Mini Hot Fudge Cakes

Nothing says Valentine's Day like chocolate, and there is no better way to have chocolate than in a warm chocolate cake oozing with melted goodness.  These mini cakes are the perfect dessert for Valentine's Day (or any day).  They have three main things going for them other than their rich, irresistible taste and gooey texture.  They are quick to prepare, can be mixed up and refrigerated up to two days before baking, and are relatively low in fat in comparison to other similar things you could be eating on Valentine's. 

They are definitely best right out of the oven when they are puffed and slightly crisp on top.  Once they cool, they will sink and become a little more dense, but the flavor will still be delicious.  These cakes really need no more than a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a tall glass of cold milk.  If you want to be a little more indulgent, top them with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.  

These cakes can be baked in 4 oz ramekins or 4 oz canning jars.

Mini Hot Fudge Cakes- adapted from Cooking Light
makes 8 mini cakes

3/4 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
4 large eggs, lightly beaten
1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 oz good quality bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
2 tbsp powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl and set aside. 

Place butter in a large bowl and beat until creamy, about 1 minute.  Add the granulated sugar and brown sugar and continue beating until well blended, about 5 minutes.  Add the eggs and vanilla and beat until combined.  Fold the flour mixture into the butter mixture until just combined.  Fold in the chopped chocolate.  Spoon the batter evenly into 8 (4 oz) ramekins or jars.  Place ramekins on a baking sheet and place in the oven.

Bake cakes 21 minutes until puffed and slightly crisp on top.  Remove from oven, dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.