Petit Gateau, also known as “molten lava cake” or “chocolate lava cake,” is a delicious dessert that has become popular all around the world. The dessert features a rich chocolate cake that oozes molten chocolate when cut into. In this article, we will dive into the history of the Petit Gateau Cake, tracing its origins back to its humble beginnings and exploring how it has evolved over time.
What is a Petit Gateau Cake?
Before we delve into the history of the Petit Gateau Cake, it is essential to understand what it is. A Petit Gateau Cake is a small chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate center. It is typically served hot and is often accompanied by vanilla ice cream. The dessert has a crisp exterior and a soft, gooey center that is both rich and decadent.
Origins of Petit Gateau Cake
The origins of the Petit Gateau Cake can be traced back to France, where it is known as “fondant au chocolat.” The dessert was first created in the early 1980s by the French pastry chef, Michel Bras, who is considered one of the greatest chefs of all time.
Bras was experimenting with chocolate cake recipes and stumbled upon the idea of creating a cake with a molten chocolate center.
However, it wasn’t until the mid-1990s that the Petit Gateau Cake became popular in France. The dessert quickly gained a following and was soon being served in many French restaurants.
From there, it made its way across the Atlantic to the United States and quickly became a staple dessert in many high-end restaurants.
The Evolution of Petit Gateau Cake
Over time, the Petit Gateau Cake has evolved and taken on many different variations. One of the most popular variations is the addition of different flavors to the cake batter.
Some pastry chefs add spices such as cinnamon or nutmeg, while others incorporate different types of chocolate or even fruit.
Another popular variation is the addition of alcohol to the dessert. Some pastry chefs add liqueurs such as Grand Marnier or Kahlua to the cake batter, which adds a depth of flavor and complexity to the dessert.
Making Petit Gateau Cake
Making a Petit Gateau Cake can be a challenging task, even for experienced pastry chefs. The cake requires a delicate balance between a crisp exterior and a soft, gooey center. Pastry chefs must carefully monitor the cooking time and temperature to achieve the desired consistency.
The process of making a Petit Gateau Cake typically involves mixing a chocolate cake batter and then filling the batter into individual molds.
The molds are then baked in a preheated oven for a short period, usually no more than ten minutes. The key to achieving the perfect Petit Gateau Cake is to remove it from the oven just before it is fully cooked. This leaves the center molten, while the exterior is crisp and cooked.
FAQs
A Petit Gateau Cake is a small chocolate cake with a liquid chocolate center.
The Petit Gateau Cake was invented by Michel Bras, a French pastry chef, in the early 1980s.
There is no difference between a Petit Gateau Cake and a lava cake. The terms are used interchangeably.
Yes, you can make Petit Gateau Cake at home. There are many recipes available online, and with a little practice, you can create this delicious dessert in your own kitchen.
Petit Gateau Cake is best served hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of the warm cake and cold ice cream is a perfect contrast of flavors and textures.
Conclusion
The Petit Gateau Cake is a delicious dessert that has become a staple in many high-end restaurants around the world. Its origins can be traced back to France, where it was created by Michel Bras in the early 1980s. Over time, the dessert has evolved, and many different variations of the cake are now being made.
