Rich, gooey, and indulgent a perfectly crafted lava cake recipe is a dream dessert. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself, this restaurant-quality dessert can be made in your kitchen with just a few simple ingredients. Let’s dive into how you can create this decadent dessert effortlessly.
For a completely different, yet equally satisfying dessert, try our Honey Cookies Recipe with their irresistible sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Molten Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Lava cakes combine a rich chocolate exterior with a molten center that oozes perfection.
- It’s quick to make, baking in just 6-8 minutes.
- Requires minimal ingredients, most of which you likely already have.
- Impressive enough for guests yet simple for beginners.
Ingredients for the Ultimate Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
To create the perfect lava cake recipe, you’ll need the following:
- 6 ounces (168 grams) of bittersweet chocolate: Choose high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
- 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter: Creates a rich texture.
What can you use instead of butter baking lava cake? You can substitute butter with coconut oil or margarine for similar results. - 2 large eggs and 2 egg yolks: Adds structure and richness.
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar: Balances the chocolate’s bitterness.
- 1/8 teaspoon salt: Enhances flavor.
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour: A tiny amount for structure.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Perfect Lava Cake Recipe

1. Preheat Your Oven
- Set your oven to 450°F (232°C). This ensures your lava cakes bake quickly for a molten center.
2. Prep Your Ramekins
- Butter and lightly flour 4-5 ramekins to prevent sticking.
- Pro Tip: Ensure even coverage by using a teaspoon of flour and tapping out the excess.
3. Melt Chocolate and Butter
- Use a double boiler to gently melt bittersweet chocolate and butter together.
- Can you reheat melted chocolate? Yes, reheat carefully in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals to prevent burning.
- Stir until smooth and remove from heat to cool slightly.
4. Beat Eggs and Sugar
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and thick.
- Use a hand mixer on medium speed for the best results.
5. Combine Ingredients
- Slowly add the cooled chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, stirring constantly.
- Sift in 2 tablespoons of flour to prevent lumps and mix until just combined.

6. Fill and Bake
- Divide the batter evenly among your prepared ramekins.
- Bake at 450°F for 6-8 minutes. Look for edges that are set and a center that jiggles slightly.
- Avoid overbaking, as it will turn your molten chocolate cake recipe into a standard chocolate cake.

Serving Your Chocolate Lava Cake
- Let the cakes cool in their ramekins for 1 minute before inverting onto dessert plates.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Chocolate lava cake calories: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on your ingredients.
Tips for Success with Your Molten Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Use high-quality chocolate: The flavor depends heavily on your chocolate choice.
- Prep ahead: Make the batter in advance and refrigerate for up to two days. Bring to room temperature before baking.
- Don’t skip flouring the ramekins: This prevents sticking and ensures a smooth release.
How to make chocolate runny: Chop chocolate finely and melt over low heat, stirring constantly for the smoothest results.
Creative Variations for Your Lava Cake Recipe
- Flavor Additions: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder or a pinch of chili powder for a twist.
- Substitute Chocolate: Use white chocolate for a sweeter version or peanut butter for a nutty surprise.
- Mini Lava Cakes: Use smaller ramekins for bite-sized indulgence.

FAQs About Lava Cake Recipe
What can you use instead of butter baking lava cake?
Coconut oil or margarine works well as substitutes for butter, offering similar texture with slight flavor variations.
Can you reheat lava cake?
Yes, place the cake in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds to enjoy a warm, gooey center.
How do you store lava cakes?
Refrigerate unbaked batter or baked cakes in an airtight container for up to two days.
Are lava cakes gluten-free?
Swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Wrapping It Up
This lava cake recipe is the perfect dessert to impress your guests or treat yourself. With its rich, gooey center and simple preparation, it’s bound to become a favorite. Try it today and experience the magic of homemade molten chocolate cake! Share your creations and favorite toppings in the comments below.
If you’re a fan of rich, molten desserts, you’ll also love our Perfect Brownie Bites Recipe, which offers an equally decadent experience in bite-sized form.
Print
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
- Total Time: 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Rich, gooey, and indulgent, this Molten Chocolate Lava Cake is the ultimate dessert to wow your guests or treat yourself. With a warm, melted center and a crisp outer shell, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home in just minutes.
Ingredients
- 6 oz (168g) bittersweet chocolate (high-quality recommended)
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Generously butter and lightly flour 4 to 5 ramekins.
- In a double boiler, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt until thick and pale.
- Slowly mix in the chocolate mixture, stirring constantly.
- Sift in the flour and gently fold until just combined.
- Pour batter evenly into ramekins.
- Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until the edges are set and centers are still soft.
- Cool for 1 minute, then invert onto dessert plates.
- Garnish with powdered sugar, berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate up to 2 days. Let come to room temperature before baking. Don’t overbake or you’ll lose that signature molten center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
Keywords: molten chocolate cake, lava cake, chocolate dessert, easy dessert, gooey cake