Bittersweet Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

INGREDIENTS

7 tablespoons (3½ ounces) unsalted butter, plus additional for the ramekins, softened to room temperature
4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (preferably Valrhona 70% cacao Guanaja), cut into chip-sized pieces (about 1 cup)
4 large eggs
3 tablespoons granulated sugar
¼ cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
6 chocolate truffles
1 pint fresh raspberries
Whipped cream, optional

Chocolate Sauce Recipe

5 ounces semisweet chocolate (preferably Valrhona 64% cacao Manjari), cut into chip-sized pieces (about 1¼ cups)
¾ cup heavy cream
¾ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
1 tablespoon (½ ounce) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

GUIDE / INSTRUCTIONS

For the Bittersweet Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
Generously butter six 5- to 6-ounce ramekins, line them with parchment lifts, and butter the paper. Place on a small sheet pan.
Melt the chocolate in the top of a double boiler over (not touching) barely simmering water in the bottom pan until warm. (Or use a heatproof bowl over a saucepan.) The chocolate should register 105˚F to 115˚F on an instant-read thermometer. (Or dip a small metal skewer into the chocolate. It should feel warm when touched to your lower lip.)
Combine the eggs and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer. Place the bowl over (not touching) simmering water in a saucepan. Whisk just until warm, about 1½ minutes.
Place the bowl on the mixer, fit with the whisk attachment, and whip on medium-high speed until fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Remove the bowl from the mixer. Sift the flour over the top of the egg mixture. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flour.
Then fold about one-third of the egg mixture into the melted chocolate. Fold in the remaining egg mixture in two batches.
Spoon enough batter into each ramekin to be one-third full.
Center a truffle in the middle of the ramekin. Spoon the remaining batter over the top of the truffle to fill the ramekin to 80% full.
Bake until a skewer inserted down one side of the cake (the center will be liquid because of the ganache) comes out clean, 10 to 12 minutes. While they are baking, prepare the Chocolate Sauce (see recipe below).
Remove from the oven and let sit for 1 minute. Lift the cakes from the ramekins onto a dessert plate and coat with chocolate sauce, raspberries and whipped cream.

For the Chocolate Sauce Recipe

Place the chocolate in a medium bowl.
In a small saucepan, bring the cream to a simmer over medium heat.
Remove from the heat, pour over the chocolate, and let sit for 1 minute.
Whisk the chocolate and cream together until completely smooth and shiny.
Whisk in the vanilla and the butter.
Let cool but keep warm until needed for cakes.

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Oceania Cruises, a culinary and destination-focused cruise line, offers small, luxurious ships with gourmet cuisine and destination-rich itineraries, calling on over 600 ports in more than 100 countries across seven continents. They operate a fleet of small, luxurious ships that can accommodate up to 1,250 guests. Oceania sailings include accommodations, shore excursions, port shuttles, activities, food and most beverages, specialty dining and entertainment.Oceania Cruises attracts affluent retirees and discerning travelers looking for a refined, no-frills experience, as well as solo travelers, couples, and empty nesters.

Key Features of Oceania Cruises includes: 1. Small Ship Luxury – Oceania’s ships are smaller than larger cruise lines, providing a more intimate and personalized experience. 2. Gourmet Cuisine – They are renowned for their culinary program, with restaurants offering diverse and high-quality dining options. 3. Comprehensive Itineraries – Oceania’s itineraries cover a wide range of destinations, including Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. 4. Destination-Rich Experiences – They offer immersive tours and insider experiences that explore the cultural and culinary traditions of the destinations. 5. High Staff-to-Guest Ratio – Oceania boasts a lower crew-to-passenger ratio than many other mid-size cruise ships, ensuring personalized service. 6. Personalized Comfort – They aim to create a sense of comfort and personalized service for all guests. 7. Suite and Stateroom Options – Oceania offers a variety of accommodation options, including Owner’s and Vista Suites, Oceania Suites, and Penthouse Suites, with varying levels of luxury and amenities. 8. Included Amenities – Oceania Cruises includes a variety of amenities in their base fare, such as specialty restaurants, in-suite dining, and some beverage packages.