Party time. Are your next few weekends as busy as mine? I have my sparkly dresses hanging in my closet, ugly sweaters folded in my drawers, and hostess gifts bought and wrapped…all I need is a new pair of black ballet flats and some mistletoe (because what party doesn’t benefit from that festive sprig?)
Ryan and I will be hosting our own Christmas party on the 22nd, which means that menu planning has been added to my ever expanding to-do list. These chocolate spiced molten cakes came immediately to mind, and I believe they’d do well on any holiday table. Because who can resist a cake with a gooey chocolate core? And these desserts are made even better with a touch of spice and Cabernet wine. Elegant and indulgent. Comforting and surprising.
And did I mention that they come together in fifteen minutes or less? If that doesn’t sell you…well then I need to let you borrow my baby for a few hours. Fifteen minutes is all the time I have on some (no most) days!
So go buy some good chocolate, uncork a bottle of wine, and let the scents of cinnamon and ginger invigorate your evening. If you’re feeling ambitious, pull out your mixer and make a bowl of freshly whipped cream to serve along with these molten cakes (although I assure you that a glass of milk, or better yet, eggnog will do the trick too).
These next few weeks will be full of friends and family. Food and laughter. I’m celebrating my 27th birthday next Monday, which means even more chocolate is in order. I hope everyone has a happy start to your week (and if you’re anywhere near Colorado, I know you’ll be thankful to creep out of these arctic temperatures tomorrow!)
Molten Spiced Chocolate Cakes
From McCormick Gourmet
4 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate (high quality)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 tablespoon Cabernet Sauvignon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 eggs
1 egg yolk
6 tablespoons flour
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ginger
1/8 teaspoon cloves
Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter 4 (6 ounce) custard cups. Place on a baking sheet.
Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwavable bowl on HIGH for 1 minute or until butter is melted. Stir with wire whisk until chocolate is completely melted. Stir in vanilla and confectioners sugar until well blended. Stir in eggs and yolk as well as spices. Stir in flour and spices. Pour batter evenly into prepared custard cups.
Bake 13 to 15 minutes or until sides are firm but centers are soft. Let stand for one minute before carefully loosening edges with small knife. Invert cakes onto serving plates. Sprinkle with additional confectioners sugar and serve immediately.
My to-do list seems never ending right now too. Most of it is fun holiday things but still – the stress is there!! These chocolate cakes sound amazing Monet – and you’re right – I could never resist a gooey chocolate core! Hope you’re having a great start to the week!
I’ve made molten choc cakes before a few times, with great results, but your version is soooo much more elegant and enticing…
I am pinning you. Rather, pinning your post
This will be a fantastic Birthday for you!
Molten cakes make excellent desserts any time of year.
Perfect little cakes for the holidays! How interesting to add red wine to your batter-must give a wonderful flavor 😉 Sounds like you are enjoying all your fun activities – Have a great week Monet 😉
It’s such a busy time of the year, isn’t it? But it’s fun! These look lovely – I sure can’t resist chocolate, and love the spices. Truly delish. And 15 minutes? Sold! Thanks for this, and I hope you have a terrific birthday!
We just attended our first party of the season this Saturday–and there will definitely be some more celebration on the agenda soon! I love the idea of adding some spice to the traditional molten chocolate cake. Nom!
My to-do list is crazy. Honestly, I just want to bail on all of our holiday obligations and stay put in our house! However, if I decided to make these molten cakes I may have to keep some of my party commitments. These sound fantastic!
I’ve never made a molten chocolate cake before!
Makes me just want to cut into it and dive into the molten chocolate.
{ Teffys Perks Blog } X
Yes, a quick dessert is definitely the best kind. All those spices… I would love to have my house smell like that. Wishing you and Ryan a very wonderful holiday season. Now, go party!
I hope you have a happy start to your week too! The spices in these cakes sound wonderful. Definitely a great party recipe!
When do you add the flour?
ooooh how fun! I hope you guys have an amazing party!!!
Molten cakes are ALWAYS impressive (because um…molten chocolate…yeeeeah) and I love how deceptively easy they are!
These sound delicious!!
Your cakes look so enticing, I’m sure the aroma as they bake is amazing.
These look absolutely delicious. Love molten cakes 🙂
15 minutes? I can definitely spare 15 minutes to make these beauties!
Monet, these Molten Spiced Chocolate Cakes look like the perfect party food at this time of year. Lots of rich chocolate and then the warming spices – one delicious and elegant treat of a dessert!
These are gorgeous little cakes! They must smell amazing. 🙂 Wishing you a beautiful birthday and very happy holiday. 🙂 XO
Oh my goodness don’t tempt me! Molten chocolate cake is my idea of heaven on earth. These look absolutely amazing!!
Oh my. I bet you host THE best parties with crazy good menus! I have a shindig this weekend myself and don’t be surprised if these little cakes are on the table 😉
These molten chocolate cakes look incredible Monet! I love that they come together in 15 minutes. Love the sound of all the festive gatherings happening soon for you and hope you enjoy the rest of the week 🙂
Monet,
If I lived closer, I would definitely take Lucy for a few hours:) These little gems look and sound like they would be a welcome addition to anyone’s party menu, and you can make them in 15 min, even better.
Happy early birthday, Monet! I think this is celebration that calls for even more chocolate 😉 Molten chocolate cakes are one of my favorite desserts, and the addition of cinnamon and ginger and cloves is amazing. I can’t even imagine what your kitchen smelled like – okay, I can. Incredible.
Enjoy your Christmas parties and the holiday season!
P.S. I had to laugh at your “ugly sweater” comment 🙂
What my life needs right now is a good molten cake! These are lovely.
Oooooo Monet – I love the look of these! With a bunch of dinner parties happening back-to-back, these quick and easy (and richly delicious) cakes look perfect to bring to the occasion! Thanks for sharing!
I can’t believe these only cook for 15 minutes! That’s amazing! Can’t wait to try them : )
I’m hosting my annual Christmas party on the 23rd, but I don’t fly home until the 18th or 19th, so I’m running on a tight frame this year. I love hosting parties, but it is so much work! These cakes look like a great (and delicious) way to save time!
Dear Monet, Happy Birthday!!
Looks like the Christmas season is in full swing in your home.
What a wonderful present and blessing.
The cakes will bring a smile to your guests, I am sure. They are very festive.
Blessings dear. Catherine xo
p.s., make time to get your ballet shoes
Yeah, December is always so busy! Happy Birthday btw.
These cakes look so good. There is nothing better than chocolate cake!
These look SO fantastic, and I love how quick and easy they are to make! And Happy early birthday – hope it’s a wonderful birthday season AND holiday season for you. =)
Hi Monet, I think those cakes looks most delicious and so festive, bet they will be a great hit with guests….looks like you are all set for the festive season huh! Wishing you a very Happy Birthday in advance:D
I was tempted to grab a fork and eat one of these off the screen!
These are so beautiful and I can imagine just what they look and taste like when you cut into one of them! I don’t have many parties to attend this season so I’m a little envious of yours although it does sound super busy! Good for you for being so organized though!
Happy Birthday girl, I sure hope it’s a great one! I hope you got to eat a few of these beautiful cakes! 🙂
Happy Birthday! It definitely is a busy time of year. 15 minute desserts definitely come in handy. Love chocolate molten cakes. I bet the spices taste wonderful!
Aww Monet, I think I’m in love with these! They look so sophisticated and chocolaty that they’re hard not to adore 😉 Have a nice day! x
This is one of the first recipes I posted on my blog! 🙂 Back when my photography skills left much to be desired. I can vouch for the deliciousness of these little cakes. Perfect for a wintry night!! How fun that you guys are going to have a Christmas party! And Happy early Birthday, Monet 🙂
Oh my goodness things are so busy right now! It is all family things though so I am trying to enjoy it as much as possible. I could use one of these beautiful cakes. They look marvelous and I love the ooey gooey center.