Ultra-gooey and rich: these chocolate cake recipes are a must-try now

Is there anything better than a rich, gooey chocolate cake that melts in your mouth? If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you know that nothing satisfies that craving quite like a decadent chocolate cake, especially when it’s soft, gooey, and full of flavor. Whether it’s a melt-in-your-mouth chocolate fondant or a super-moist chocolate cake, these recipes will have you heading straight to the kitchen. Here’s a look at two must-try chocolate cake recipes that promise to impress with every bite.

Chocolate Cake “Like a Pleyel”: A Rich, Melting Delight

If you’re a fan of dark chocolate and love a cake with an irresistibly gooey texture, this “like a Pleyel” cake is the one for you. Inspired by the famous chocolatier’s recipe, it combines dark chocolate, salted butter, and almonds for a delicate and decadent treat. The best part? This recipe is both easy and quick to make, perfect for when you want a show-stopping dessert without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients for 6 Servings:

• 170g dark chocolate
• 150g salted butter
• 4 eggs (120g egg whites and 80g egg yolks)
• 20g regular sugar and 150g powdered sugar
• 65g almond flour
• 80g flour
• 20g unsalted butter (for greasing the pan)
• 2 tbsp flour (for greasing the pan)

Preparation in 5 Simple Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (static heat) and grease and flour your baking pan.
2. Melt the chocolate and salted butter together in a large mixing bowl over a double boiler, stirring until smooth and shiny.
3. Whisk the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. Gradually add sugar and whisk until the mixture forms stiff peaks.
4. Incorporate the egg yolks into the melted chocolate, then add powdered sugar and almond flour. Mix well.
5. Gently fold in the sifted flour, followed by the egg whites in three additions. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 10 minutes at 200°C. Lower the heat to 180°C and bake for another 20 minutes. The center should be slightly wobbly.

Tip: To ensure the cake doesn’t dry out, check the doneness with a knife. It should come out dry but with a slight gooeyness in the center.

Chocolate Fondant “Like a Baulois”: The Perfectly Rich Texture

For those who prefer a more intense and rich fondant, this “Baulois-style” chocolate fondant is the way to go. With dark chocolate, salted butter, and a hint of sugar, it’s got that perfect fudgy texture that makes it hard to resist. The best part? You can make it a day ahead and let it sit, which allows the flavors to develop even more.

Ingredients for 6-8 Servings:

• 115g dark chocolate (preferably not too bitter)
• 140g salted butter
• 3 eggs (about 150g)
• 145g sugar
• 20g flour
• Butter for greasing the pan

Preparation in 5 Easy Steps:

1. Melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave.
2. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy, forming a ribbon-like texture.
3. Add the flour and mix well. Then, incorporate the melted chocolate-butter mixture.
4. Preheat the oven to 150°C. Grease a round baking pan (18–20 cm in diameter).
5. Pour the batter into the pan and bake for 25 minutes. The cake should still have a slight wobble in the center when done. Let it cool at room temperature before refrigerating it overnight.

Tip: For a twist, substitute regular sugar with brown sugar for a caramelized flavor.

Tips and Variations to Personalize Your Fondants

The beauty of chocolate fondants is that they’re incredibly versatile. You can add nuts, raspberries, or even a splash of orange liqueur for an extra layer of flavor. Want an even gooier center? Opt for the “molten heart” version by slightly reducing the baking time.

Serve these cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with hot chocolate sauce for an indulgent treat. The key is to create a cozy and enjoyable experience around your cake, whether you’re serving it to family or sharing it with friends.

Whether you choose a chocolate cake or a fondant, these recipes will offer you an unforgettable chocolate experience. They are perfect for sharing a sweet moment with loved ones and will definitely satisfy even the most demanding sweet tooths. Ready to get baking?