Chocolate Salted Caramel Lava Cakes
Ingredients
Chocolate Cake Batter:
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup dairy-free buttermilk plant-based milk + 1 tsp vinegar
- ¼ cup melted coconut oil or vegetable oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Salted Caramel Filling:
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup canned coconut milk full-fat
- ¼ tsp sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Salted Caramel Filling:
- In a medium saucepan, heat the granulated sugar over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted and golden brown.
- Add the coconut milk and sea salt, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Allow the caramel to simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
- Once cooled, pour the caramel into small silicone molds or an ice cube tray and freeze until solid.
Prepare the Chocolate Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour four ramekins.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In another bowl, mix the dairy-free buttermilk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
Assemble the Lava Cakes:
- Spoon a little of the chocolate cake batter into each ramekin, filling them about halfway.
- Place a frozen caramel piece in the center of each ramekin.
- Cover with the remaining chocolate cake batter, filling the ramekins almost to the top.
Bake:
- Bake the lava cakes for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
- Allow the cakes to cool in the ramekins for 5 minutes.
Serve:
- Run a knife around the edges of the ramekins to loosen the cakes.
- Invert the cakes onto plates and serve immediately.
- Enjoy the cakes warm with the gooey salted caramel center!
Notes
- Dairy-Free Buttermilk: Make this by combining plant-based milk with 1 tsp of vinegar and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- Caramel Filling: Ensure the caramel is well frozen before placing it in the cake batter to achieve the perfect lava effect.
- Serving: These cakes are best served warm for the ultimate gooey caramel experience.