Description
This Chocolate Lava Cake is a decadent dessert featuring a soft, fluffy exterior and a gooey, molten chocolate center. Perfect for dinner parties or romantic nights in, this elegant treat comes together in less than 30 minutes — with bakery-quality results every time!
Ingredients
Scale
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 6 oz (170g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter & cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
Optional for Serving:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Grease the ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
- Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl.
- Melt using a double boiler (or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently).
- Stir until smooth and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Mix the Eggs and Sugar
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
Step 4: Combine the Mixtures
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate into the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Gently fold in the flour and salt using a spatula. Avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Fill the Ramekins
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.
- Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let them sit for 1-2 minutes.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
- Run a knife along the edges and carefully invert the cakes onto plates.
- Serve with powdered sugar, berries, or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- Make ahead: The batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours — bring it to room temperature before baking.
- Extra gooey: Bake only 10 minutes for a more molten center.
- Add flavor: Stir in espresso powder, orange zest, or a splash of liqueur.
- Freezer tip: Freeze unbaked ramekins for up to 1 month; bake straight from frozen, adding 1–2 minutes to the baking time.
- Prep Time: PT10M
- Cook Time: PT12M
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: French-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 individual lava cake
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 190mg
