Decadent Lava Chocolate Cake Recipe with Gooey Molten Center
A rich and easy-to-make lava chocolate cake with a gooey molten center, perfect for special occasions or cozy nights in. This recipe balances bittersweet chocolate with a hint of espresso for deep flavor and a luscious molten core.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 22-24 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 oz (115g) bittersweet or semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 3/4 cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp espresso powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Melt butter and chocolate in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl until smooth and glossy. Let cool slightly.
- Whisk eggs and sugar in a medium bowl until pale and slightly thickened, about 2-3 minutes by hand or 1 minute with an electric mixer.
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the eggs and sugar while whisking gently. Add vanilla extract and espresso powder if using. Mix until smooth.
- Sift flour and salt over the batter and fold in gently with a spatula until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling about 3/4 full.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers are still soft and jiggly.
- Let cakes rest for 1 minute, then run a knife around edges and invert onto plates. Serve immediately.
Notes
Use gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version. Substitute butter with coconut oil for dairy-free option. Dust ramekins with cocoa powder instead of flour for best release and crust. Check baking time closely to maintain gooey center. Batter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated up to 24 hours.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake (approxi
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: lava cake, molten chocolate cake, chocolate dessert, easy chocolate cake, gooey center, decadent dessert