Rich molten chocolate orange cakes

Sometimes a weeknight calls for a special dessert that is still easy and quick to make. In my opinion, any truly special dessert needs to have chocolate. I was never much of a chocoholic, but since I’ve been married, my husband has taught me how delicious a molten chocolate cake can be. I’ve never met anyone who likes chocolate as much as he does.

If you are ever in the mood for a truly decadent chocolate dessert, or maybe need to whip up a quick dessert for two to celebrate a special occasion, these Individual Molten Chocolate Orange Cakes are perfect. What I love about this cake is that it is quick to make, and it makes just two servings which is great if you aren’t cooking for a crowd and don’t want leftovers. The flavor of this cake is rich from the dark chocolate and it has a great, fluffy texture. Once you sink your spoon into the middle of the cake, you’ll discover a delicious pool of molten fudge. The orange zest in this cake also makes it a little unique and special. I will definitely be making these cakes again when my chocolate urge hits, or when I want to impress my husband.

Looking for molten chocolate cake around the Twin Cities? Check out Rinata in Uptown or Acqua in White Bear Lake.

Individual Molten Orange Chocolate Cakes (recipe from Back to Her Roots)

Cocoa powder for dusting ramekins
2 ounces semisweet chocolate
1/4 cup butter
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1/8 c. sugar
1 tsp. flour
Zest of one orange

Preheat oven to 450°. Grease two, 4-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, set aside.

In a double boiler, heat chocolate and butter until melted. Meanwhile, combine egg, yolk, sugar and orange zest in an electric mixer and beat until light and thick (about the consistency of whipped cream). Slowly stir in chocolate mixture. Add flour and stir to incorporate. Split evenly between the ramekins, place on a baking sheet at bake for 7-10 minutes, or until edges are set and middle is soft. Let rest for 5 minutes, run butter knife along edge and invert on plate.