Volcán de Dulce de Leche

Ingredients:

For the cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cocoa powder

• 1 teaspoon baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

• 1 cup granulated sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

For the filling:

• 1 cup dulce de leche

• For the topping (optional):

• Powdered sugar, for dusting

• Fresh berries or fruit, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour individual ramekins or small cake pans.

2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.

6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins or cake pans, filling each about halfway.

7. Place a spoonful of dulce de leche in the center of each cake batter-filled ramekin or cake pan.

8. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cakes are set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

9. Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool in the ramekins or pans for a few minutes before carefully transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, dust the tops of the cakes with powdered sugar (if desired) and garnish with fresh berries or fruit.

Serve the Volcán de Dulce de Leche warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the gooey dulce de leche center surrounded by rich chocolate cake!