This chocolate lava cake is a dessert lovers dream with a molten chocolate center that is rich and fudgy! It’s an irresistible treat with only a handful of ingredients and ready in less than 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
Our mouthwatering chocolate lava cake recipe has a crisp outer layer and a luscious, molten core. Each bite delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and indulgence.
Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just seeking to impress your guests, this chocolate lava cake will elevate your dessert game! For more delectable chocolate desserts, try this chocolate bundt cake, chocolate souffle and chocolate dump cake.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect proportions: The precise balance of ingredients guarantees a gooey center without compromising the cake’s structure.
- Quick baking time: A short period in the oven ensures the edges are set while the center remains delightfully molten.
Recipe Ingredients
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder. Gives the lava cake even more chocolaty flavor and is also used for dusting.
- Unsalted butter: No need to soften it as it will be microwaved, however, it will help it melt faster if it’s brought to room temperature first.
- Dark chocolate chips or morsels. You can also use milk chocolate chips if you prefer.
- Eggs and egg yolks: Binds the cake together while adding richness and moisture.
- Baking stapes: Salt, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, sugar.
Substitutions and Variations
- Gluten-free option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative 1:1 all-purpose flour.
- Nutty crunch: Add a handful of chopped nuts to the batter for a textural contrast.
- Slow cooker: Slow cooker chocolate lava cake is a great option for when your don’t have any custard cups or ramekins on hand.
How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake
- Melt the chocolate chips and butter. Add both to a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir, then continue in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- Start the batter. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Using a hand-held mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Fold in the chocolate. Pour the melted chocolate into your egg mixture. Add the flour and cocoa powder, and stir until combined.
- Bake and serve. Divide batter between prepared custard cups and bake for 12-14 minutes until sides are set, but center is still jiggly. Cool molten chocolate cakes for 1 minutes before turning them out onto individual dessert plates. Garnish and serve.
Tips for the Best Lava Cake
- Try to use high-quality chocolate morsels, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard. Nestle dark chocolate morsels do work as well.
- Make sure not to overbake. You want the center to appear a little jiggly as you take them out of the oven. This will leave you with the gooey lava center you are looking for!
- For that desired molten center, chocolate lava cakes taste best when served right away.
Recipe FAQs
Top your chocolate lava cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate sauce, or a handful of fresh berries.
You could also add homemade whipped cream or caramel sauce.
Typically, lava cakes are little cakes baked in separate ramekins. In short, lava cake is the term for a particular kind of chocolate cake that has a melted center, whereas molten cake is a general term for cakes with a gooey center.
While dark chocolate adds depth, milk chocolate can be used for a sweeter flavor profile.
Ramekins work just as well, ensuring the cakes maintain their signature shape.
While these lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, you can refrigerate any leftovers. Reheat them briefly in the microwave or oven to revive the molten magic before serving.
Need more chocolate in your life? Try chocolate cupcakes, chocolate truffles, and flourless chocolate cake.
More Chocolate Recipes
Browse all
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder , for dusting
- ¾ cup unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips or morsels
- 3 eggs
- 3 egg yolks
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Optional toppings: ice cream, powdered sugar, berries, or chocolate sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray six 6-ounce custard cups or ramekins with non-stick cooking spray and then dust the inside of the cups generously with cocoa powder.
- Add butter and chocolate chips to a small microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 45 seconds. Stir together, then continue microwaving in 30 second intervals (stirring each time) until the chocolate is melted and the mixture is smooth. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Using a hand-held mixer, beat on medium speed until well combined.
- Fold the chocolate mixture into your egg mixture. Add the flour and cocoa powder and stir until combined.
- Divide the batter between the prepared custard cups or ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes or until the sides are set, but the center is still a little bit jiggly. Watch closely because you do not want to over-bake.
- Allow to cool for 1 minute, then turn them out onto individual dessert plates. Serve immediately with your choice of topping!
Notes
- Try to use high-quality chocolate morsels, such as Ghirardelli or Guittard. Nestle dark chocolate morsels do work as well.
- Make sure not to overbake. You want the center to appear a little jiggly as you take them out of the oven. This will leave you with the gooey lava center you are looking for!
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Cake + Cupcakes, Chocolate, Desserts, Nut-Free, Valentine's Day
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
What’s not to love??! Gooey, chocolatey, and so yummy!! This has always been one of my favorites to order at any restaurant! So happy to make it at home!
This was 10/10! So easy to make and so delicious!
This was so easy to make and better than some I’ve had at restaurants. A must make!
Hi! What if I wanted to prepare this ahead of time , would that work? Prepare the batter and then only bake when ready? Thank you!
Yes just cover and allow to sit on the counter while the oven is warming up :)
Is the 1 Tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting or is to the added with the flour? I’m confused.
For dusting :)