Welcome to the world of dessert pleasure where each bite is a celebration! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet indulgence that promises both flair and flavor, look no further than our luscious Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcakes with Creamy Filling. Perfectly baked and boasting a molten chocolate center that flows out like a river when you cut into them, these cupcakes are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your inner chocolate lover. Spanning rich chocolate and a surprise creamy filling, this recipe is a true testament to culinary decadence.
Imagine sinking your teeth into a cupcake that has a soft, tender outer layer which encases a heart of warm chocolate goodness. It’s not just a cupcake; it’s an experience! There’s particular joy in serving these at parties, gatherings, or even for a cozy night in when you want to treat yourself. Equally effortless to whip up and incredibly versatile, this indulgent dessert brings not just flavor but also a delightful performance — a heavenly explosion of flavors sure to leave everyone wanting more.
Why You’ll Love This Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcake Recipe
- Indulgent Flavors: The rich combination of bittersweet chocolate and buttery cream cheese filling offers a truly indulgent dessert experience.
- Perfect For Any Occasion: Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply pampering yourself, these cupcakes are ideal for any event.
- Ooze in Every Bite: The molten center creates a delightful surprise that guarantees a pleasurable experience with each bite.
- Customizable Options: Dietary restrictions? No problem! This recipe includes options for gluten-free and dairy-free versions.
- Simple Preparation: With straightforward steps, making these cupcakes is easy, even for beginner bakers.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you embark on this baking journey, a bit of preparation goes a long way. Make sure your kitchen is ready for action by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. For this Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcake recipe, you will need a standard 12-cup muffin tin along with cupcake liners to simplify the transfer process from pan to plate. Having a heatproof bowl and a saucepan handy will help facilitate melting the chocolate and butter together. Ensure your mixer or whisk is ready to incorporate the ingredients thoroughly without over-mixing—excellent texture is key to achieving that perfect lava effect. Lastly, don’t forget to preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) before you get started. This high temperature is crucial for baking the cupcakes just right.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cream cheese filling)
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Chocolate shavings (optional for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start your preparation by preheating the oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). This is essential for creating that lush molten interior. While the oven is warming up, grease your 12-cup muffin tin generously or line it with cupcake liners—this ensures your masterpieces come out easily once they’re baked.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Place this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water—this method, known as a double boiler, prevents the chocolate from burning. Stir the mixture until it’s entirely melted and smooth, both ingredients should be fully combined. Once melted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
While your chocolate mixture cools, take a step forward and whisk together your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined; this mixture will add structure and balance to the rich chocolate.
Step 4: Mix Wet Ingredients
Create a velvety base by whisking together the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in another bowl. You want this mixture to be smooth and frothy; this adds volume and helps achieve that delightful cupcake texture.
Step 5: Blend Everything Together
With the melted chocolate mixture cooling enough to handle, gently fold it into your egg mixture until fully incorporated. Then, taking care not to overmix, add the dry ingredients into the mix in parts—fold until just combined. The key here is to keep the batter light and airy for the cupcake to rise beautifully.
Step 6: Prepare the Filling
The secret to these cupcakes lies in the creamy filling! In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy; this decadent filling will serve as the delightful center of your cupcakes.
Step 7: Assemble the Cupcakes
Grab your prepared muffin tin. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the chocolate batter. Next, take a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and place it in the center of the batter, creating a lovely surprise that lies at the heart of your cupcake. Finally, top off each one with more chocolate batter until they reach about three-quarters full. This layering ensures that your cupcake has the perfect ratio of molten center to rich chocolate exterior.
Step 8: Bake
Time for the magic! Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for around 10-12 minutes. The tops should appear set, yet you will notice that the centers remain slightly jiggly, which is the hallmark of the coveted molten effect.
Step 9: Cool and Serve
Allow your cupcakes to cool for approximately five minutes in the tin. This brief cooling period enables them to firm slightly before being removed. Carefully transfer them to a serving plate. For an elegant finishing touch, consider topping them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, serving them warm to truly savor that molten center.
Variations
- Protein: Swap cream cheese for mascarpone or even peanut butter for a fun flavor twist.
- Vegetables: Add finely chopped nuts or berries into the chocolate batter for an added texture contrast.
- Spices: A pinch of sea salt or a dash of cinnamon can elevate the flavor profile remarkably.
Cooking Notes
- Don’t overbake! The key to a perfect molten center is a slightly underbaked cupcake.
- Variations in oven temperatures can lead to differences in baking time; use your best judgment and check around the 10-minute mark.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unforgettable dessert experience.
- Serve with a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce to add an extra layer of flavor.
Tips
- Let the chocolate mixture cool slightly before adding eggs to avoid scrambling.
- If you’re unsure about the doneness, it’s better to err on the side of underbaking for the molten center effect.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 350 per cupcake
- Protein: 5g
- Sodium: 300mg
FAQs
Can I make these cupcakes in advance?
Absolutely! You can bake them ahead of time and warm them in the oven just before serving to keep that ooey-gooey center.
How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
The outer edges should be set while the center remains slightly jiggly — this difference achieves that lava effect!
Can I freeze these cupcakes?
Yes, you can freeze them! Just let them cool completely before wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and storing them in an airtight container.
What is the best way to serve these cupcakes?
Serve them warm, topped with whipped cream and a scattering of chocolate shavings to enhance their indulgence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your dessert arsenal just got a mouthwatering upgrade with these Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcakes with Creamy Filling. They’re not just a treat; they’re a show-stopping centerpiece that will have everyone raving. The combination of textures—from a moist chocolate exterior to a flowing filling—is undeniable, and we can’t stress enough how satisfying they are. We encourage you to try out this recipe and explore various filling options to personalize your cupcakes. Don’t forget to leave a comment below sharing your experience and any creative twists you try! Bake, enjoy, and let the sweet flourish begin!
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Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcakes
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Welcome to the world of dessert pleasure where each bite is a celebration! If you’re on the hunt for a sweet indulgence that promises both flair and flavor, look no further than our luscious Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcakes with Creamy Filling.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (225g) unsalted butter
- 8 oz (225g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 4 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 cup cream cheese
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (for the cream cheese filling)
- Whipped cream (optional for topping)
- Chocolate shavings (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Start your preparation by preheating the oven to a sizzling 425°F (220°C). This is essential for creating that lush molten interior. While the oven is warming up, grease your 12-cup muffin tin generously or line it with cupcake liners—this ensures your masterpieces come out easily once they’re baked.
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped bittersweet chocolate. Place this bowl over a saucepan of simmering water—this method, known as a double boiler, prevents the chocolate from burning. Stir the mixture until it’s entirely melted and smooth, both ingredients should be fully combined. Once melted, remove from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
- While your chocolate mixture cools, take a step forward and whisk together your dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, combine granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Whisk until combined; this mixture will add structure and balance to the rich chocolate.
- Create a velvety base by whisking together the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract in another bowl. You want this mixture to be smooth and frothy; this adds volume and helps achieve that delightful cupcake texture.
- With the melted chocolate mixture cooling enough to handle, gently fold it into your egg mixture until fully incorporated. Then, taking care not to overmix, add the dry ingredients into the mix in parts—fold until just combined. The key here is to keep the batter light and airy for the cupcake to rise beautifully.
- The secret to these cupcakes lies in the creamy filling! In a separate bowl, combine the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy; this decadent filling will serve as the delightful center of your cupcakes.
- Grab your prepared muffin tin. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with the chocolate batter. Next, take a generous spoonful of the cream cheese mixture and place it in the center of the batter, creating a lovely surprise that lies at the heart of your cupcake. Finally, top off each one with more chocolate batter until they reach about three-quarters full. This layering ensures that your cupcake has the perfect ratio of molten center to rich chocolate exterior.
- Time for the magic! Place your muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for around 10-12 minutes. The tops should appear set, yet you will notice that the centers remain slightly jiggly, which is the hallmark of the coveted molten effect.
- Allow your cupcakes to cool for approximately five minutes in the tin. This brief cooling period enables them to firm slightly before being removed. Carefully transfer them to a serving plate. For an elegant finishing touch, consider topping them with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, serving them warm to truly savor that molten center.
Notes
Don’t overbake! The key to a perfect molten center is a slightly underbaked cupcake.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Protein: 5 g