Description
Mini Lava Cakes are rich, individual chocolate desserts with a soft cake exterior and a warm, molten chocolate center. Ready in under 20 minutes, these decadent treats are perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or whenever you crave an easy yet impressive chocolate dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz (115 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (for dusting ramekins)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- In a heatproof bowl, melt the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter together over simmering water or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until pale and slightly thickened.
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.
- Gently fold in the flour just until combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain slightly soft.
- Remove from the oven and let rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto serving plates.
- Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the molten chocolate center.
Notes
- Do not overbake; even one extra minute can cause the center to fully set.
- Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and smooth molten texture.
- Batter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours before baking.
- If baking from cold, add 1 extra minute to the baking time.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries for added contrast and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mini lava cake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg
Keywords: Mini Lava Cakes, molten chocolate cake, chocolate lava cake, easy chocolate dessert, gooey chocolate cake, baked chocolate dessert