Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Hot Chocolate (Cake in a Cup)

I still haven't given up on sequins being the answer to world peace (mentioned here), but given the slim chance that every single person does not embrace the power of shine I am feeling much better having discovered a back up plan.

Consuming hot chocolate cake in a cup by the glowing lights of a Christmas tree.   

See what I mean?  
Santa is on his way for both the naughty and the nice who leave this one out.

Now maybe you have heard of this magic before, but prior to yesterday I had not.  There I was randomly browsing Real Simple trying to forget that the lights on the tree all went out within a minute of being plugged in (Jesus take the wheel) when a golden marshmallow covered cup caught my eye.  Next thing I knew I was in the kitchen and the rest is history.  I.am.telling.you this thing is like smores sans the graham wafer and it is gooood!  I made a gluten-free version and it worked out perfectly, but regular flour will work just the same.

Oh, and make sure your cup is oven safe or it could be a hot mess.

You can find the recipe here and for convenience sake I'll list it below.

Ingredients
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus extra for coating
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (*I used my fave gluten-free blend listed here), plus extra for dusting
  • 1/2 cup sugar, plus extra for dusting
  • 10 oz. semi-sweet chocolate (*I used chips)
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 large egg yolk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup mini marshmallows
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder  
Method
  • Preheat oven to 375° F. Generously butter, flour, and sugar eight 6-ounce coffee cups or mugs made of ovenproof stoneware. Wipe the rims clean. *Now let me interrupt.  I made 2 of these in the large Pottery Barn Great White Mugs and 2 is all this recipe yielded, so if you have large mugs be prepared for fewer servings. 
  • Place the 8 tablespoons of butter and the chocolate in a medium heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water and melt, stirring once or twice until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool 5 minutes. 
  • Using a handheld mixer, beat the eggs, yolk, vanilla, salt, and 1/2 cup sugar at the highest speed until the volume doubles and the mixture becomes foamy, about 5 minutes. Stir the 3 tablespoons of flour into the chocolate, then gradually add it to the egg mixture, beating on low until it's fully incorporated.  
  • Ladle the batter into each cup until it's about 1/2 inch from the rim. 
  • Bake until the cakes puff and begin to crack but the centers are still a bit runny, 13 to 17 minutes - will be closer to 20 minutes for larger mugs like these. 
  • Remove from oven. Sprinkle with marshmallows, then return to oven for 2 to 4 minutes, until the marshmallow tops begin to crisp. Remove from oven; let cool about 5 minutes. Sift the cocoa on top. 
 
 Prepare for greatness

This may be my new go-to.  The marshmallows are such a perfect addition - just that little bit of gooey crispness is out of this world - and the cake is rich and warm and ridiculously tasty.    And yes this is the same person who just a couple weeks ago was on the diet wagon...and I kind of still am, but in cases of tree angst one must do what one must do.

As you'll notice - the lights were lit in the background of picture number one.  Now, they've decided not to be.  These lights are brand new.  This is the third replacement strand.  I am feeling very weary friends.  Is it so much to ask for the lights to just stay lit?  Apparently so.  Sigh.  Santa?  You out there??  Please send the lighting pros. Yaaaaaaawn.

    73 comments:

    Anonymous said...

    Ok I'm going to need some of this. ASAP. I know nothing about lights, Jared is always in charge of that. Need me to send the engineer out there? I'll come with - I could use a little vacation!

    little luxury list said...

    Dangerous and divine. Hmm now i have to find marshmallows.

    Bethany Dirksen said...

    Um...this looks incredible. I don't have an oven in my european apartment...but when I have one next, this is going to be the first thing I make!

    jemina said...

    Oh MY!!!!!! Greatness Overflow.....
    Yum Yum Yum YUMMYYYYYYY!!!!
    drool....

    XOXO
    J

    fashion clocked said...

    oh wow this looks awesome- got to try and think of a starch free way to make it! ( maybe ill try with ground almonds instead of flour!) Im having a week off chocolate this week so this is badddd temptation! Christmas lights- I managed to fix two sets that were out phew! Katie.xx

    fashion clocked

    Collette Osuna said...

    Sooo....just found out what my snack will be later this evening, lol...this looks AWESOME!!!
    Cant wait to try it:0

    Stop by and say Hello:)
    Enter my Spoil Me Fashion Jewelry Giveaway!!♥

    Diva Zhu said...

    yummy! wanna try it at home haha
    wanna follow each other dear? if you dont mind :)

    diva

    RosaLovesDC said...

    Yummy!

    Anonymous said...

    Carrie! You are killing my sweet tooth. Hot Chocolate Cake?! Seriously, you know you leave me no choice now I HAVE to make it! Dang blog land is making me pudgy. xo

    Jessica said...

    Drool! This seems so indulgent to make just for myself ... especially if I eat all of the servings! Looks too good to pass up though. Oh well, who needs a slender waist for the holidays? Not me!

    Laura said...

    O.M.G!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'M MAKING THIS FOR SURE!!!!! :) This seriously makes me drool too. wow :)

    Kendall said...

    you have out done yourself again!! this looks amazing.

    Diana Mieczan said...

    I so would love to try this too..It looks amazing,sweetie!!!
    Wow
    Happy Tuesday
    Muah

    Jenni Austria Germany said...

    this. looks. like the most. incredible thing. i have EVER seen.

    Marianna Papagiannopoulou said...

    Yummyyyy!!!
    That looks tasty!!!
    xoxo
    Nana
    http://nanajonesofficial.blogspot.com/

    hip hip gin gin said...

    Holy crap. I don't usually start immediately craving recipes I see online but I am totally checking my kitchen for ingredients. At 8:11 in the morning.
    The thing about diets during the holidays is it just doesn't work, we can try to do our best not to go crazy, but it is just too much to ask to stay away from treats right now. There are only a few more weeks left and then we can all start fresh in the New Year.
    Also, "jesus take the wheel" made me snort laugh. Classic. I've been feeling a lot of that myself lately.

    STYLE'N said...

    Greatness for sure! I would have never thought to do this. OMG my husband would LOVE this!

    Chas said...

    Yum that looks friggin amazing! Sure beats the instant hot chocolate I made this morning! :)

    Courtney Erin said...

    My god that looks so insanely good! Have a great trip to Edmonton (and stay warm!).

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

    Courtney Erin said...

    And definitely check out the Joe Fresh section in Superstore - totally worth it.

    xoxo ~ Courtney
    http://sartorialsidelines.blogspot.com

    Alleen said...

    YUM! I will be trying this too!! Thanks!! xx

    Roxy Te said...

    Oh dear Carrie! You crack me up- sequins and world peace for sure! hahaha Are you sure we shouldn't throw that divine chocolate cake in a cup in that duo for good measure? ;) p.s. Saw you recently won a giveaway (I can't remember where!) Congrats lady!

    Federico Panarello said...

    mmmmm....so good!!!gnam gnam :-)

    Sara said...

    This sounds amazing! I plan on making this on Christmas day.

    xo,
    Sara
    travelsinheels.blogspot.com

    Alex said...

    I too, believe that sequins solve the world's problems but I think this cake will make a fantastic substitute! It looks incredible. I think I'll make it for Christmas Eve.

    http://popculturemyth.blogspot.com/

    Unknown said...

    um, get out of town. i thought you were joking on your twitter. i want that for breakfast instead of coffee!!

    xx

    Iris Castro García. said...

    ummm...... que ricas tienen que estar.

    Tiffany Kadani said...

    WHhaAT? This needs to be in every restaurant I go to! I am definitely making these beauties Do you mind if I feature it for my next blog dinner party?

    erica said...

    Yum! My mum use to make things like this for my brother and I when we were younger. It's a fun idea, and your recipe looks especially amazing. I need to come visit you!

    xo

    Jamie said...

    Wow what a really creative and yummy idea!!!

    http://www.glamlatte.com

    Closet Fashionista said...

    WOAH!! Tastyyyyyy!!!! hahaha :D
    http://aclosetfashionista.blogspot.com/

    Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

    oh yum- it looks like a lot of love when into the making of these!
    Hope you are having a good week!

    Jen said...

    Sprinkle with marshmallows? Oh man, that sounds soooo good!!

    Nikki said...

    omg no way! This looks like something thats so amazing it doesn't even exist! You made these?!?!?!?! !!!! amazing!!!!!!!


    xx
    Nikki

    Jessica said...

    omgoshhhhhh. Please make me not want to leave work right now and go home to make this. Carrie, you've officially outdone yourself. Wow. Just wow.

    TheChambrayCountess said...

    Holy cow, I am going to make this for my next snack. Or meal. Or meals. It looks SO amazing! This would totally take the edge of the lighting debacle for me, too ;)

    Marcie said...

    WOWAZA! You are amazing Carrie. I am making this for my Sunday meal and will let you know how it goes.

    xo M

    PursuitOfLLT said...

    i didn't even know if this was real! i'm dying over here.

    can't wait to try this. I'm literally drooling over here!

    Josie said...

    SHUT the front door. Breakfast, anyone? Ummmm, yes. This is the perfect Christmastime treat and, my dear, I have FULL faith in you and your Christmas tree!
    xo Josie
    http://winksmilestyle.blogspot.com

    Valerie said...

    This looks absolutely INSANE! I must make it right away. SMORES in a cup?? Genius, Carrie! Oh, the lights. I hope they magically decide to work again soon. They look so pretty in the background. :)

    xo
    Valerie

    A Crimson Kiss said...

    Homigod-hot chocolate cake in a cup? I'm falling off my chair with excitement!

    As for those damn Christmas lights, I'm sorry. Maybe try a new brand altogether?

    Arini Desianti Parawi said...

    looks so yummy!!
    definitely one recipe that i wanna try for this weekend :)
    tks for share babe!!

    visit my site, you can follow me if you like it. just tell me if you want me to follow you back :)

    THE SECRET LIFE OF "D"

    in Love&Light
    Queen D

    and flowers pick themselves said...

    sounds PERFECT!

    xo Alison

    Amber said...

    oh no, that looks way dangerous but seriously delicious

    Kristen said...

    30% off at Ted Baker - chef would have totally had a field day!!! I wish I could have invited you guys ;) No doubt you could have found something in there for yourself.

    But THIS baked hot chocolate is what it's all about. I'd trade in my fancy party dress for a night in with this (by the christmas tree) any day of the week!

    xo

    FRANKIE HEARTS FASHION said...

    Holy S**t! Why can't I be at home right now making that deliciously fantastic treat?! Boo on work. I thank you for making me dream about chocolate goodness all day! xo

    Amber said...

    oh man Christmas shopping, I went last weekend and it was nuts. yes be afraid :) Sending you happy shopping wishes

    Vintage is for Lovers said...

    Yes please!!! Thank you for the recipe! Looks, sounds, and I am sure taste - Amazing!! Happy Holidays! xo Samantha

    Alicia Lund said...

    Okay I'm seriously DYING over this one Carrie - MUST MAKE ASAP!!!! And must find a big enough cup because i don't think my little tea cups are going to do the trick.

    Claire Kiefer said...

    Alllllllll right Ms. Carrie. I need to know how you are SO SKINNY and eat things like hot chocolate cake in a cup and homemade reeses peanut butter cups and peppermint bark and all that! I mean don't get me wrong, I've been eating like the devil himself this past month (or two), but I don't have your turbo-metabolism or whatever your secret is!

    This looks crazy good and that picture of your cake? Um did that come from the magazine cause it looks like it could have! Lordy be.

    Brianna said...

    That looks so damn delicious. Mmmmm.

    JINX said...

    Hey Love, love your style... i would love for you to join are new site.. BLOGARITHM.net

    Natalie @ Blossoming Visions said...

    Oh EM Gee!! This looks scrumptious! I hope I can find the time to be able to squeeze this in. Thanks so much for sharing!

    Annie said...

    If I ever saw a winter treat worthy of blue ribbons this is IT! I love the lack of time between you finding this recipe and you trying it out. Awesomeness on your part. It just looks totally incredible. Now there are so many people I need to send this to ASAP. Thanks! xo

    Louise (Fifth Sparrow) said...

    o. my. gosh. this is gorgeous chocolate magic!! I know what I'll be having for lunch! (and dinner...) You're my hero for the day for sharing this Carrie! xx

    Kristin Quinn said...

    This looks divine!!!! Heaven in my mouth thank you!!

    Anonymous said...

    Drooling!

    ali v. said...

    goodness gracious--and I wanted to go to the gym today! ;) xo {av}

    kimbirdy said...

    oh lord, what an AMAZING sugary creation! this looks like the sort of thing i would make and eat, unaware of the danger ahead, then promptly crave it like crack for the rest of my life. thank you for sharing! and maybe, i'll see you in rehab?...

    Stacey said...

    I seriously need some of this NOW! I just wiped some droplets of drool of my computer(i know, a bit yucky, but that's what your hot chocolate(cake in a cup) has me doing! No kidding-lol! Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    OneCraftyFox said...

    OMGawd, I am SOOOOO trying this!! And I'm going to wear sequins that will twinkle alongside my tree as I sit next to it and enjoy ;)

    Lisa Griffin said...

    hot jeezums i'm making cake in a cup this weekend! now about those lights i don't know! but i do know my main light just blew and i can't possible reach the ceiling since it is 12 feet! ummm mr super?
    www.indramaticfashion.com

    Lori said...

    Wow Carrie ~ these look delish!

    Marie a la Mode said...

    Oh my God. Oh my GOD! This looks so yummy! You and Chef need to open your own resturant or cafe, seriously!

    LyddieGal said...

    Oh my god, that looks like chocolate nirvana in a cup. I'm so making.

    (you know, sometime between the 11 million dozen cookies i'm making that i haven't started yet)

    Hope you get the lights fixed!

    I was putting some up today and suddenly the strand goes dead. I jiggle it, they come back. I touch it again - off! I shook the hell out of that string of lights and I think if no one so much as breathes on them, they'll stay lit.

    Chic on the Cheap

    Fashion Court said...

    i CANNOT WAIT to try this! thanks for sharing! :)

    Rachel from Love a la Mode said...

    Oh man... this post just made me realize that I'm starving. And that I need chocolate. Yes, need is the appropriate word there.
    Bisous,
    Rachel
    lovealamode.wordpress.com

    PS your christmas tree light problem is the same problem we're having with our front porch light. It worked until this weekend... now no bulb will stay on. Perfect.

    ejb said...

    oh my gosh this looks like heaven in a cup!!! I have a weakness for marshmallows and especially the toasted, gooey, melty ones :) I can't wait to try this recipe out!

    Ashley/ MILK TEETHS said...

    GET.OUT. This looks so bomb and then with the addition of the marshmallows?!? Geez louise! I am trying this one out :)


    xx
    MILK TEETHS

    Marissa said...

    OMG! How did you know I was having a rough day? I think a chocolate pick-me-up is just what i need. There was a cafe in my college town that sold "Italian Hot Chocolate," which was basically delicious hot pudding in a cup. I haven't been able to find a suitable replacement until now.

    Mary @Delightful Bitefuls said...

    Ohhhh my! YOU KNOW I'm going to try this!!!! Yum!

    Mary xo

    Anonymous said...

    My mouth is watery, miam, miam.

    http://mypretaporterblog.blogspot.com/

    Jenny N said...

    oh. my. goodness. That looks AMAZING!

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