Zesty Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe

Cutting into a warm dessert to reveal a molten center always feels like a special occasion. My Chocolate Lava Cakes are surprisingly simple to make despite their impressive bakery-style appearance.

You might think a treat this sophisticated requires advanced baking skills, but the batter comes together in minutes. I make this Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe whenever I need a reliable dessert that looks stunning on the plate.

What Makes This Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe So Special

These individual desserts feel incredibly fancy but come together with just a handful of pantry staples. You can prep the batter ahead of time for stress-free entertaining.

The deep cocoa flavor pairs wonderfully with the tender cake exterior and gooey middle. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that looks professional every single time.

Baking these in ramekins creates the ideal portion size for everyone at the table. I find they are the ultimate way to end a romantic dinner or celebration.

If this dish hit the spot, you’ll want to try my Zesty Spicy Eggplant Recipe next, plus the Cozy Candied Orange Slices Recipe delivers the same bold flavors.

Everything You Need for Perfect Chocolate Lava Cakes

Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Unsalted butter: Provides richness and helps create the liquid consistency of the batter.
• Semisweet chocolate chips: Acts as the base flavor and creates the signature molten center.
• Eggs: Whole eggs provide structure while extra yolks add richness and tenderness.
• Sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough without overpowering the bittersweet chocolate.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate notes.
• Vanilla extract: Adds aroma and depth to the overall flavor profile.
• All-purpose flour: Gives just enough structure to hold the cake shape while keeping the center soft.

My Method for Perfect Chocolate Lava Cakes

Let’s get cooking!

1. Begin by preheating your oven to 450˚F so it is fully up to temperature when you are ready to bake. Grease four 8-ounce ramekins generously with butter and dust the insides with flour, tapping out any excess into the sink. This preparation is vital to ensure your Chocolate Lava Cakes release easily from the molds later.
2. Create a double boiler by setting a heatproof mixing bowl over a medium saucepan containing about one cup of simmering water, ensuring the bowl does not touch the water. Combine the chocolate chips and sliced butter in the bowl, stirring with a spatula until they are completely melted and smooth, then remove from heat to cool slightly.
3. In a separate large bowl, combine the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt. Using an electric hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture on high speed for about 5 minutes until it becomes thick, pale yellow, and ribbons fall from the beaters when lifted.
4. Pour the warm melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract into the whipped egg mixture. Gently fold everything together using a spatula until mostly combined, being careful not to deflate the eggs too much. Add the flour and continue to fold gently until just incorporated and no streaks of flour remain.
5. Divide the batter evenly between the four prepared ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 450˚F for 10 to 12 minutes. You are looking for the sides to be firm and dry while the centers remain soft with a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.
6. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for exactly one minute. Run a small knife around the edges if needed, then place a dessert plate over each ramekin and invert them to release the cakes. Dust with powdered sugar immediately and serve while hot.

My Best Tips for Perfect Chocolate Lava Cakes

Generously buttering and flouring your ramekins is the most crucial step for easy removal. I always tap out the excess flour to ensure a smooth finish on the cakes.

Keep a close eye on the oven because the baking time can vary slightly based on your specific appliance. The centers of your Chocolate Lava Cakes should still have a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan.

Use high-quality chocolate chips or a chopped baking bar for the most intense flavor profile. This Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe relies heavily on the quality of the chocolate since there are so few ingredients.

How I Like to Serve This Chocolate Lava Cakes

I love plating these while they are still warm so the center stays nice and liquid. A dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful contrast against the dark chocolate sponge.

Adding a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates a wonderful temperature contrast with the hot Chocolate Lava Cakes. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also cut through the richness nicely.

I love seeing what you make! Follow me on Pinterest.

Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe

---

• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 30 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Rich molten chocolate cakes with a gooey center, made with simple pantry ingredients.

---

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup plus 1 tsp sugar
• 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips
• 8 Tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

---

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450˚F. Thoroughly butter four 8-oz ramekins and dust them with flour, tapping out the excess.
2. Set up a double boiler with simmering water. Melt the chocolate chips and 8 tablespoons of butter together in a bowl set over the water, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat.
3. In a large bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt on high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and thick.
4. Fold the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla into the egg mixture until combined. Gently fold in the flour until just incorporated.
5. Pour batter into the prepared ramekins. Bake for 10-12 minutes until sides are set but centers still jiggle slightly.
6. Cool for 1 minute, then invert onto plates. Serve immediately with powdered sugar or berries.

Notes

If using smaller 4 oz ramekins, reduce baking time to 6-8 minutes.

• Prep Time: 20 min
• Cooling Time: 1 min
• Cook Time: 10 min
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cake
• Calories: 585
• Sugar: 29g
• Sodium: 195mg
• Fat: 45g
• Saturated Fat: 26g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 9g
• Cholesterol: 245mg

Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten cake, dessert, baking, easy chocolate cake