Indulge in the ultimate winter dessert with these Peppermint Hot Chocolate Lava Cakes. Combining the rich, velvety goodness of molten chocolate with the refreshing hint of peppermint, these individual cakes are pure holiday magic. Perfectly portioned for cozy nights by the fire or festive dinner parties, they’re easy to make and guaranteed to wow your guests. It’s like sipping on your favorite peppermint hot chocolate but with a gooey, decadent twist!
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Weight (Imperial) | Weight (Grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips | 6 oz | 170 g |
| Unsalted Butter | ½ cup | 115 g |
| Powdered Sugar | 1 cup | 120 g |
| Eggs | 2 large | – |
| Egg Yolks | 2 large | – |
| All-Purpose Flour | ¼ cup | 30 g |
| Peppermint Extract | 1 tsp | 5 ml |
| Crushed Candy Canes (optional) | 2 tbsp | 30 g |
| Butter (for greasing ramekins) | 1 tbsp | 15 g |
| Cocoa Powder (for dusting ramekins) | 1 tbsp | 8 g |
Recipe Instructions
- Prepare the Ramekins
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with cocoa powder. Set aside.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and butter together in 20-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
- Mix the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and powdered sugar until frothy. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until combined. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and powdered sugar until frothy. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture, whisking until combined. Stir in the peppermint extract.
- Incorporate Flour
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Fill the Ramekins
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full. Optionally, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full. Optionally, sprinkle crushed candy canes on top for a festive touch.
- Bake and Serve
- Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. Remove from the oven and let rest for 1 minute. Gently invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. Serve warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Kitchen Accessories Needed
- Ramekins (4)
- Microwave-Safe Bowl
- Whisk
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Spoons and Cups
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 360
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 32 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
Servings
- Serves 4
Origin of the Dish
Lava cakes originated in the 1980s as a hybrid of a soufflé and a chocolate cake. This festive peppermint variation adds a holiday twist to the classic, evoking the comforting flavors of peppermint hot chocolate.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking. - What’s the best substitute for peppermint extract?
You can use crushed mint candies or peppermint oil in small amounts for a similar flavor. - What if I don’t have ramekins?
Use oven-safe mugs or muffin tins instead. Adjust baking time as needed. - Can I make these cakes gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend. - What’s the secret to the perfect molten center?
Keep an eye on the baking time and avoid overbaking. The edges should be firm while the center stays soft. - Can I freeze the cakes?
Yes, you can freeze unbaked cakes in the ramekins for up to 2 weeks. Bake directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the baking time.
These Peppermint Hot Chocolate Lava Cakes are the ultimate winter dessert, blending rich chocolate and refreshing peppermint for a cozy indulgence. Ready to create this holiday masterpiece? Grab your ramekins today and start baking your way to holiday bliss! 🎄
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