Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake – Easy Molten Dessert Recipe
🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 12 minutes
Ingredients for Chocolate Lava Cake
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 oz semi-sweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
- 2 whole eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Optional: powdered sugar, berries, or vanilla ice cream for topping
How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake at Home
✅ Step 1: Prep the Ramekins
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease 4 ramekins with butter and lightly dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
✅ Step 2: Melt Chocolate and Butter
- In a heatproof bowl, melt chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave (in 30-second intervals). Stir until smooth.
✅ Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until slightly thickened.
✅ Step 4: Combine and Bake
- Add the chocolate mixture to the eggs and stir to combine.
- Fold in flour gently.
- Divide batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Bake for 11–12 minutes, or until edges are set but centers are soft.
✅ Step 5: Serve Warm
- Let rest for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates.
- Top with powdered sugar, berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

💡 Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Lava Cake
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Perfect for Valentine’s Day or date night
- Gooey, rich center with crisp edges
- Minimal ingredients & no fancy tools needed
- Pairs perfectly with coffee, red wine, or vanilla ice cream
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❓FAQs – Lava Cake Tips & Tricks
Q1: Can I make lava cake ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the batter and refrigerate in ramekins. Bake just before serving.
Q2: What kind of chocolate should I use?
Use high-quality semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (60–70% cocoa) for the best flavor.
Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Replace flour with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
Q4: Can I bake this in a muffin tin?
Yes, but reduce baking time by 1–2 minutes and grease well.