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Cutting Into a Freshly Baked Chocolate Lava Cake

The Ultimate Guide to Making the Best Chocolate Lava Cake

Chocolate Lava Cake, also known as molten chocolate cake, is an indulgent dessert with a rich, warm, and gooey center. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this cake is made with simple ingredients like dark chocolate, butter, eggs, and sugar. Its molten center flows out like lava when you cut into it, offering the ultimate decadent experience.

  • Total Time: 22-24 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 cup (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa)

  • 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter

  • 2 large eggs

  • 2 large egg yolks

  • 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 1/4 cup (32g) all-purpose flour

  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.

  2. Melt the chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the dark chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

  3. Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and slightly thickened. Stir in the vanilla extract.

  4. Combine the mixtures: Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while stirring gently. Once combined, fold in the flour and a pinch of salt until just mixed.

  5. Fill the ramekins: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins. Tap the ramekins gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

  6. Bake the lava cakes: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the center is still slightly jiggly.

  7. Serve immediately: Let the cakes cool for about 1 minute before carefully running a knife around the edges. Invert the ramekins onto plates, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Notes

  • You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake it straight from the fridge, adding 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

  • If you prefer a slightly firmer center, bake for an additional minute, but make sure you don’t overbake.

  • For a unique twist, try substituting white chocolate for dark chocolate to make a white chocolate lava cake.

  • Author: Aleida
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cake (6 oz)
  • Calories: 400 kcal
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: Chocolate Lava Cake, Molten Chocolate Cake, Lava Cake Recipe, Chocolate Dessert, Molten Cake