Easy Molten Lava Cake Recipe: A Gooey Chocolate Dessert
This easy molten lava cake recipe is a chocolate lovers dream dessert. It is super easy to make, only requires a few ingredients, and it’s perfect for any occasion. I love making this for a special dinner, a Valentine’s Day treat, or anytime I want a dessert that feels indulgent.
About This Easy Molten Lava Cake Recipe
The basis for a chocolate lava cake is easy. It’s a small chocolate cake that has a gooey chocolate center. It is meant to be served warm so that when you break into the cake the chocolate inside oozes out. This makes it the perfect dessert to pair with ice cream, whipped cream, or gelato. To me it’s like a fancy brownie sundae, but it’s just as easy to make.
With this easy molten lava cake recipe, you’ll see how easy it is to pull together a chocolate dessert that is worthy of any holiday or special dinner. With only 5 ingredients, it’s something you can pull together quickly using items you already have in your refrigerator and pantry.
Because a molten lava cake is really about texture and temperature rather than complex flavor combinations, you have room to make it your own. Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, a splash of liqueur if that’s your style, or simply the pure, straightforward taste of quality chocolate doing what it does best.
Ingredients Needed:
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- Cocoa powder, to coat baking pans
Because this chocolate lava cake recipe is so easy, I don’t have many tips for success. However, here are a few suggestions.
First, since chocolate is the star of this recipe, I recommend using the best chocolate you can. That doesn’t mean that it has to be expensive- just go with a chocolate that you like. If you like the chocolate on its own, you’ll like it in the finished dessert.
And since the key to a molten lava cake is a gooey center, make sure you don’t overbake the dessert. Pull it out when the top has cracked, but when you shake them there’s still some jiggle to the cakes.
Step by Step With Photos
Here are the steps for making this easy molten lava cake recipe. Start by preheating the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. These mini cakes can be made using either a muffin pan or ramekins. I personally like using ramekins because I think that it’s easier to unmold them for a pretty presentation. This makes them perfect for a special dessert or dinner.
Spray a muffin pan with non-stick spray and then coat the interior of each with cocoa powder.
Or you can use 6 ounce ramekins if you prefer. If you skip the cocoa powder, be sure to thoroughly grease the ramekins.
Place 6 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate and 1/2 cup unsalted butter in a bowl.
Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth when stirred. Set aside to cool to room temperature.
In a separate bowl, add 1/4 cup flour, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 teaspoon salt.
Use a whisk or fork to combine the dry ingredients.
In another separate bowl, add 2 eggs and 2 egg yolks.
Whisk to combine the eggs.
Once the chocolate mixture is cool, add the egg mixture and dry ingredients.
Stir to combine all ingredients.
Pour the batter into the muffin pan or ramekins.
Bake the lava cakes for about 14 minutes.
Allow the lava cakes to cool for about 5 minutes. Then use a knife to run around the edges of the cake to release it from the ramekins. Then, using an oven mitt, hold a ramekin in one hand and place a small plate on top of it with your other hand. Simultaneously flip the plate and ramekin over so that the ramekin is now upside down on the plate. Gently lift the ramekin and the lava cake should now be on top of the plate.
The molten lava cake can be served as is or with your favorite toppings. Whipped cream, ice cream, or a raspberry sauce all complement these chocolate cakes.
If you’re making this easy molten lava cake recipe for Valentine’s Day, or for a special date night dinner, you may also enjoy these Little Debbie Valentine Cakes. So pretty!
If you try this Easy Molten Lava Cake Recipe or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and tell me how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting, and happy baking!
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Equipment
- 4 6 ounce ramekins or muffin pan
- Microwave safe bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- 3 bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 6 ounces semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup flour
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- Cocoa powder to coat baking pans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray a six-count muffin tin or 4 – 6 oz ramekins with non-stick spray. Dust with cocoa powder and set aside.
- Place the chocolate chips and butter in a microwave safe dish and heat in 30 second increments until melted. Stir well between each interval. Allow to cool to room temp.
- In a small bowl, combine the flour, powdered sugar and salt. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- In another small bowl, add the eggs and egg yolks. Whisk to combine. Set aside.
- Add the dry ingredients and the egg mixture to the melted chocolate mix once it has cooled slightly. Whisk to combine well.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dishes. Place ramekins on a baking sheet or if using a muffin tin, place directly on the middle rack.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 14 minutes. The tops should be set and beginning to crack. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for approximately 5 minutes.
- Using a butter knife, gently run it along the edges of the cake to release anywhere that might have stuck. Place a plate or serving dish on top of the cakes, and quickly invert. Use caution and baking mitts – the pans will still be very hot.
- Allow the cakes to cool slightly. Sprinkle with additional cocoa powder or powdered sugar.
- Serve with ice cream, hot fudge, berries, or topping of your choice.
Notes
Follow me on Pinterest for fun and easy cookie recipes for any occasion. If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let me know how it went.
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