Ingredients
For the Fondants
- Butter, to grease ramekins
- Cocoa powder, to coat ramekins and dust
- 125g butter
- 175g dark chocolate
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ⅓ cup caster sugar
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup plain flour
To Serve
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries or coulis
Instructions
- Prepare Ramekins: Grease six 9cm diameter ramekins thoroughly with butter, then coat the insides with cocoa powder. Place the prepared ramekins in the fridge to chill while you prepare the batter.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 220°C using the fan bake setting to ensure even baking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the butter. Add the dark chocolate and stir well to combine. Use short bursts in the microwave (10-15 seconds), stirring between each burst, until the mixture is smooth and fully melted.
- Whisk Eggs and Sugar: Using a mixer, whisk the whole eggs, extra egg yolks, caster sugar, and a pinch of salt until the mixture is light, fluffy, and has increased slightly in volume. This should take about 5 minutes.
- Combine Mixtures: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the whisked eggs mix. Then sift and fold in the plain flour until fully incorporated, taking care not to deflate the airiness in the batter.
- Fill Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place them in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to chill before baking, which helps create the contrast between the baked exterior and molten center.
- Bake the Fondants: Bake the fondants in the preheated oven for 7-10 minutes. Oven times may vary, so watch for the edges to be set while the center remains soft and molten.
- Rest and Unmold: Allow the fondants to sit for 1 minute after baking, then carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate to release the fondant without breaking it.
- Serve: Dust the tops with additional cocoa powder and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, dollop of whipped cream, and fresh berries or coulis to enhance the rich chocolate flavor.
Notes
- The exact baking time can vary based on your oven, so start checking at 7 minutes to ensure a molten center.
- Chilling the ramekins before baking helps develop the characteristic rich crust and gooey interior contrast.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute plain flour with gluten-free flour blend.
- Serve immediately after baking for the best molten texture; reheating may harden the center.
- You can add a small piece of chocolate or a spoonful of fruit jam in the center before baking for a flavor twist.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
