Hey y’all! If you’re craving a dessert that’s irresistibly gooey and sinfully chocolatey, you have to try these Chocolate Lava Cakes. With their molten centers and fudgy cake exterior, they’re the ultimate treat for romantic dinners, birthday surprises, or just when you need a little chocolate magic at home. Ready to impress yourself and your guests? Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- Ready in less than 30 minutes—perfect for last-minute cravings!
- The molten chocolate center creates a show-stopping wow factor.
- Single-serve portions make them ideal for dinner parties or date nights.
- Simple pantry ingredients come together for maximum chocolate richness.
- Easy to customize with your favorite flavors or add-ins!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
- 4 oz (115g) semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
- Optional: powdered sugar, ice cream, or berries for serving
Directions
Step 1: Prep Your Ramekins
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins, then dust lightly with flour to prevent sticking. Place on a baking sheet for easy transport.
Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chopped chocolate. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth and melted. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened—about 1-2 minutes. Whisk in the salt.
Step 4: Combine Mixtures
Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking gently until smooth. Fold in the flour until just combined—don’t overmix.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins. Bake for 11-13 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft. The tops will be puffed and slightly cracked.
Step 6: Invert & Serve
Let Cakes rest for 1 minute, then carefully run a knife around the edge. Invert onto plates, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately—molten centers await!
Notes
- Bake time matters: Take care not to overbake, or the centers won’t be molten.
- Chilling the batter in filled ramekins for 1 hour gives more distinct lava centers.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor and best lava consistency.
Variations
- Peanut Butter Lava Cakes: Add a teaspoon of peanut butter to the center before baking.
- Espresso Lava Cakes: Mix 1 tbsp instant espresso powder into the batter for a mocha twist.
- Orange Chocolate Lava Cakes: Add 1 tsp orange zest to the batter for a citrusy zing.
Required Equipment
- Four 6-ounce ramekins
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls & whisk
- Microwave-safe bowl or double boiler
- Rubber spatula
Storage Instructions
Leftover (unbaked) batter can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 day—bake directly from the fridge, adding an extra minute. Baked cakes are best eaten warm, but you can store cooled cakes, tightly wrapped, in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat briefly in the microwave to restore the molten center before serving.
Suggested Pairings & Serving Recommendations
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Top with fresh berries for a burst of freshness and color.
- Drizzle with salted caramel or raspberry sauce for extra decadence.
Pro Tips
- Grease and flour ramekins well to ensure cakes release cleanly.
- Let cakes cool for exactly 1 minute before unmolding for molten perfection.
- For extra gooey centers, slightly underbake by 30 seconds.
FAQ
Can I make Chocolate Lava Cakes ahead?
Yes! Prepare the batter, fill ramekins, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day. Bake when ready to serve, adding 1 extra minute to the bake time if baking from cold.
Can I use chocolate chips?
You can, but high-quality chocolate bars yield a richer, smoother lava center.
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should look set and firm, while the centers remain soft and slightly jiggly—usually after 11-13 minutes of baking.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing
- 4 oz (115g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 2 tbsp (16g) all-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
Instructions
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1Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and generously grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter.
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2In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
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3In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until light and thickened.
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4Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift in the flour and gently fold until just combined.
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5Evenly divide the batter among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are soft.
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6Let cakes cool for 1 minute, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
390cal
Protein:
6 gg
Fat:
25 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
34 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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