Molten Chocolate Cake with a Central African Twist

Ingredients

In this Central African adaptation, we incorporate traditional spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to infuse the cake with warm and comforting flavors. Additionally, a hint of citrus is added to enhance the richness of the chocolate. These modifications give the molten chocolate cake a unique twist, reflecting the vibrant flavors of Central African cuisine. We alse have the original recipe for Molten Chocolate Cake, so you can check it out.

• 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 8 ounces (227g) dark chocolate, chopped 8 ounces (227g) dark chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Zest of 1 orange Zest of 1 orange
• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs 3 large eggs
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt Pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional) Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
• Fresh berries, for garnish (optional) Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 420 kcal / 1760 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 28g, 16g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 40g, 30g
• Protein: 6g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 0.1g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease individual ramekins with butter and dust with flour.
2. 2.
   In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate together over a pan of simmering water, stirring until smooth.
3. 3.
   Remove the bowl from heat and stir in the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and orange zest.
4. 4.
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and eggs until well combined.
5. 5.
   Gradually pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly.
6. 6.
   Sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, and gently fold until just combined.
7. 7.
   Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
8. 8.
   Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
9. 9.
   Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1-2 minutes.
10. 10.
    Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate, gently tapping to release the cake.
11. 11.
    Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries, if desired.
12. 12.
    Serve immediately and enjoy the molten chocolate goodness!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Dark chocolate — Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for the best flavor and texture.
• Orange zest — Make sure to grate only the outer orange part of the peel, avoiding the bitter white pith.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter.
• Serve the molten chocolate cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
• If you prefer a more intense citrus flavor, add a few drops of orange extract to the batter.
• To ensure the cakes release easily from the ramekins, butter and flour them thoroughly.
• Experiment with different spices like cardamom or ginger to create your own unique twist on this Central African molten chocolate cake.

Serving advice

Serve the molten chocolate cakes immediately after removing them from the ramekins to fully enjoy the warm, gooey center. Pair them with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a luxurious treat.

Presentation advice

Dust the plates with cocoa powder before placing the molten chocolate cake on top for an elegant touch. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar for a visually appealing presentation.