9. Molten Lava Chocolate-Cherry Cake
Molten lava cake? In an Instant Pot? Say no more.
Is there anything more decadent than a chocolate lava cake? There’s a reason they’re so popular at places like Chili’s and Domino’s. Seeing the melty chocolate explode all over your plate—and then tasting that gooey goodness—is as fun as the dessert is delicious.
Though restaurant desserts are often loaded with fat and sugar, that doesn’t mean you have to give up chocolate entirely. This chocolate-cherry cake recipe, complete with molten lava, has all the fun of the traditional lava cakes. With just one gram of fat and 247 calories per serving, this is definitely a healthier choice than a restaurant lava cake.
Thanks to the pressure cooker, the best thing about this chocolate-cherry cake recipe is that you can just set it and let the cooker do its magic. When it’s done, you’ll have a melty, chocolaty treat that’s just as good as its store-bought counterparts.
NUTRITION: 247 calories, 1 g fat (0 g saturated), 372 mg sodium, 39 g sugar, 4 g protein, 3 g fiber
MAKES 6 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
Nonstick cooking spray
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup white whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
6 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/3 cup dried tart red cherries, coarsely chopped
1/2 cup fat-free milk
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/2 tsp almond extract
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1 1/2 cups boiling water
Vanilla frozen yogurt (optional)
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Coat a 6-quart electric pressure cooker with cooking spray. In a medium bowl, mix granulated sugar, flours, 2 tablespoons of the cocoa powder, the baking powder, and salt. Stir in dried cherries.
- In a small bowl, combine milk, applesauce, and almond extract. Stir into flour mixture. Dough will be thick. Spread in bottom of pressure cooker.
- In a medium bowl, combine brown sugar and remaining 4 tablespoons cocoa powder. Slowly pour in boiling water; whisk to mix well. Gently pour over batter in pressure cooker. Lock lid in place.
- Set cooker on high pressure to cook 12 minutes. Let pressure release naturally for 15 minutes. Carefully release any remaining pressure. Open lid carefully. Cool cake for 15 minutes in the pot.
- Serve with sauce from the bottom of the pot and, if desired, frozen yogurt.
10. Lemon Chicken
This lemon chicken makes for an easy weeknight meal! Serve with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts or potatoes. Or both!
There are a lot of different ways to cook chicken. It’s an incredibly versatile protein that can go in all kinds of dishes—enchiladas, pasta bakes, salads, and so much more. But learning to cook it properly can be somewhat of a challenge, which is why having the right tools can help. Using an Instant Pot, for example, is an easy way to cook deliciously juicy chicken. Cooked in chicken broth with a touch of fresh lemon juice, this Instant Pot lemon chicken recipe is an easy and flavorful protein to add to your dinner plate. Pair it with some easy sides like roasted broccoli or Brussels sprouts for a well-rounded meal.
So if you’re looking for even more easy weeknight meals, Instant Pot lemon chicken recipe requires almost no prep time and will have you putting dinner on the table in less than 30 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 onion, diced
3 tbsp butter
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
1 cup chicken broth
5-6 thyme sprigs
HOW TO MAKE IT
- Season both sides of the chicken thighs with salt and pepper.
- Set the Instant pot to saute. Once warm, add the olive oil and the chicken thighs.
- Cook the chicken thighs on each side for 3 minutes. Remove to a plate.
- Melt the butter and add the minced garlic and the diced onion.
- Add in the lemon juice and mix to combine. Place the chicken thighs in the Instant Pot and sprinkle the Italian seasoning on the tops. Pour in the chicken broth, then place the thyme sprigs on the chicken.
- Close the lid and make sure the seal is secure. Set the time on manual (Pressure Cook) for 7 minutes. Let the Instant Pot come to pressure, then let it cook.
- Once the timer goes off, leave the chicken in the Instant Pot for 2 to 3 minutes before releasing the pressure. Release the seal, then carefully take the lid off. Serve with one of these tasty side dishes for chicken.