Active Time

　　15 minutes

　　Total Time

　　10 minutes

　　These tender individual treats are like a cross between a molten chocolate cake and a steamed pudding. The cinnamon gives them a warm, deep scent, which you can intensify by serving them with purchased cinnamon or ginger ice cream in place of the whipped cream.

　　

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

　　4 ounces fine-quality bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened)

　　4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into pieces

　　1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar

　　1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

　　3/4 cup heavy cream

　　2 large eggs

　　1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

　　3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus additional for garnish

　　1/4 teaspoon baking powder

　　Pinch of salt

　　Small pinch of ground cloves

　　2 teaspoons confectioner's sugar, or to taste

　　

Step 1

Butter four 8-ounce ramekins. In food processor, finely grind chocolate. Add butter and sugar and process until thoroughly combined. Add flour, 1/4 cup of heavy cream, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, salt, and cloves, and process until smooth.

　　

Step 2

Divide mixture evenly among ramekins and cover tightly with plastic wrap. (Batter can be made ahead and regfrigerated in ramekins, covered with plastic wrap, up to 6 hours.)

　　

Step 3

Leaving plastic wrap in place, microwave ramekins on high for 1 minute 20 seconds. Remove from microwave and pierce plastic wrap with tip of sharp knife. Cover each ramekin with heavy plate and let stand, steaming, 7 minutes.

　　

Step 4

While cakes are steaming, beat remaining 1/2 cup cream in large bowl until foamy and slightly opaque. Add confectioner's sugar and beat until soft peaks form.

　　

Step 5

Remove plate and plastic wrap from each ramekin. Invert each cake onto individual serving plate and unmold. Top each with dollop of whipped cream, sprinkle with additional cinnamon, and serve.

　　Tip:

　　•: These easy cakes can be assembled before sitting down to dinner, then microwaved as you put on the water to boil for coffee or tea.