Print

Foolproof Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Close-up of a warm chocolate lava cake with the molten center oozing out onto a white plate.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make this classic chocolate lava cake for a fast, indulgent dessert. You get crisp edges and a silky molten center every time. This recipe is perfect for date nights or when you need a bakery-style dessert without stress.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
  • 4 ounces unsalted butter
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • Pinch of salt
  • Butter and cocoa powder for dusting ramekins

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously butter four 6-ounce ramekins. Dust the inside of each buttered ramekin with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. Place the prepared ramekins on a baking sheet.
  2. In a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (or using a microwave in short bursts), melt the chopped chocolate and butter together until smooth. Stir until fully combined, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
  3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened, about 2 minutes.
  4. Gently whisk the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until just combined.
  5. Whisk in the flour and salt until no streaks of flour remain. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the four prepared ramekins.
  7. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center should still look soft and jiggly. This timing is key for the molten center.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 minute. Carefully run a thin knife around the edge of each cake. Invert each cake onto a small serving plate.
  9. Serve immediately, perhaps with ice cream or fresh berries.

Notes

  • For a guaranteed molten center, do not overbake. Check the cakes at 12 minutes.
  • If you do not have ramekins, you can bake this as one small cake in a greased 6-inch round pan, increasing the bake time by about 5 to 8 minutes.
  • Dust the finished cake with powdered sugar just before serving for a professional look.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/easy-lava-cake-recipe-molten-center/