• Home
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Collaborate
  • Blog
  • Parties
    • Children’s Parties Ideas
    • Holiday Parties
    • Adult Party Ideas
  • Holiday Ideas
    • Christmas
    • Easter
    • Fourth of July
    • Spring
    • Thanksgiving
    • Valentine’s Day
  • Seasons
    • Winter
    • Spring
    • Summer
    • Autumn
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Beverages
    • Desserts
    • Main Dishes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soups
  • Project Gallery
    • Crafts
    • Decorating
    • DIY
    • Good Ideas
    • Tutorials
  • Shop My Home
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Bloglovin
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

At The Picket Fence with Vanessa Hunt

Where Ideas for your Home Meet Inspiration for your Heart

  • Book
  • Speaking
  • Meet Vanessa
    • Featured

February 9, 2011

A perfect Valentine’s Day Dessert…Chocolate Nutella Lava Cakes!



So what do you do with a man who has broken the Cardinal Rule for being a good blogger husband?  Wait you didn’t know there was a Cardinal Rule for being a good blogger husband?



Well, I’ll tell you what it is then…never, never, ever take the camera of a blogger out of the house without telling her first. ever.  

Said blogger might have been planning on baking and photographing her Valentine’s Day dessert.  Said blogger might have chosen this time because the sun was FINALLY out and the natural light would have been so nice. 

Said blogger might have softened the butter to room temperature.  Let the eggs warm up.  Measured out the ingredients she needed.  Said blogger might have staged her setting.  Said blogger might have even put some of those ingredients in her mixer already.

Said blogger might now have to rush and bake her dessert first thing in the morning, when all the lovely natural light is gone, so she can post said dessert sometime today.

Said blogger now will be sharing that dessert with you…much later than she intended.
But trust me it will have been worth the wait!

Chocolate Nutella Molten Lava Cakes
a perfect Valentine dessert!




Chocolate Nutella Molten Lava Cakes-created by Paula @bell’a alimento


{Print this recipe}

Ingredients:

6 oz of bittersweet Chocolate (bar or chips) (I used Ghiardelli)
4 tbsp of Nutella
6 tbsp of Flour
11 tbsp of Unsalted Butter
3 whole eggs + 3 additional egg yolks
1/4 cup of sugar + 2 add. tbsp
Some type of berry for topping i.e. raspberries, strawberries, etc.

Directions:

Place your butter & chocolate chips into a double boiler & allow to melt completely over the steaming water. Stir frequently. 

While the chocolate butter is melting, place the eggs and sugar into the bowl of your mixer. 



Using the whisk attachment mix on medium-high speed until they become light & thick, about 8-9 minutes.  When light & thick add the flour & mix together. 

Slowly and gradually pour the chocolate/butter mixture into the egg mixture. 




Mixing on low until well combined & develops a glossy sheen about 5-6 minutes  Preheat your oven to 350°  while the mixture is finishing it’s final mixing and turning glossy.
Generously spray 4 small ramekins with cooking spray. 


When the batter is finished it is time to assemble.  Ladle batter into ramekins filling to half way up side. 



Then, spoon 1 Tablespoon of Nutella into each ramekin. 

(I confess…I licked all of the Nutella out of this spoon…
and I am not ashamed to admit it)

Finish ladling remainder of batter into each ramekin (do not overfill).




Place ramekins on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until outside is solid and top appears to be soft (but NOT jiggly) When cakes are ready carefully remove them from oven, allow to rest for 1-2 minutes. 




Place a plate on top of each one and quickly invert it.  Carefully remove the ramekin, (use a dishtowel if ramekin is still hot) and cake should fall right out. 



Garnish with berries or whip cream if desired. Dig in!


Some helpful hints offered by Paula: Please generously grease your ramekins, don’t be shy with this people, you want those babies to slide right out. If they stick your cakes will fall apart and you’ll have a plate of goo. It will be a tasty mound of goo, but not the presentation you’re going for! If you don’t have ramekins you can use Pyrex custard cups. Keep an eye on these while there in the oven. You’re looking for cooked outside & soft insides (soft does not mean jiggly) If it jiggles it needs to cook longer. But a minute can make or break you so start checking them for doneness at 10 mins & then every min after. I know it’s high maintenance, but in this case, it’s worth it.


Please take a moment to go visit Paula’s beautiful site! 
https://www.bellalimento.com
 You will be amazed at all of the beautiful recipes she’s created! 


So back to the original question…what do I do with Bama Boy now?  Do you think I should save a Chocolate Nutella Molten Lava Cake for him to eat tonight when he gets home?  Does he deserve one of these yummy chocolaty cakes of nutella goodness? What is a deserving punishment for breaking the “cardinal rule”? 😉

Enjoy!
Heather

Linking to
DIY Showoff
Whassup Wednesday
Wow Us Wednesday

Tidy Mom

38 Comments Filed Under: Desserts, Holidays, Recipes, Valentine's Day

Subscribe

Get the latest goodness straight to your inbox!

Previous Post: « 3 Ideas for Getting Your 3 Year Old…
Next Post: Inspiration Friday Party No. 2! »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Anonymous says

    February 9, 2011 at 11:09 PM

    Wow! What great pictures! And I love Nutella. I can’t wait to make this for my boyfriend on Valentine’s Day. Thanks for the good looking recipe.

    Reply
  2. Dear Sweet Home says

    February 9, 2011 at 11:39 PM

    Oh my! These look so good! This said blogger has to limit her sweet consumption today because she is snowed in and can’t walk or go to the gym…I basically exercise to eat such treats as this! I will make these for my little family on Valentine’s Day…my daughter LOVES nutella. She takes a nutella and peanut butter sandwich every day to school. (Oh and your pics are amazing!)

    Reply
  3. Judy says

    February 9, 2011 at 11:52 PM

    Ok…you had me at lava. I love any type of lava cake. I cannot wait to try this recipe. I haven’t had dinner yet, but I am thinking about only having dessert…is that bad? I think not.

    Reply
  4. Jessica says

    February 10, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    Beautiful and amazing photography! We have some Nutella addicts in the house so may need to make these. In addition, Lava Cakes make me totally get my freak on 🙂

    Reply
  5. NanaDiana says

    February 10, 2011 at 12:22 AM

    Those look wonderful…yummy wonderful. I say~take a picture of the finished product….put it in a custard dish and serve him the picture with dinner…but that is just my mean streak coming out! Hugs- Diana

    ps…did I ask you before what tree the nutella grows on?;>)

    Reply
  6. Debbie says

    February 10, 2011 at 12:51 AM

    HAHAHAHAHA!! I’m sorry, but I needed a good laugh tonight and got it when I started reading this.

    Whooops. Chuckling again.

    I think this looks so unbelievable that I wanted to jump INTO the screen when you started pouring that gooey chocolate out. This is NOT a good blog for my diet.

    BTW, I DID just check email and replied. Sorry about being late. I’m whirling this week.

    Reply
  7. Pam - diy Design Fanatic says

    February 10, 2011 at 4:30 AM

    Beautiful! I LOVE lava cakes! I buy mine at Trader Joe’s and pop them in the oven! They are as good as any fancy restaurant! Funny about the camera. My daughter wanted to borrow mine yesterday because she couldn’t find her charger.

    Reply
  8. Sarah @ Modern Country Style says

    February 10, 2011 at 11:30 AM

    Oh my goodness….what an INCREDIBLY gorgeous-looking desert! Wow! That photo is totally recipe-book worthy.

    Yum, yum, YUM!

    I say, eat your husband share of the pudding!!!

    😉

    Sxxx

    Reply
  9. Michelle | Bleeding Espresso says

    February 10, 2011 at 1:39 PM

    Better late than never, right? Hope you had a wonderful World Nutella Day anyway 🙂

    Reply
  10. Jo says

    February 10, 2011 at 6:04 AM

    Said Blogger done good!
    Chocolate always makes things right.
    ~Jo
    LazyonLoblolly

    Reply
  11. Michelle says

    February 10, 2011 at 7:00 AM

    Mmm, Mmm, Mmm!

    Karen and I would like to invite you to link up your this or another favorite recipe at The Executive Mom’s Burnt Toast Thursday.

    https://www.theexecmom.com/2011/02/burnt-toast-heart-themed-party-food.html

    Hope to see you there!

    Reply
  12. Kathryn says

    February 10, 2011 at 6:25 PM

    Oh my gosh, you’ve got me drooling all over myself! I love little individual desserts like that- especially if they have melty chocolate and berries all over (and inside) them! P.S. Did you get those little ramekins from World Market? I have ones that look just like them but in yellow.

    Reply
  13. The Nosh Pit says

    February 10, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Perfect dessert. I’ve been looking all over for something to make for V-day dinner (why oh why does it have to be on an already harried monday?!) and this fits the bill perfectly. quick, easy prep, and filled with nutella. going to serve with macerated strawberries and some whipped cream.

    what do you think about baking in muffin tins? should i try the trashy way, or forgo and just plunk down the extra couple of bucks for new ramekins? i do love your red ones so much!

    Reply
  14. Jennifer says

    February 10, 2011 at 9:33 PM

    Sweet mother of pearl that looks good.

    Reply
  15. sheri says

    February 11, 2011 at 12:08 AM

    ohmygosh i have to try this – i love nutella. and this looks amazing!

    Reply
  16. Michael Lee West says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:16 AM

    This is divine! XX00

    Reply
  17. At The Picket Fence says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:29 AM

    Judy-no it’s not bad to have only dessert! I ate my lava cake for breakfast..and I might have even licked the plate…lol

    Diana-why a Nutella tree of course! 😉

    Michelle-I’ll head on over and link up to your party!

    Kathryn-Actually I got them at Home Good…I love them! I would like yellow too..red & yellow are my favorite colors.

    Nosh Pit-muffin tins might be a little small, you could try making mini ones though. I got the ramekins at Home Goods they were very inexpensive. TJ Maxx might have them too.

    Jennifer-you so crack me up!

    Michelle Lee-thank you for stopping bye and for twittering the lava cakes..so very sweet of you!

    Heather

    Reply
  18. At The Picket Fence says

    February 11, 2011 at 1:31 AM

    Oh and thank you everyone for the sweet comment on the photos. I love food photography so it’s an honor to receive compliments on my pictures! You can see the lava cakes @foodgawker, @tastespotting and @dessertstalking. Guess they liked the pictures too…;o)

    Heather

    Reply
  19. Cottage Sisters says

    February 11, 2011 at 2:41 AM

    This sounds so good,I love Nutella. Unfortunatley, I’m not really the baker in the family, I will have to see if my daughter will make this for me! Denise

    Reply
  20. Quan says

    February 11, 2011 at 6:26 AM

    Am I able to use disposable foil cups for making these? I don’t have any ramekins.

    Also, could I premake the batter and pour it into the ramekins ahead of time and leave it on the counter/fridge until I am ready to pop it in the oven to serve?

    Thanks! Going to be doing this for vday!

    Reply
  21. Allison @ Alli 'n Son says

    February 11, 2011 at 3:45 PM

    These look heavenly. I love chocolate!

    I’d love to have you stop by and link up with Sweet Tooth Fridays! https://alli-n-son.com/2011/02/10/spicy-chocolate-chip-cookies/

    Reply
  22. Cozy Home Scenes says

    February 11, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    That looks yummy! I love nutella and lava cake. Bet I’d love them together like this. I’ll try to forgive you as I’ve been thinking of starting a yeast free diet this weekend. No cake for a while, but I can plan for the future.

    Reply
  23. Catherine says

    February 11, 2011 at 5:48 PM

    I love lava cakes & I love Nutella! But I’d never thought to put them together. Ingenious! Thank you!

    Reply
  24. jlc9089 says

    February 14, 2011 at 3:05 AM

    OH MY, Love these:) I have never tried Nutella so now I am hooked on it and then you add it to chocolate…it’s heavenly:) Thank you:)

    Reply
  25. Kim @ Quit Eating Out {Recipes to Make Dining Out a Choice, Not a Chore} says

    February 16, 2011 at 2:06 AM

    Thanks so much for linking this yummy delicousness to Saturday Swap!!!! This looks like a great dessert to serve when entertaining.

    Reply
  26. MisYahd says

    August 22, 2011 at 9:24 AM

    Oh! They all look very delicious. Just like anyone else, I love Nutella so much that I can eat it as it is.

    Caterers In New York

    Reply
  27. Liz says

    March 12, 2012 at 2:02 PM

    I am wheat intolerant but would LOVE to make this, do you think I can substitute the flour with ground almonds powder?

    Reply
    • Coley says

      July 11, 2012 at 2:47 AM

      why hello, my wheat intolerant friend! okay, so my friend and i decided to make this when we were half-way through a bottle of wine, so you can imagine we were kind of unmindful of the recipe. we ended up forgetting the flour completely, and the end result was still divine! probably a lot richer than the original recipe intended, but still quite delightful. the dessert will just have to bake for probably twice the amount of time, though. but it will be gluten free!

      Reply
  28. wineries yarra valley says

    May 10, 2012 at 6:21 PM

    Wow, these look so good! I can’t wait to try some, I might make these for my boyfriend soon. It’s the perfect dessert for lovers.

    Reply
  29. Marcardb says

    August 20, 2012 at 9:47 PM

    I just made these and they taste wonderful. However, the nutella got stuck on the bottom of the pan. I used enough baking spray and they actual cake came out easily. Any idea why this happened? I would love to make these again so any tips on the nutella would be appreciated 🙂

    Reply
    • Ho KIm Lan says

      March 10, 2014 at 11:46 PM

      Hi,
      May I confirm with you, the butter is 1 tbsp. or 11 tbsp.

      Reply
  30. Jules058 says

    February 2, 2014 at 2:13 AM

    Call me stupid, but I’ve read this three times and can’t find at what point you put the berries inside. I’ve never made a lava cake before, and wasn’t sure how you keep the inside from being overcooked. Someone please help me, I’m an idiot.

    Reply
  31. Lola says

    February 6, 2014 at 6:17 PM

    Your photo doesn’t seem to show that the berries were put on top as garnish. Did you put the berries in the batter & bake everything together instead?

    Reply
  32. sara says

    December 30, 2014 at 3:12 PM

    Hey this looks amazing and I wanted to know if I can make it in cupcake sheets

    Reply

Trackbacks

  1. 15 Valentine's Ideas for Adults - Five in Ohio says:
    January 2, 2013 at 12:08 AM

    […] 15. Chocolate Nutella Lava Cakes […]

    Reply
  2. Strawberries and Cream Pound Cake! I heart it! says:
    January 16, 2013 at 3:51 AM

    […] Like something chocolate-y? Here’s another great Valentine’s Day recipe, my Chocolate Nutella Lava Cakes! […]

    Reply
  3. 15 Heart-Melting Chocolate Lava Cakes says:
    January 31, 2014 at 6:00 AM

    […] Recipe & Photo Credit to atthepicketfence.com […]

    Reply
  4. 15 Molten Lava Cakes You Could Fall Hard For | GossipViews.com says:
    January 31, 2014 at 2:50 PM

    […] atthepicketfence.com […]

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




Primary Sidebar

Search This Blog

Get the book!

Invite Vanessa to speak at your event!

Stay updated!

  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas

    Simple Fall Decorating Ideas
  • Autumn Home Decor Tour

    Autumn Home Decor Tour
  • Apple Bread Pudding

    Apple Bread Pudding
  • Paper Bag Pumpkins

    Paper Bag Pumpkins

Sign Up and Never Miss A Post!

Must Reads

Latest Recipes

Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze

Honey Tea Cake Loaf with Lemon Glaze

Apple Bread Pudding

view more recent recipes

Recent Posts

  • Neutral Hot Cocoa Station November 28, 2023
  • The Autumn Season of Motherhood October 18, 2023
  • Simple Fall Decorating Ideas September 14, 2023
  • Decorating a Sofa Table May 31, 2023
  • Strawberry Muffins with Lemon Glaze April 19, 2023

Footer

Stay Connected!

Instagram

The first weekend in December seems like a good ti The first weekend in December seems like a good time for my annual gentle reminder about this month. I don’t know about you but, for me, December is a month of mixed emotions, ranging from joy-filled moments to ones that have me wanting to pull my hair out.

There are so many expectations and we put so much pressure on ourselves to create magical memories. And for years I have felt the added weight of wanting to make sure my family had opportunities throughout the month to grow in their relationship with Christ.

We celebrate advent and read all of the appropriate Baby Jesus books and encourage a spirit of generosity and heavily emphasize the real reason for the season.

But sweet friends, I want to remind you today that one month out of the year does not a strong relationship with the Lord make. December doesn’t define our faith in Christ.

For our families or for us.

There are 11 other months in the year. 11 other months to live out our faith in front of our children. 11 other months to pray with them. 11 other months to help them wrestle through their questions and add depth to their walk with the Lord. 11 other months to encourage them to have generous spirits.

Let’s stop putting so much pressure on this one month out of the year. Let’s be surprised at the ways we might be able to celebrate the baby in the manger without a dozen countdown calendars. Let’s give our kids some grace when they are focused more on gifts because…well…they’re kids after all.

And while we’re at it, let’s give ourselves some grace too.

Grace when we think we should feel all the warm fuzzy feelings about Christmas but we really just want to take a nap. Or have a good cry. 

Grace that reminds us that this month will soon be over and we will have a brand new year ahead of us.

A new year filled with big moments and little moments and everything in between.

A new year to draw even closer to our Savior.

My hope for you is that, as you head into this season, you will be given fresh perspective and that you will give yourself (and your family) permission to just ‘be’. ✨
✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this ✨ The first Sunday of Advent is upon us and this year I created a super simple centerpiece for my dining room that incorporates the candles we will use each of the four weeks leading up to Christmas. While we will only light one candle each week, I used more than four so that the centerpiece would look a bit more filled in. In keeping with my goal to embrace a softer approach to my decorating, this arrangement works perfectly and helps to keep our focus on the beauty and the meaning  of the Advent season. For more ideas like this, check out my previous Advent post! ✨

#advent #adventcandles #simplechristmas #wearethehomemakers
In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a In this season of motherhood, my soul is feeling a bit more tender. When Christmas rolls around and I no longer have wish lists that include Lego sets or dollhouses, I find that I want my home to reflect this craving for all things gentle.

So our hot cocoa station this year is much more simple and done in a neutral color palette that just subtly blends in with the rest of the decor. It still feels festive and is definitely still “user friendly” but it’s just a bit less…well…less.

And, that’s ok. It’s not that this area won’t ever again have bright colors (maybe even pops of red!) but, right now I’m happy to have things this way.

With all that is going on in the world right outside our door, my desire is for our home to truly feel like a respite. I want it to be where we come and let our guard down, our heart rates slow and to be flooded with a sense of peace in knowing that here is where we can just simply be. I want it to be a place of rest. Rest from the constant onslaught of news and information. Rest from the seemingly small struggles of school and jobs that can so often feel like big struggles.

And, most importantly, we rest in the comfort of knowing the One who is Sovereign over all and is the reason this month is so very special and sacred.

Many blessings to you dear friends as we kick off this wonderful season! ✨
Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary Next week is first Sunday of Advent. And contrary to popular belief, the celebration of Advent is VERY different from just simply doing a ‘countdown to Christmas’. It’s not about having little drawers filled with candy or doors to open with prizes inside. Those things are so much fun and definitely help to build anticipation as you head closer and closer to the big day.

But Advent, from the latin word ‘adventus’ meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘appearance’ keeps the focus completely on celebrating the arrival of the King who came in the form of an infant.

This is one of our favorite family traditions and over the years I’ve figured out how to incorporate the Advent candles into my decor without using the traditional wreath. I hope this gives you some ideas and inspiration as we head into this sacred season. 🌲

#advent #adventdecoration #wearethehomemakers
Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Bec Why do I start decorating before Thanksgiving? Because it’s the Saturday after and my house is almost completely ready to start the season! So I’m sitting with my coffee and just soaking it all up knowing that now I can focus on shopping, hosting and preparing our hearts for the start of Advent. The only thing left to do is get our fresh tree for the front room and then the decorating is done. 

Starting early is a gift I give to myself and I’m always grateful for it! 🌲

#simplechristmas #traditionalchristmas
“I would maintain that thanks are the highest fo “I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” ~ G.K. Chesterton

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours dear friends! 🍂
Christmas has arrived in the family room where I k Christmas has arrived in the family room where I keep things simple but festive! We’ll get a fresh tree after Thanksgiving which will go in our front room bay window but this slim faux tree with its colorful ornaments tides us over for now. Which room in your home gets the Christmas treatment first? Or do you just start doing a little at a time in each room? 🎄

*pillow covers are from @jshhomeessentials
I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST I share this recipe every year because it’s JUST.THAT.GOOD! 

And I have a confession ...I’d rather have cranberry sauce smothering the turkey on my plate than gravy any day!! And this, this right here? Well it’s the best (and easiest!) cranberry sauce ever!! I eat on crackers and sandwiches and sometimes just by the spoonful. It’s so yummy! And I’m just so very thankful for all of you that I’m going to leave the recipe right here instead of making you go to the blog to get it. I promise you won’t regret having this on your Thanksgiving menu but be warned...you may find yourself up in the middle of the night sneaking some helpings of this deliciousness. Or maybe that’s just me!

Ingredients:
2 pounds fresh or frozen cranberries
2 oranges
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup white wine.

Instructions:
Wash and pick over berries, removing any that are soft. Peel and dice oranges removing any seeds. Combine all ingredients in a large pot. Bring to a full boil. Reduce heat and continue cooking until cranberries pop open and mixture is thickening.
For best flavor, prepare and let stand for several days before using.

Gobble, gobble!! 🦃
How do I want people to feel when they walk throug How do I want people to feel when they walk through my front door? That’s always at the top of my mind when I’m decorating my entry for each season, particularly at Christmastime. 

✨I want them to feel like my home is greeting them with a smile.

✨I want them to feel like this is a place where care has been given to details (but not to the point of being too stuffy or too busy or too overwhelming). 

✨I want them to feel like there is peace here.

✨I want them to feel like they are welcome…because they are. 

My home is a reflection of my heart and my heart is a reflection of the ONE for whom I live and try to honor and praise all of my days, but especially at Christmas.

How do you want people to feel when they come into your home? 

#christmasentry #simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
This is not a criticism of those who are sharing t This is not a criticism of those who are sharing their great new Christmas finds but rather an encouragement to those of you who are feeling a bit overwhelmed by it all and trying to resist the temptation to purchase more items than you really need.

Several years ago I felt a conviction in my heart about how much time and money I was spending on trying to create a new look every Christmas. I was not being a good steward of my resources and I was far too easily swayed by the peer pressure in this area. And a funny thing happened when I smashed this idol that had taken up residence in my heart. I suddenly found renewed joy in decorating for the season. By keeping things simple and maybe only buying something like a new spool of velvet ribbon, I actually realized that I could be far more creative reusing and repurposing what I already had.

In the coming weeks your news feeds will be filled with temptations for MORE. Maybe, this year, you too can find the joy in LESS. 🌲

#simplechristmas #simplicity #wearethehomemakers
Load More... Follow
Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2023 · Divine theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 At The Picket Fence