Homemade Domino’s Choco Lava Cake Recipe

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I’m taking you on a baking journey to recreate Domino’s Choco Lava Cake right in your very own kitchen. This treat, known for its irresistibly gooey center and rich, chocolatey embrace, has stolen the hearts (and satisfied the cravings) of sweet lovers everywhere.

How to make Domino’s Choco Lava Cake

Domino’s Choco Lava Cake is a popular dessert offered by the pizza chain. It consists of a rich, chocolate cake with a gooey, molten chocolate center. When you cut into it, the warm chocolate flows out, creating a deliciously indulgent experience.

Ingredients

• 100g (or about 3.5 oz) Dark Chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for the richest taste.
• 100g (or about 1/2 cup) Unsalted Butter: This should be in addition to a little more for greasing the ramekins.
• 150g (or about 3/4 cup) Granulated Sugar: Adjust to taste if you prefer it sweeter or less sweet.
• 2 Large Eggs + 2 Egg Yolks: These contribute to the gooey center and rich texture.
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract: For that subtle depth of flavor.
• 50g (or about 1/3 cup) All-Purpose Flour: Sifted to avoid lumps in your batter.
• A pinch of Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness.
• Powdered Sugar and Berries (optional): For garnishing.

Instructions

1. Prep Your Equipment: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Generously butter four ramekins (about 6 to 8 oz in size). Dust them with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess, and place them on a baking tray.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Melt them together over a bain-marie (a simmering water bath) or in 20-second blasts in the microwave, stirring frequently until smooth. Let the mixture cool slightly.
3. Mix Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until slightly thickened and pale.
4. Combine with Chocolate Mixture: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add the vanilla extract, then fold it gently until it is combined.
5. Add Flour and Salt: Sift in the flour and salt over the chocolate and egg mixture. Fold it in gently until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
6. Fill Ramekins and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm and the center slightly soft.
7. Serving: Allow to cool for about 1-2 minutes, then carefully run a knife around the edges of each cake. Invert onto plates and garnish with powdered sugar and berries if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the gooey center.

Tips for the Perfect Choco Lava Cake

• Do Not Overbake: The key to that molten center is a shorter baking time. Keep an eye on the cakes as oven temperatures can vary.
• Use Good Quality Chocolate: The flavor of the cake greatly depends on the chocolate used, so opt for the best you can get.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and butter are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
• Be Gentle: When folding in your ingredients, especially the flour, be gentle to maintain the airiness of the batter.
• Experiment with Flavor: Feel free to add a splash of espresso or a pinch of chili powder for a unique twist on this classic dessert.

What to serve with

When you have taken the time to create a dessert as rich and indulgent as a Domino’s Choco Lava Cake, pairing it with the right accompaniments can elevate your treat to an extraordinary dessert experience.

• Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a classic pairing with warm chocolate lava cake. The contrast of hot and cold, as well as the creamy texture against the gooey center, is perfection. To complement the chocolate, you could also experiment with other ice cream flavors like salted caramel, coffee, or raspberry.
• Fresh Fruit: Fresh berries, such as strawberries, raspberries or blueberries, offer a tart counterpoint to the sweetness of the chocolate. Their acidity and fruitiness cut through the richness and cleanse the palate between bites. Sliced bananas or cherries can also work well.
• Whipped Cream: A lightly sweetened whipped cream dollop can add a luxurious element without overpowering the main attraction. For a twist, flavor your whipped cream with a splash of liqueur or a dash of vanilla or almond extract.
• Dessert Sauces: While the lava cake has its own molten center, drizzling over a bit of raspberry coulis, salted caramel sauce or even a warm chocolate ganache can add another layer of flavor to the dish. Adjust the sweetness and intensity to match your taste.
• Nuts: A sprinkle of toasted nuts, such as hazelnuts, almonds or pecans, can add a pleasant crunch and nuttiness that contrasts well with the soft texture of the cake. Just remember to toast them lightly to enhance their flavor.
• Liqueur: For a more adult-oriented dessert, you could accompany the cake with a small glass of dessert wine, such as a port or a sweet sherry. If you prefer spirits, try a splash of Baileys, Frangelico, or Amaretto either on the side or drizzled over the cake for a boozy kick.
• Coffee or Tea: The bitterness of a freshly brewed coffee or a cup of black tea can be a welcome balance to the sweet and intense chocolate flavor of the cake. Choose a coffee with chocolatey notes or a tea with bright acidity, like Earl Grey or Jasmine, to complement the dessert.
• Mint: A few fresh mint leaves add a pop of color for a beautiful presentation and contribute a refreshing note that can cleanse the palate and lighten the heaviness of the dessert.
• Powdered Sugar or Cocoa Powder: A light dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder over the Choco Lava Cake just before serving adds a touch of elegance and can slightly temper the sweetness if desired.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you want to make a homemade version of Domino’s Choco Lava Cake but are missing some ingredients or need alternatives due to dietary restrictions, don’t worry! There are many substitutes you can use to still achieve a delicious result.

Flour

All-Purpose Flour Substitute: If you’re out of all-purpose flour, you can use cake flour for a lighter texture or bread flour for a chewier cake. Try a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, almond flour, or coconut flour for a gluten-free alternative. Keep in mind that textures and ratios may vary with gluten-free substitutes, so adjustments may be necessary.

Eggs

Egg Substitute: To replace one egg, you can use a commercial egg replacer, a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons).

Final Thoughts

Creating your version of Domino’s Choco Lava Cake at home can be rewarding and delicious.

More Lava Cake Recipes:

• Easy Molten Lava Cake Recipe