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Pistachio Chocolate Lava Cakes That Melt From the Middle

Pistachio Chocolate Lava Cakes feature a rich chocolate exterior with a molten pistachio center.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine Modern European

Ingredients
  

For the Pistachio Lava Center

  • 1/2 cup white chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup pistachio paste unsweetened or lightly sweetened
  • 1 tablespoon heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt

For the Chocolate Lava Cake

  • 1/2 cup 115g unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces 115g dark chocolate (60–70%), chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/3 cup 70g granulated sugar
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder for dusting
  • Chopped pistachios for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Make the Pistachio Filling

  • In a heatproof bowl, melt white chocolate and heavy cream using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
  • Stir in pistachio paste and a pinch of salt until fully combined and silky.
  • Spoon mixture into a silicone mold to form 6 equal discs. Freeze for at least 1 hour until solid. These can be made a day in advance and stored in the freezer.

Prepare the Ramekins

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
  • Grease six 6-ounce ramekins generously with butter and dust with cocoa powder. Place on a baking tray for easy transfer.

Make the Chocolate Batter

  • Melt butter and dark chocolate together in a saucepan or microwave, stirring until smooth.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt for 2–3 minutes until thick and pale.
  • Slowly whisk in melted chocolate mixture until fully incorporated.
  • Gently fold in flour until just combined. Do not overmix.

Assemble the Lava Cakes

  • Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into each ramekin.
  • Place one frozen pistachio disc in the center.
  • Cover with additional batter until ramekins are about three-quarters full.

Bake and Serve

  • Bake for 11–13 minutes until edges are firm but centers still jiggle slightly.
  • Let rest for 1 minute. Carefully run a knife around edges if needed, then invert onto serving plates.
  • Garnish with chopped pistachios and serve immediately for the perfect molten Pistachio Chocolate Lava Cakes experience.

Notes

  • Pistachio paste should be smooth and natural for best flavor.