Ingredients
Method
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease 4–6 small bundt molds or ramekins and set them on a tray.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together over a gentle bain-marie or in short bursts in the microwave, stirring until smooth. Allow the mixture to cool just enough that it is warm, not hot.
- In a bowl, whisk the granulated sugar and eggs until light and slightly airy; fold in the teaspoon of vanilla.
- Fold the melted chocolate into the egg mixture with a soft touch. Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined — the batter should hold a glossy, dense ribbon.
Cheesecake Filling
- In a separate bowl, beat the cream cheese with powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Fold in the whipped cream to keep the mixture light, then stir in the chocolate chunks.
Assembly
- Fill each mold halfway with the chocolate batter.
- Spoon a generous dollop of the cheesecake filling into the center, leaving room at the top.
- Cover with the remaining chocolate batter, sealing the edges so the cheesecake remains tucked inside.
Baking
- Bake for 12–15 minutes. The edges should be set and spring back lightly while the center remains soft and slightly trembling.
- Do not overbake — the contrast between set shell and molten heart is everything.
Ganache
- For the ganache, heat 1/2 cup heavy cream until steaming (do not boil) and pour over the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
- Stir until glossy and smooth.
Serving
- Let the cakes cool in their molds for 5 minutes, then invert carefully onto plates.
- Pour warm ganache generously over each cake so it lands in luminous ribbons. Serve immediately while the center is molten.
Notes
Serve on warmed plates to prolong the molten state. A small spoon rather than a fork invites tasting. Variations include adding orange zest or using milk chocolate for a sweeter shell.
