February 4, 2010

Chocolate Fondant Puddings

Have you ever had one of those days where you'll do just about anything to satisfy a craving? Not just any craving but a ridiculously chocolaty one.

For me, that day was yesterday. I wanted the tastiest, gooiest, chocolatiest thing I could think of. And Chocolate Fondant Puddings seemed like the right way to go.

These decadent desserts go by several different names. Some of you may know them as Chocolate Lava Cakes or Molten Chocolate Cakes. They are easy to make and versatile. A splash of Bailey's Irish Cream, Cointreau or some finely grated orange zest are all wonderful additions. They are great for dinner parties and celebrations. And they would certainly sweeten up that special someone. Your Valentine perhaps?!


So go on, let your hair down. Indulge your taste buds in the chocolatiest way possible!



Chocolate Fondant Puddings
Serves 8, Makes 9

Note: This recipe yields an extra serving to allow for errors and to determine cooking time. They can be made and frozen up to 1 month in advance. Allow an extra 5 minutes of cooking time if baking from frozen. Halve the recipe if you wish, or keep the extras for another time.

200g good quality bittersweet chocolate, chopped into pieces
200g butter, cut into pieces
200g caster sugar (superfine)
200g plain flour
4 eggs plus 4 yolks
50g melted butter for brushing
Cocoa powder for dusting
9 small ramekins

First off prepare your ramekins. Brush the entire inside of each one generously with the melted butter and then refrigerate or freeze. Brush more melted butter over the chilled ramekins, then, with one ramekin at a time, add a spoonful of cocoa powder. Tilt and turn the ramekin so the powder completely coats the butter. Tap out any excess powder and repeat with the remaining ramekins.

Slowly melt the chocolate and butter together in a bowl over a pan of gentle simmering water. Remove from the heat and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool.



Using a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks and sugar together until thick and pale. Sift in the flour and beat to combine.

Gradually pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, stirring thoroughly as you go. Keep mixing until you achieve a loose cake batter.

Divide the chocolate batter evenly between each ramekin. Chill for at least 30 minutes, or freeze for up to one month. Add an extra five minutes to the cooking time below if baking from frozen.

Preheat oven to 400F. Place ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 10-12 minutes until the tops form a crust and the cakes begin to separate from the sides. Be careful not to overcook them as the runny chocolate center is essential. Remove from the oven and leave to rest for one minute. Gently tip the pudding out of the ramekin onto a plate. Serve with fresh berries and vanilla ice cream.

Recipe adapted ever so slightly from recipezaar.

37 comments:

  1. Jennie, this looks divine! It looks too good.

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  2. This looks so delicious and sinful! yum...I might have to make this for my sweetheart on Valentines Day!

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  3. Beautiful pictures! I could eat them right now. Great recipe. It doesn't sound hard to make.

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  4. This looks wonderful!!

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  5. OH MY... Perfect looking

    i think these will be on my weekend menu

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  6. Jennie, as a confirmed chocoholic, this is the perfect dessert. Many thanks...

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  7. luscious decadence!!!
    I can imagine making for a special one adding either a pinch of cayenne or a drop of port wine

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  8. Groan. This looks so heavenly. Molten chocolate cravings need to be indulged at all times. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

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  9. Thank you for offering a taste of artistic sight today.
    As for me, I am really sorry that my hand does not arrive in the beauty.

    The beauty that you created gives glory to my blog.


    From the Far East.
    Best regards.
    ruma

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  10. OK, so totally had to check your site out after the comment...and WOW! Beautiful food (recipe & photos)!! Can't wait to see what you cook up next. Cheers!

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  11. No one can resist this chocolate pudding!!!!

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  12. oh my, this is the perfect fix to ANY chocolate craving!

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  13. ZOMG! That looks astonishingly good! Yum!

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  14. Jennie- this did more than satisfy a craving! I think I died and went to heaven. Those photos are stunning!

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  15. Oh Lordie....this simply looks divine. Well done, I wish my guys would eat chocolate...what is a gal to do? Find a guest, thats what..

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  16. Can one fall in love with a cake? Because I just did. :)

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  17. These are gorgeous! It just doesn't get any better than chocolate for me. I also love the make ahead and freeze option. Perfect for an unexpected chocoalte craving. :)

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  18. Oh my goodness....I'll definitely take one of those. D you ship? lol. These are pure heaven.

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  19. These look so delicious! Lovely photos!

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  20. Absolutely perfectly delicious!
    Thanks a lot - I didn't have any cravings before I clicked over here but now? Well, guess you know exactly what I'm craving!

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  21. how did you manage to restrain yourself long enough to take the photos? :P I have to confess that I sometimes just NEED chocolate.

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  22. I'm wondering how many of these I could eat... I don't even want to admit it to myself!

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  23. Oh wow excellent food, pictures and narration. Hope you have a splendid weekend. Anna :)

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  24. Darling, wishing you a lovely weekend and a love filled Valentine’s Day.

    Love & Hugs
    Duchess

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  25. I am smitten by the oozing chocolate! Yum!

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  26. Such a delicious and decadent chocolate dessert! Just perfect for Valentine's Day!

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  27. this looks heavenly!!! i'll definitely try it! i love food and trying new recipes! i have my own food blog so come by anytime!!! i'd love to have your input/critiques!

    www.samahsrecipes.blogspot.com

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  28. now that chocolate looks fabulous!!!

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  29. This looks fabulous! I am so glad I discovered your blog!!

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  30. Excellent post, wow you seen to be an extraordinary cook. will keep coming in for more....

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  31. YUM! This looks delicious!! Perfect for Valentine's Day. =)

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  32. Jennie - I love your photos. I did a 12 minute chocolate fondant which was the best thing I ever tasted. Would love your thoughts on my photos



    www.cookmybooks.com.au

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  33. Excellent post,will keep coming in for more....
    __________
    Thank You
    Bernard
    gluten free chocolate

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