Silky Chocolate Fondant Recipe: Indulge in Pure Bliss

Chocolate fondant is a dessert that never fails to impress, yet comes together with surprising ease.

Cutting into the cake reveals a molten center that flows out in a rich, indulgent pool.

Dark chocolate provides depth and intensity, making each spoonful bold and satisfying.

The recipe relies on just a handful of ingredients and takes less than half an hour to prepare.

What looks like a restaurant dessert is actually simple enough for home bakers to master.

With the right timing and quality chocolate, the results are consistently impressive.

So why don't you jump right into this recipe and make it this weekend? You'll be impressed!

What You Need For James Martin Chocolate Fondant

• Chocolate: A rich, dark chocolate that provides the deep, intense flavor and creates the signature molten center of the fondant.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety texture in the dessert.
• Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the ingredients together while contributing to the fondant's delicate texture.

• Sugar, Flour, Salt: These basic pantry staples help balance the flavors and create the perfect fondant consistency.

• Powdered Sugar, Cocoa Powder: Optional toppings that add a decorative touch and subtle sweetness to the chocolate fondant.

Steps To Make James Martin Chocolate Fondant

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Warm up your oven to 392°F (200°C) without the fan. Place a baking sheet in the center of the oven to create an even cooking environment.

Step 2: Prepare Ramekins

Generously coat six ramekins with softened butter, ensuring every inch is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 3: Melt Chocolate Base

• Double boiler method: Use a bowl set over simmering water
• Microwave method: Heat in short, low-power bursts

Whisk the mixture until completely combined and glossy.

Step 4: Create Batter

• Eggs
• Sugar
• Flour
• Salt

Whisk ingredients until they form a smooth, silky mixture. Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture, stirring carefully to maintain a consistent texture.

Step 5: Fill and Bake

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about halfway. Carefully place the ramekins on the preheated baking sheet and slide into the oven.

Step 6: Check Doneness

Bake for 10-12 minutes. The fondants are ready when they have risen slightly, developed a cracked top, but maintain a liquid center.

Step 7: Serve Immediately

Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder. Serve hot straight from the oven for the ultimate gooey chocolate experience.

Tips To Get James Martin Chocolate Fondant Just Right

• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa solids for rich, intense flavor.
• Watch carefully during the last 2 minutes of baking to ensure a molten center without overcooking.
• Grease ramekins thoroughly with softened butter and dust with cocoa powder for easy removal.
• Allow chocolate mixture to cool slightly before adding to eggs to prevent scrambling.
• Enjoy fondants right after baking to experience the delightful contrast between warm, gooey center and crisp exterior.

Tasty Takes On James Martin Chocolate Fondant

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Haven: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains rich, gooey texture.
• Vegan Chocolate Lava Cake: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use dark chocolate without milk, and coconut oil instead of butter for plant-based indulgence.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Melt: Substitute sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calories while preserving decadent chocolate experience.
• Nutty Chocolate Surprise: Add chopped hazelnuts or almonds to batter for extra crunch and nutty depth, creating interesting textural contrast in classic fondant.

Best Pairings With James Martin Chocolate Fondant

• Pair with Luxurious Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy vanilla ice cream provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm, molten chocolate center, creating an incredible temperature and flavor balance.
• Enhance with Rich Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which complements the deep chocolate notes and adds sophisticated complexity to the dessert experience.
• Match with Fresh Raspberry Coulis: Bright, tart raspberry sauce cuts through the richness of the chocolate fondant, offering a refreshing palate cleanser and adding vibrant color to the plate.
• Accompany with Whipped Mascarpone: Light, silky mascarpone cheese provides a delicate, neutral backdrop that allows the intense chocolate flavor to shine while adding a luxurious creamy texture.

How To Store James Martin Chocolate Fondant Correctly

• Store leftover chocolate fondants in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cover each ramekin tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap individual fondants securely in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain best texture and flavor.
• Thaw frozen fondants in refrigerator overnight. Warm at 180 degrees Celsius for 5-7 minutes until heated through, watching carefully to prevent overcooking.
• Warm individual fondants for 20-30 seconds on medium power. Check temperature and texture to ensure molten center remains intact.

Common Questions On James Martin Chocolate Fondant

• What makes the chocolate fondant's texture unique?

The key is removing the fondants from the oven when the edges are set but the center remains liquid, creating a molten chocolate core that flows out when cut.

• How can I tell if the chocolate fondant is perfectly cooked?

Look for risen edges with a slight crack on top, and when gently touched, the center should feel soft and slightly jiggly, indicating the molten center is ready.

• Why is greasing the ramekins important?

Proper greasing ensures the delicate chocolate fondant releases easily from the ramekin without breaking, maintaining its beautiful shape and presentation when served.

• Can I prepare the chocolate fondant mixture in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and fill the ramekins ahead of time, then refrigerate. Just remember to bring them to room temperature before baking to ensure even cooking.

Why James Martin Chocolate Fondant Is A Dreamy Dessert

• Impress Guests Easily: Wow your friends and family with a restaurant-quality dessert that looks sophisticated but requires minimal cooking skills.
• Quick Chocolate Indulgence: Prepare a decadent chocolate treat in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden sweet cravings without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a universally loved chocolate dessert that appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for dinner parties, family gatherings, or romantic evenings.

Molten Chocolate Fondant Recipe

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4.8 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Chocolate fondant has a molten center that flows when cut, offering a dessert that’s rich, soft, and indulgent without going overboard.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 eggs
• 160 g (6 oz) dark chocolate, 70% cocoa, roughly chopped
• 160 g (1 stick plus 3 tablespoons) unsalted butter
• 200 g (1 cup minus 1 tablespoon) caster sugar

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 50 g (1/3 cup) plain flour (all-purpose flour)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1 pinch of fine salt
• cocoa powder or icing sugar (powdered sugar), for dusting (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (392°F) without fan, positioning a baking sheet in the center of the oven.
2. Thoroughly coat the interior of 6 ramekins with softened butter, ensuring complete coverage.
3. Create a double boiler by placing a heat-resistant bowl over simmering water, then gently melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring occasionally until smooth and fully integrated.
4. Allow the chocolate mixture to cool slightly, preventing egg scrambling when combined.
5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, flour, and salt until the mixture becomes uniform and slightly pale.
6. Gradually fold the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, blending carefully to maintain a smooth consistency.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each approximately halfway to allow room for rising.
8. Place the ramekins on the preheated baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes, watching for a risen top with a slightly cracked surface while maintaining a liquid center.
9. Let them sit for a minute before serving.
10. Delicately dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder and serve immediately to enjoy the molten chocolate center.

Notes

• Butter ramekins generously to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the delicate fondants.
• Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa content for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that elevates the dessert.
• Check fondants precisely at 10 minutes – even 30 seconds can transform the molten center from perfectly liquid to overdone.
• Serve as soon as they’re out of the oven while the centers are still warm and soft – that’s when they’re at their best.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 491 kcal
• Sugar: 37 g
• Sodium: 35 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 34 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg