Easy Chocolate Walnut Molten Lava Cake

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius (about 400 degrees Fahrenheit).
2. Grease a small ramekin or oven-safe mold with butter and lightly dust with flour to prevent sticking.
3. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces for easier melting.
4. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter.
5. Heat the chocolate and butter mixture in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each, until fully melted and smooth.
6. In a separate bowl, whisk the large egg and granulated sugar together until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.
7. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture and whisk to combine.
8. Gradually sift the all purpose flour into the egg mixture and gently fold it in until just combined.
9. Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the batter and fold gently until smooth and uniform.
10. Fold in the chopped walnuts carefully to distribute evenly.
11. For the batter into the prepared ramekin, filling it about three quarters full.
12. Place the ramekin on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes. The edges should be set but the center will be soft and molten.
13. Remove from the oven and let the cake rest for 2 minutes before serving.
14. Run a knife around the edges of the cake to loosen it, then invert onto a plate carefully.
15. Serve immediately for the best molten lava effect, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.