Molten Chocolate Cherry Baby Cakes Recipes

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE BABY CAKES

Steps:

• In a small saucepan over low heat, bring the brandy and orange juice to a simmer. Add the cherries, simmer 1 minute and turn off the heat. Soak the cherries in the warm mixture until they plump up, about 10 minutes.
• Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
• Set a heat-proof bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Place the chocolate and the butter into the bowl and let it sit over the heat until the chocolate begins to melt. Stir to combine and continue to heat until the mixture is smooth and the chocolate is completely melted. Remove from the heat.
• In a large bowl, beat together the whole eggs, yolks and sugar until the mixture turns light and thick.
• Pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Beat in the flour until just combined. Do not over-mix the batter.
• Butter 6 (4-ounce) ramekins. Sprinkle each ramekin with 1 teaspoon cocoa powder and tap out the excess. Divide the batter among the ramekins. Drain the cherries and put a few cherries into the center of each ramekin. Use a spoon to push the batter over the cherries to cover them.
• Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 7 to 9 minutes. The outside of the desserts will be set, but the centers will be soft.
• To serve, invert each mold on a plate and let sit for 10 seconds. Slowly lift one side of the mold and the cake will fall out. (If the cakes won't easily come out, just serve them right in the cups.)
• DB note: These little desserts are easy to make ahead. Refrigerate them in the baking cups and when you're ready to bake, bring them up to room temperature and bake as above.

MOLTEN CHOCOLATE-CHERRY CAKES

Steps:

• Prepare Chocolate Dipped Cherries:.
• Drain 6 maraschino cherries with stems. Pat dry with paper towels. Place 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon shortening (do not use butter, margarine, spread or oil) in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH (100%) 45 seconds. Stir until chips are melted. Dip cherries into chocolate mixture. Place on wax paper-lined tray. Refrigerate until serving time.
• FOR CAKES:.
• Heat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
• Grease six 3/4-cup souffle dishes or 6-ounce custard cups.
• Sprinkle inside of each with some of the 1 tablespoon sugar.
• Place dishes in a 9 x 13-inch baking pan or a jelly-roll pan.
• Melt butter in medium saucepan.
• Remove from heat.
• Whisk in cocoa, 1/3 cup sugar, whipping cream and vanilla.
• Whisk in flour just until combined, set aside.
• Beat eggs, egg yolks and remaining 1/3 cup sugar in large bowl on high speed of mixer about 5 minutes or until slightly thickened and lemon-colored.
• Beat in chocolate mixture on medium speed.
• Pour about 1/4 cup into each prepared dish.
• Sprinkle chopped cherries evenly over each.
• Carefully pour remaining chocolate mixture into each dish.
• Bake 13 to 15 minutes or just until top of each cake looks dry. (Do not over bake.).
• Let stand in dishes 3 minutes.
• Loosen sides of each and invert onto serving plates.
• Serve warm topped with whipped cream and a Chocolate Dipped Cherry.