Name: SORTING HAT CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE WITH COLOR-CHANGING CENTERS
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Magical
Ingredients: ½ cup unsalted butter; 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 egg yolks; ½ tsp vanilla extract; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt; 4 small edible color capsules (red, yellow, blue, green)OR:; 4 gelatin spheres infused with food-safe pH-sensitive dye; Whipped cream; Edible glitter or sprinkles

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chocolate Lava Cakes:

½ cup unsalted butter
4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped)
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

For the Color-Changing Centers:

4 small edible color capsules (red, yellow, blue, green)
OR:
4 gelatin spheres infused with food-safe pH-sensitive dye

Optional Decorations:

Whipped cream
Edible glitter or sprinkles

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Instructions

Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease and lightly flour 4 ramekins.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together (using a microwave or double boiler), stirring until smooth.
- Whisk in powdered sugar until fully combined.
- Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
- Gently fold in flour and salt until just combined.
Add the Color-Changing Centers:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Press one edible color capsule or gelatin sphere into the center of each ramekin, ensuring it’s fully covered with batter.
Bake the Cakes:
- Bake for 8–10 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then gently run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.

Serve and Reveal the Magic:
- Slice into each cake to reveal the hidden color!
- Garnish with whipped cream, edible glitter, or sprinkles for extra flair.

Notes

Make ahead: Prepare batter and refrigerate up to 24 hours or freeze unbaked cakes; bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
Alternative fillings: Use colored ganache, fruit sauces (e.g., raspberry for red, lemon for yellow), or pH-sensitive dye for an alternative to color capsules.
Gluten-free version: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.

Vegan option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate.

Author: Serena Miller
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Themed Treat
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Magical, Harry Potter Inspired
Diet: Vegetarian