Ingredients

• 150 g plain flour
• 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
• 110 g soft unsalted butter
• 85 g soft light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste or 1 teaspoon extract
• 1 large egg
• 170 g dark chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Equipment: 6 ramekins approximately 8cm / 3 1/2in diameter x 4.5cm / 1 3/4in deep (approx. 200ml / 3/4 - 1 cup capacity).

2. Preheat the oven to 180°C/gas mark 4 (350°F), and measure the flour, salt and bicarb into a bowl, forking together to mix.

3. With an electric mixer, or by hand, beat the butter and sugar until you have a light and creamy mixture, then add the vanilla paste or extract and the egg, beating again to incorporate.

4. Gently fold in the flour mixture, then, once it’s all mixed in, fold in the chocolate chips.

5. Divide the dough between 6 ramekins (you will need about 4½ tablespoons of batter for each one). Using a small offset spatula (for ease) or the back of a teaspoon, spread the mixture to cover the bottom of the ramekins, and smooth the tops.

6. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for 13–15 minutes. They will still be quite gooey inside, but the top will be set, and they should be golden brown at the edges and just beginning to come away from the sides of the ramekins.

7. Leave to cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. You can spoon a scoop of ice cream on top of each one or serve with cream or crème fraîche on the side. They will set as they cool down, so don’t dally now.

8. MAKE AHEAD NOTE: These can be made up to 6 hours ahead, then covered with clingfilm and stored in fridge. Allow to come up to room temperature before baking.

9. FREEZE NOTE: Wrap each ramekin tightly in a double layer of clingfilm and put in resealable bags or wrap each in a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Bake directly from frozen, adding an extra 2 minutes to the baking time.