Cherries Jubilee Chocolate Lava Cakes

Cherries Jubilee began as Escoffier’s flambéed cherry spectacle for Queen Victoria’s jubilee. These French-inspired lava cakes hide a molten chocolate center and finish with kirsch-kissed sweet cherries for a festive twist.

Serves 4 · 20 min prep · 15 min cook

Estimate for one serving

• 520 cal
• 7g protein
• 48g carbs
• 34g fat
• 3g fiber

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Ingredients

• 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup plus 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
• 8 oz fresh sweet cherries, pitted
• 3 tbsp kirsch or brandy
• 1 tbsp cocoa powder for dusting
• for serving vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 425°F. Butter four 6-ounce ramekins thoroughly and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
2. 2Melt the chopped chocolate with the larger amount of butter in a heatproof bowl set over barely simmering water, stirring until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let cool 2 minutes.
3. 3Whisk the larger amount of sugar into the chocolate mixture until combined.
4. 4Add the whole eggs and egg yolks one at a time, whisking vigorously after each addition until the batter is thick and shiny.
5. 5Fold in the flour and salt just until no dry streaks remain.
6. 6Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
7. 7Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly when shaken, 11 to 13 minutes.
8. 8Meanwhile, melt the remaining butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the pitted cherries and remaining sugar.
9. 9Cook until the cherries soften and release their juices, about 4 minutes, then stir in the kirsch and simmer 1 minute more for a warm, lightly boozy sauce.
10. 10Remove the lava cakes from the oven and let rest 1 minute. Run a thin knife the edges and carefully invert each onto a plate.
11. 11Spoon the hot cherries jubilee sauce generously over and each molten cake so it pools into the chocolate center.
12. 12Serve immediately with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream if desired while the contrast of warm chocolate and juicy cherries is perfect.