Short Description

Chocolate lava cake is a luxurious dessert that combines the richness of chocolate cake with the surprise of a molten, gooey center. With a slightly crisp exterior and a flowing chocolate core, this elegant dessert is perfect for dinner parties or romantic evenings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chocolate lava cake recipe is simple yet delivers a decadent, restaurant-quality dessert in the comfort of your home. The rich chocolate flavor, soft crumb, and irresistible molten center make it a favorite among chocolate lovers. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time, it’s a dessert that impresses without requiring advanced baking skills.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Butter
High-quality chocolate (dark or semi-sweet)
Eggs
Sugar
All-purpose flour
Optional: vanilla extract, espresso powder, salt

directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour or cocoa powder.
In a heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until thick and pale.
Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture and stir to combine.
Gently fold in the flour and any optional flavorings such as vanilla or espresso powder.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 individual cakes
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: Approximately 30 minutes

Variations

Peanut Butter Lava Cakes: Add a spoonful of peanut butter in the center before baking.
Salted Caramel Lava Cakes: Insert a caramel candy into the center of each ramekin.
White Chocolate Lava Cakes: Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate for a different flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of regular flour.
Mocha Lava Cakes: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.

storage/reheating

Storage: Store leftover cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Microwave for 20–30 seconds to reheat, being careful not to overcook the center.
Freezing: You can freeze the unbaked batter in ramekins. Bake directly from frozen, adding an additional 1–2 minutes to the baking time.

FAQs

What is chocolate lava cake?

Chocolate lava cake is a small, individual chocolate cake with a soft, gooey center that flows like lava when cut.

Can I make lava cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it in the ramekins until ready to bake.

Why is my lava cake overcooked?

Overbaking will solidify the center. Bake just until the edges are set and the center is still slightly jiggly.

Can I use chocolate chips instead of baking chocolate?

Chocolate chips can be used, but they may not melt as smoothly as chopped chocolate bars.

Do I need ramekins for this recipe?

Ramekins are ideal, but you can also use a muffin tin or oven-safe teacups.

Can I use milk chocolate?

Yes, but milk chocolate will yield a sweeter and less intense chocolate flavor compared to dark chocolate.

How do I know when it’s done?

The edges should look set, while the center remains soft and slightly sunken. A slight jiggle is normal.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, use dairy-free butter and chocolate alternatives for a dairy-free version.

Can I reheat lava cake in the oven?

Yes, preheat your oven to 350°F and warm the cakes for about 5–7 minutes.

What should I serve with lava cake?

Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries pair wonderfully with the richness of chocolate lava cake.

Conclusion

Chocolate lava cake is a timeless dessert that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare. Its warm, molten center and rich chocolate flavor make it the ultimate treat for any special occasion or cozy night in. Whether served on its own or with your favorite toppings, this dessert never fails to impress.