Lava cake

Makes 6 Lava Cakes

There are a plethora of original lava cake recipes out there but, I wanted to make an entirely plant-based version that rose up light and fluffy with that signature molten center.

It’s easy to do that with eggs but I chose applesauce & a little buttermilk instead here. Delightful results!

Note:

Take the small extra steps to make an easy ganache. It results in the molten signature center and creates a much better outcome than using chips or a piece of chocolate! Do not attempt.

One full pack makes 30 lava cakes!

Recipe for 6 cakes*

*Can be cooked at once or prepared, refrigerated for a day & then baked fresh

Ingredients:

150 g Gusto Cake & Waffle mix

12 g or 3 tbsp cocoa powder, sifted

1/2 cup sugar

57 g or 1/4 cup melted vegan butter

3/4 cup unsweetened apple sauce

2 tsp apple cider or white vinegar

3/4 cup (165 g) oat, soy or almond milk

1/3 cup chocolate chips, melted

Ganache

60 g Semisweet chocolate chips

1/4 coconut milk, tinned & use top portion*

1-2 tbsp sugar to taste

1 tbsp butter

*chill tin & scoop off the thick later on top


Directions:

  1. Ganache:

    Melt the chocolate, coconut cream, butter & sugar over a double boiler. Taste and adjust sweetness if need be, depending on your chocolate. (See below for more on this.)

  2. Place in the fridge to cool, stirring occasionally until the mixture is set and stiff enough to pipe or spoon. 30-45 mins.

  3. Lightly butter 4 ramekin:glass dishes & dust with cocoa. Rotate & tap out excess.

  4. Mix flour, sifted cocoa & sugar. Set aside, Melt chocolate chips. Mix butter, applesauce, milk, vinegar & butter. Add in the melted chocolate. Whisk until well blended.

  5. With a spoon or spatula divide half the batter between 4 ramekins. Pop a chilled truffle in the center, careful not to push it to the bottom of the dish. The top can be still be seen a little as the batter will rise above it and the molten center will then be…centered!

  6. Bake on a sheet pan in the oven for 15-17 minutes until edges pull away from sides and top is just a little wet looking in the center. (I insert a toothpick on the side and if just a few crumbs atmrevclimging then it’s done.

  7. Allow to cool for a minute or so and carefully invert onto a plate.

  8. Top with soft whipped cream & berries.

    Serve warm. Can also be prepared & cooked from frozen.


How to Make the Molten Center

There’s a common misconception that lava cake is simply undercooked chocolate cake! We achieve the molten center by embedding chocolate ganache inside the batter. When heated, the filling melts to create that ooey-gooey effect.

I use a simple chocolate ganache to ensure that the chocolate wouldn’t be absorbed into the batter.

3 options for heating it up:

  • Microwave: Add everything to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 15-second bursts, stirring between, until the chocolate is completely melted. Stir until well-mixed.

  • Stovetop: Add all ingredients to a saucepan. Heat over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is fully combined. Be very careful with this as to not burn

  • Double boiler: place a pot of water on a low simmer, place a metal or glass bowl on top of the pot. Add all ingredients to the bowl and allow to slowly melt.

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