If you’re a chocolate lover, you know the irresistible appeal of gooey, melty chocolate. This recipe delivers an intense, rich chocolate experience that’s sure to satisfy any craving. Imagine a fudgy, lava-like texture inside and a delicately crispy outside, all with deep chocolate flavors. Perfect as a dessert to wow friends or as a satisfying treat at home, this gooey chocolate recipe is easy to make and wonderfully indulgent.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter – plus extra for greasing the pan
- 8 oz (225g) dark chocolate, chopped (around 70% cocoa for a rich flavor)
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (100g) light brown sugar – adds moisture and enhances the gooey texture
- 4 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup (25g) unsweetened cocoa powder – boosts chocolate intensity
Preparation
- Preheat & Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with butter, then line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy lifting later. - Melt the Butter and Chocolate
In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and dark chocolate together, stirring constantly to prevent burning. Once melted and smooth, remove from heat and let it cool slightly. - Add Sugars
Add both granulated sugar and brown sugar to the melted chocolate mixture, stirring until completely incorporated. - Mix in Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, stirring well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. At this stage, the mixture should be glossy and smooth. - Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Slowly add these dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to retain a soft and gooey texture. - Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing it out evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center still has a slight jiggle. For extra gooeyness, check at 25 minutes. Remember, the chocolate will continue to set as it cools. - Cool and Serve
Allow the chocolate to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes before using the parchment overhang to lift it out. Slice and serve warm for maximum gooeyness.
Variations
- Extra Chocolate Chips: Fold in 1/2 cup of chocolate chips or chunks just before baking.
- Nutty Delight: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Salted Caramel Swirl: Drizzle 1/4 cup of salted caramel sauce over the batter before baking and gently swirl with a knife.
- Espresso-Infused: Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to intensify the chocolate flavor.
Cooking Note
For a truly gooey center, be cautious not to overbake. Testing with a toothpick should show some moist crumbs clinging to it. If it comes out completely clean, the dessert will be more cake-like and less gooey.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce. For a fancy touch, sprinkle with powdered sugar or flaky sea salt.
Tips
- High-Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best results; it makes a significant difference in flavor.
- Room-Temperature Eggs: This helps the ingredients combine more smoothly.
- Avoid Overmixing: Overmixing will add air and could result in a cake-like texture rather than a fudgy, gooey one.
Timing
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 320
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 75mg
FAQs
- Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but it will be much sweeter and less intense. If using milk chocolate, reduce the sugar slightly for balance. - How do I make the dessert gluten-free?
Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. For the best results, use a blend that includes xanthan gum. - How do I know when it’s perfectly baked?
The edges should be set and slightly pulled away from the pan, while the center should have a soft jiggle when gently shaken.
Conclusion
This gooey chocolate recipe is the ultimate treat for those who crave deep, intense chocolate flavor with an irresistible texture. Whether for a weekend indulgence or a dinner party showstopper, this dessert will leave everyone reaching for seconds. Enjoy the pure satisfaction of each gooey, chocolate-filled bite!