Indulge in this rich and decadent chocolate lava cake with a molten strawberry filling. Topped with fresh strawberries and dusted with powdered sugar, this elegant dessert offers the perfect balance of rich chocolate and vibrant strawberry flavors, ideal for any special occasion or indulgent treat. You can make a chocolate lava cake with a strawberry twist by incorporating strawberry flavor in the filling or sauce and balancing the rich chocolate base. Here’s a simple recipe to follow:

Ingredients:

For the Chocolate Lava Cake:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
• 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate (or dark chocolate)
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 tbsp (45g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Strawberry Filling/Sauce:

• 1/2 cup (75g) fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
• 1 tbsp sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp lemon juice (optional)
• 1 tsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening)

For Strawberry Flavor Enhancement:

• 1 tsp strawberry extract (optional, to add flavor to the cake batter)
• Fresh strawberries (for garnishing)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Strawberry Filling/Sauce

1. Cook the strawberries: In a small saucepan, add the strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and break down, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Thicken the sauce (optional): If you want a thicker consistency, dissolve cornstarch in a little water and add it to the strawberry mixture. Stir and cook for another 1-2 minutes until thickened. Set aside to cool.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Lava Cake

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 small ramekins and dust them lightly with cocoa powder.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir until smooth.
3. Mix the batter: Whisk in the powdered sugar into the melted chocolate-butter mixture until smooth. Add the eggs and egg yolks, then mix in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and optional strawberry extract.
4. Fold in the flour: Gently stir in the flour until fully combined and smooth.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

1. Fill the ramekins: Pour a small amount of chocolate batter into each ramekin, about halfway.
2. Add the strawberry filling: Spoon about 1 teaspoon of the strawberry sauce into the center of each ramekin. Then, cover the filling with the remaining batter.
3. Bake: Bake the cakes for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the centers will still be soft.
4. Let it rest: Once done, let the cakes rest for 1-2 minutes. Carefully run a knife around the edges and invert them onto plates.

Step 4: Serve

• Garnish with fresh strawberries, powdered sugar, or even a scoop of strawberry ice cream.
• Serve immediately to enjoy the warm, gooey chocolate and strawberry center!

Enjoy your chocolate lava cake with a strawberry twist!