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I remember the first time I made Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant. I was a bit nervous – molten chocolate cakes sound fancy, right? But as soon as I cracked the first fondant open and saw the gooey chocolate center oozing out, I felt like a dessert wizard. There’s something magical about this dessert. It’s rich, warm, and just melts in your mouth.
If you love chocolate and want to impress with a simple yet stunning dessert, this recipe is your golden ticket. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can master this indulgence yourself.
Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Recipe
Jamie’s recipe is famous for a reason. It strikes the perfect balance between a fluffy cake exterior and a molten, chocolatey center. The key here is timing – bake it just enough to set the edges but keep the heart liquid.
What makes Jamie’s version stand out?
- Simple ingredients but amazing flavor
- Quick prep and baking time
- Foolproof technique that even beginners can nail
- Can be paired with anything – cream, ice cream, fresh berries
Get ready for chocolate happiness!
Ingredients Needed
Before you dive in, here’s your shopping list. It’s short and sweet, but quality counts here!
- Dark chocolate (70% cocoa) – The star of the show. Go for good quality for rich flavor.
- Butter – Adds creaminess and helps the fondant set.
- Caster sugar – Gives a delicate sweetness.
- Eggs – They provide structure and richness.
- Plain flour – Just a touch to hold it all together.
- Optional extras – A pinch of salt to enhance flavors, and a splash of vanilla extract for warmth.
I like to use high-quality chocolate bars and real butter – the difference is worth it.
How To Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant
Here’s where the magic happens. I remember the first time I melted the chocolate and butter over a double boiler, the smell was irresistible. It’s like chocolate therapy!
Step-by-step:
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F). Butter your ramekins well and dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- Melt chocolate and butter slowly. Use a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
- Whisk eggs and sugar until pale and fluffy. This traps air for a light texture.
- Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs gently. Don’t overmix; you want it light.
- Sift in the flour and fold carefully to combine.
- Pour the batter into the ramekins, filling about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center still soft.
- Remove and rest for a minute before inverting onto plates.
Serve immediately with ice cream or cream. Watching the chocolate ooze out will never get old!
Ingredient Science Spotlight
Why does this dessert work so well? Let’s geek out for a moment.
- Chocolate: Contains cocoa butter, which melts at body temperature, creating that luscious liquid center.
- Eggs: The proteins coagulate when heated, setting the cake’s structure while keeping the center molten.
- Butter: Adds fat that makes the texture smooth and rich.
- Sugar: Not just for sweetness – it helps tenderize the cake and stabilize the egg foam.
- Flour: Provides the minimal structure needed to hold the cake, but not so much that it’s cakey.
The balance between these ingredients is key to the fondant’s signature molten center.
Expert Tips
From my kitchen to yours, here’s what I learned to perfect this dessert:
- Use room temperature eggs – they whisk better.
- Don’t overbake! Check at 10 minutes and adjust based on your oven.
- Butter your ramekins generously and dust with cocoa powder instead of flour to avoid a weird crust.
- Let the fondants rest just a minute after baking; too long and they’ll set too much.
- Experiment with chocolate types but stick to good quality dark chocolate for the best results.
- For an extra flair, add a pinch of chili or a splash of espresso powder into the batter.
Recipe Variations
Feeling adventurous? Here are some tweaks to try:
- Orange zest – Adds a fresh, zesty twist to the chocolate.
- Salted caramel center – Drop a spoonful of caramel in the middle before baking.
- Peanut butter swirl – Add dollops of peanut butter into the batter for a nutty surprise.
- White chocolate fondant – Swap dark chocolate for white chocolate for a sweeter, creamier treat.
- Vegan version – Use dairy-free butter and aquafaba (chickpea water) for eggs.
Each version brings a new depth of flavor and makes the dessert your own.
Final Words
Every time I serve this dessert, it feels like a celebration. There’s something about molten chocolate fondant that feels both indulgent and comforting. Jamie Oliver’s recipe keeps it simple without sacrificing the wow factor.
If you’re ready to impress yourself or friends, this recipe will be your go-to. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always start with the classic version first – it’s perfection on its own.
FAQs
What Is Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Recipe?
It’s a rich, molten chocolate dessert with a gooey center. It’s simple to make but impressive to serve.
How Long Does Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Take To Cook?
It takes about 12-15 minutes to cook, depending on your oven.
Can I Make Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Ahead Of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the fondants and refrigerate them before baking.
What Do I Serve With Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant?
You can serve it with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a little whipped cream.
Is Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Recipe Gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t use any flour.
Can I Substitute Dark Chocolate In Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant?
Yes, you can use milk or white chocolate, but it will change the flavor slightly.
How Do I Know When Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Is Done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle when you gently shake it.
How Many Servings Does Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant Recipe Make?
The recipe typically makes 4 servings.
Can I Use Ramekins For Jamie Oliver’s Chocolate Fondant?
Yes, ramekins work perfectly. Just be sure to grease them well.
How Do I Ensure My Chocolate Fondant Doesn’t Stick To The Ramekin?
Grease your ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder for easy removal.