Fondant Au Chocolat (Petit Gâteau) Recipe
A Chocolate Lover’s Dream!
There’s something undeniably magical about breaking into a warm, delicate cake and watching a river of molten chocolate flow out.
My love affair with Fondant Au Chocolat began during a trip to Paris, where I savored my first bite of this decadent delight in a charming little café.
The rich, velvety chocolate paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream left an impression I couldn’t shake.
Ever since, I’ve been perfecting my own version of this classic French dessert, and today, I’m thrilled to share it with you!
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
| Tool | Purpose | Where to Buy |
|---|---|---|
| Mixing Bowls | For combining ingredients | Kitchen supply stores, online |
| Whisk | To mix eggs and sugar smoothly | Grocery stores, Amazon |
| Double Boiler | Melting chocolate and butter gently | Specialty kitchen stores |
| Sifter | Ensures a lump-free batter | Home goods stores, supermarkets |
| Ramekins | To bake individual cakes | Amazon, department stores |
| Oven | Baking the fondant au chocolat | Home appliance stores |
Prep Time
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Baking Time: 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 100g Dark chocolate
- 50g Unsalted butter
- 2 Eggs
- 20g Sugar
- 30g Cake flour
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease your ramekins with butter or line them with parchment paper.
- Melt the Chocolate and Butter: Use a double boiler (or microwave in short bursts) to gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together. Stir until smooth and glossy.
- Mix the Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar together until the mixture becomes pale and slightly frothy.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs while whisking. Then, sift in the cake flour and fold gently until fully incorporated.
- Fill the Ramekins: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for exactly 10 minutes. The edges should be set while the center remains gooey.
- Cool Slightly & Serve: Let the cakes cool for a minute before carefully unmolding. Serve immediately with a scoop of ice cream or fresh berries.
Food Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10-15 seconds before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap each cake in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 180°C for 12 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Fondant Au Chocolat
- Use high-quality 70% dark chocolate for the richest flavor.
- Don’t overbake! The key to a lava center is removing the cakes right at the 10-minute mark.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate taste.
- For a twist, stuff a square of caramel or white chocolate in the center before baking.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sodium | 20mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter, fill the ramekins, and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Bake just before serving.
2. What if I don’t have ramekins?
You can use a muffin tin, but be sure to grease it well and adjust the baking time slightly (8-9 minutes).
3. How do I prevent the cakes from sticking?
Grease the ramekins well with butter and dust with cocoa powder for easy release.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the cake flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
5. What’s the best way to serve Fondant Au Chocolat?
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence.
Final Thoughts
Fondant Au Chocolat is the ultimate dessert for chocolate lovers.
Whether you’re making it for a romantic dinner, a dinner party, or simply treating yourself, this recipe is sure to impress.
The combination of a slightly crisp exterior and a luscious, molten center is pure decadence.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and indulge in this heavenly treat!
Happy Baking! 🍫✨
