With a rich, molten centre, chocolate fondants have a reputation for being difficult to pull off, with even many high end restaurant chefs struggling to execute them perfectly. But when done well, a chocolate fondant is a real thing of beauty – an extremely impressive dessert ideal for serving guests over the festive period. And with the right recipe, perfect chocolate fondants can be made at home without enduring too much stress.
This warm chocolate fondant recipe from Paul Ainsworth – the chef behind numerous restaurants in Cornwall, including Michelin-starred Paul Ainsworth at No6 – requires just a handful of accessible ingredients and takes fewer than 10 minutes to bake.
Born in Southampton, Paul Ainsworth is also behind Italian-leaning Caffè Rojano and Padstow Townhouse in Padstow, Cornwall, plus The Mariners Public House in Rock, Cornwall, Mahé Chef’s Table and Development Kitchen, and Paul Ainsworth Truro and Penwith College Academy. Three years after becoming Head Chef at No6. Paul and his wife Emma took over the business in 2009, earning a Michelin star four years later. The restaurant has since become synonymous with high-quality ingredients served simply, while incorporating playful twists. In keeping with the his restaurant work, Paul Ainsworth’s chocolate fondant recipe is fairly simple but particularly impressive.
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