Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe: Perfect for Chocolate Lovers

Chocolate lava cake turns any meal into a special treat.

It’s rich, gooey, and full of chocolate.

This dessert is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a celebration or just a chocolate craving.

In this blog, we’ll show you how to make the perfect chocolate lava cake.

You will get all the details, tips, and a recipe card. Let’s start!

Why Your Family Will Love This Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Here’s why this dessert is so loved:

• Molten Center: The cake’s gooey chocolate center is its best part. It’s warm and rich, contrasting with the crisp outside.
• Impressive Yet Simple: Making this cake is easy. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your guests and get recipe requests.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness by choosing your favorite chocolate. Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate works great.

Ingredients for Chocolate Lava Cake

Here’s what you need for the perfect cake. Most of these ingredients are common in any kitchen.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Chocolate Lava Cake

Now, let’s make the lava cake! Follow these steps for a delicious, gooey dessert.

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Ramekins

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high temperature cooks the outside fast, keeping the inside soft.

Next, grease and flour four individual ramekins (4-6 oz capacity). Ramekins are traditional, but muffin tins work too. Greasing and flouring helps the cake come out easily.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Mixture

In a heatproof bowl, melt 6 oz of chocolate and 1/2 cup of butter together. You can do this over a double boiler or microwave it in 30-second intervals. Stir the mixture occasionally until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and smooth.

Once the chocolate and butter have melted together, whisk in 1 cup of powdered sugar.

After the sugar is incorporated, whisk in the 2 whole eggs and 2 egg yolks until everything is well combined.

Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract for flavor, and finish with 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt. Mix until everything is just combined. The batter will be slightly thick.

Step 3: Prepare the Lava Filling

In a separate small bowl, melt another 4 oz of chocolate along with 2 tbsp of heavy cream (optional, but it makes the center extra rich). You can melt this over a double boiler or microwave it in short bursts. Stir until smooth.

Once the chocolate mixture is ready, you’re ready to assemble the cakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Lava Cakes

Take your prepared ramekins and spoon a little of the cake batter into each one, just enough to cover the bottom (about 1-2 tablespoons).

Next, add a generous spoonful of the molten chocolate mixture in the center of each ramekin. Then, top with the remaining batter, filling each ramekin about 3/4 full.

Step 5: Bake the Lava Cakes

Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The baking time depends on the size of your ramekins and your oven. Start checking around the 12-minute mark.

The cakes are ready when the edges are set, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you tap the ramekin. If you bake them for too long, you’ll lose that gooey center.

Step 6: Serve the Lava Cakes

Let the cakes cool for about 1 minute before inverting them onto serving plates. You can do this by placing a plate on top of the ramekin and flipping it over. Gently lift the ramekin off, and voila! You’ll have a perfectly formed lava cake.

Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries. The warm cake paired with cold ice cream is a match made in heaven.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

• Timing is Key: The most important part of this recipe is getting the baking time right. The cake should have a firm exterior with a molten center. If you overbake it, the center will set, and you’ll miss out on the signature lava effect.
• Use Good Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the star of this dessert, using high-quality chocolate is essential for the best flavor. Go for semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate with a high cocoa percentage for a deep, rich flavor.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the batter in advance and store the filled ramekins in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them in the oven and bake as usual. This makes it a great dessert for entertaining!

FAQ About Chocolate Lava Cake

1. Can I use different types of chocolate? Yes! Try dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate. The cake’s sweetness and flavor will change.

2. Can I make these without ramekins? Use a muffin tin if you don’t have ramekins. Grease and flour it well. Bake for 10 minutes and check.

3. Can I make this recipe without heavy cream for the center? Yes, you can skip the cream. It makes the center smooth but you can have a stronger chocolate taste.

4. Can I freeze lava cakes? Yes, freeze the batter in ramekins. Wrap them tightly in plastic or foil. Bake from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes.

Final Thoughts on Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate lava cake is perfect for any occasion. It’s warm, gooey chocolate with a crisp outside. It’s irresistible.

I love making this recipe! Share your creations with me on Instagram or in the comments. Happy baking!

Recipe Card

Chocolate Lava Cake

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
Total Time: 32-34 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 6 oz semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 whole eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• 4 oz semisweet or dark chocolate (for the molten center)
• 2 tbsp heavy cream (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease and flour 4 ramekins.
2. Melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir in powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, vanilla extract, flour, and salt.
3. Melt the chocolate and cream for the center, and spoon it into the center of the batter in the ramekins.
4. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the center is soft.
5. Let cool for 1 minute, invert onto plates, and serve with ice cream or whipped cream.