Rich Molten Chocolate Dessert

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love chocolate, this dessert is a dream come true! The rich chocolate cake at the bottom offers a solid structure, while the luscious, gooey cream cheese filling melts in your mouth, creating a heavenly experience with every bite. It's quick to prepare and bakes to perfection with minimal effort, making it a great choice for any occasion. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and can be customized with chocolate chips for an even more intense chocolate flavor!

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix

• 1 egg

• ½ cup butter, melted

For the Filling:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ½ cup butter, melted

• 16 oz powdered sugar

• ¼ cup cocoa powder

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, egg, and melted butter. Press the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan.

3. In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Add the melted butter, powdered sugar, and cocoa powder to the cream cheese mixture. Beat until everything is well combined.

5. Pour the cream cheese filling over the cake layer in the pan.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is set and slightly golden. The center should remain soft and gooey.

7. Let the dessert cool for a few minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 40 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Yield: 12 servings

Variations

• Add chocolate chips: For an even more intense chocolate flavor, stir in a handful of chocolate chips into the filling mixture before pouring it over the cake layer.

• Top with ice cream or syrup: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or drizzle with chocolate syrup to enhance the dessert’s indulgence.

• Use different cake mix flavors: Try substituting the chocolate cake mix with a vanilla or red velvet mix for a different twist.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: This dessert can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it has cooled completely before storing.

• Reheating: To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for 20-30 seconds, or heat the entire pan in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, until warm.

FAQs

1. Can I use homemade cake mix instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can substitute a homemade chocolate cake mix for the boxed one. Just ensure the consistency is similar for the bottom layer to bake properly.

2. Can I use a different type of cheese for the filling?

While cream cheese is recommended for its smooth texture, you could experiment with mascarpone or ricotta for a different flavor profile.

3. Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it gently before serving.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

The top should be set and slightly golden, while the center remains soft and gooey. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, not clean.

5. Can I freeze this dessert?

Yes, you can freeze this dessert. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.

6. Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe, although the flavor may be slightly different.

7. Can I use a gluten-free cake mix?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this dessert gluten-free. Just check the rest of the ingredients for any hidden gluten sources.

8. What can I serve with this dessert?

Serve this molten chocolate dessert with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries to balance the richness of the cake.

9. Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free substitutes like dairy-free cream cheese and butter. However, the texture and flavor may differ slightly.

10. How can I make this dessert less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can decrease the amount of powdered sugar in the filling or use a lower-sugar cake mix.

Conclusion

This rich molten chocolate dessert is the perfect treat for any occasion, combining the best of cake and molten chocolate in one irresistible package. Easy to make and absolutely delicious, it's a dessert that will quickly become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Whether you serve it with ice cream, chocolate syrup, or on its own, it's sure to impress anyone who gets a taste!