Spicy Amaro Chocolate Lava Cakes with Candied Chili and Orange Zest
These decadent lava cakes combine the rich bitterness of dark chocolate with a subtle kick of chili and the aromatic zest of orange. A hint of herbaceous amaro adds an unexpected depth of flavor, making this a sophisticated and adventurous Italian dessert.
Prep Time
90 min
Difficulty
Hard
Servings
6
Calories
450 kcal
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the candied chili: In a small saucepan, combine 50g granulated sugar and 50ml water. Heat until sugar dissolves, then add the thinly sliced chili peppers. Simmer gently for 10-15 minutes until the chili is slightly translucent and syrupy. Remove chili slices from syrup and place on parchment paper to dry. Reserve the chili syrup.
~20 min - 2
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Butter and lightly flour 6 (6-ounce) ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
~5 min - 3
Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler), stirring until smooth. Remove from heat. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.
~5 min - 4
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, 150g granulated sugar, amaro liqueur, chili powder, and salt until well combined and slightly frothy.
~3 min - 5
Gradually whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until fully incorporated and smooth. This will create a rich, dark batter.
~2 min - 6
Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Do not overmix.
~1 min - 7
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about two-thirds full.
~2 min - 8
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly. The time will vary depending on your oven.
~14 min - 9
Let the lava cakes cool in the ramekins for 2 minutes. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. The centers should ooze slightly.
~2 min - 10
Garnish each lava cake with a sprinkle of fresh orange zest and a few pieces of the candied chili. Drizzle with a little of the reserved chili syrup if desired.
~1 min - 11
For an extra touch, lightly torch the orange zest on each cake for a caramelized aroma using a kitchen torch.
~1 min
Tips
- For perfectly runny centers, it's crucial not to overbake the lava cakes. Keep a close eye on them in the final minutes of baking and err on the side of underbaking if unsure.
- The candied chili can be made a day in advance and stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The amaro adds a complex herbaceous note, but if unavailable, a very small amount of strong black coffee or espresso can be substituted for a different type of depth.
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