Description
These decadent lava cakes feature a rich, gooey chocolate center surrounded by a tender, cake-like shell. Simple to make yet impressive to serve, this molten dessert is perfect for dinner parties, date nights, or any time you crave a warm, indulgent chocolate treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces semisweet chocolate: provides the rich molten center and deep cocoa flavor
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter: adds moisture and richness
- 3 large eggs: create structure and a soft texture
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: sweetens and balances the chocolate
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: gives light structure to the cake
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder: intensifies the chocolate flavor
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: enhances all flavors and balances sweetness
- Powdered sugar, for dusting: optional finishing touch
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- Melt the semisweet chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until slightly thickened and pale.
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, and salt; mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly soft and jiggly.
- Let rest for 1–2 minutes, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with ice cream or berries.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and texture.
- Overbaking will remove the molten center—check at 12 minutes.
- Ramekins can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Serve immediately after baking for the perfect molten center.
- Best paired with vanilla ice cream or fresh fruit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: lava cakes, molten chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, easy lava cake, gooey chocolate recipe, molten cake, dessert recipe