy.
  5. Pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Fold gently with a rubber spatula until just combined.
  6. Sift flour, cocoa powder, and salt over the batter. Fold gently until no streaks of flour remain.
  7. Divide the batter evenly between the two prepared ramekins. Smooth the tops gently.
  8. Place ramekins on the preheated baking sheet and bake for exactly 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly puffed, but the center should jiggle when shaken.
  9. Remove from oven and let cool on a wire rack for exactly 60 seconds.
  10. Run a thin knife around the edge of each ramekin to loosen. Place a small plate upside down on top, flip carefully, and lift off the ramekin.
  11. Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Room temperature eggs are important for smooth mixing. Don’t overmix the batter to avoid tough cakes. Use the jiggle test to check doneness: edges set, center jiggles. For a cleaner lava, refrigerate filled ramekins for 20 minutes before baking. Serve within 5 minutes for best molten effect.

Nutrition

Keywords: molten lava cake, lightened-up, healthy dessert, chocolate lava cake, applesauce, dark chocolate, quick dessert, date night dessert

Find it online: https://cookluma.com/lightened-up-molten-chocolate-lava-cakes-for-two/