These Chocolate Lava Cakes are a decadent dessert with a warm, gooey center and perfectly soft outer shell. Made with just a few ingredients and baked in under 15 minutes, they’re perfect for date night, dinner parties, or whenever you’re craving a luxurious chocolate fix. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for the ultimate indulgence!
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12-15 minutes
✨ Why You’ll Love This
✔ Professional results with just 6 ingredients
✔ Make-ahead friendly (refrigerate unbaked batter)
✔ Naturally gluten-free (no flour needed!)
✔ Endlessly customizable (see flavor variations below)
Ingredients:
- 6 tablespoons (3 ounces) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing ramekins
- 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate (60-70% cacao), chopped
- 3 large eggs
- 3 large egg yolks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for dusting ramekins
- Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
- Fresh berries or vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
Equipment:
- 6 (6-ounce) oven-safe ramekins
- A double boiler or a heatproof bowl and a saucepan
- Electric mixer (handheld or stand mixer)
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter the inside of each of the 6 ramekins. Then, lightly dust the buttered interiors with flour, tapping out any excess. This will help the cakes release easily after baking.
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Chocolate
- Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water (making sure the bottom of the bowl doesn’t touch the water). Alternatively, you can melt them in a double boiler. Stir occasionally until completely melted and smooth. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk Eggs and Sugar
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt until the mixture is pale yellow and slightly thickened. This will take about 2-3 minutes with an electric mixer or a few more minutes by hand.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Gradually pour the slightly cooled melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while continuously whisking on low speed (or by hand) until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 5: Add Flour
- Gently fold in the sifted flour into the wet ingredients using a rubber spatula until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing, as this can develop the gluten and make the cakes less tender. The batter should be smooth and glossy.
Step 6: Fill the Ramekins
- Divide the chocolate batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full.
Step 7: Bake the Cakes
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The edges of the cakes should be set, but the centers should still look soft and slightly jiggly. The baking time can vary depending on your oven and the size of your ramekins, so keep a close eye on them to ensure they are cooked through. For a more molten center, bake for less time; for a slightly more cooked center, bake for a bit longer.
Step 8: Serve Immediately
- Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for about 1 minute. To unmold, run a thin knife or spatula around the edges of each cake. Place a serving plate upside down over the ramekin and quickly flip it over. Gently tap the top of the ramekin if the cake doesn’t release immediately. Dust with powdered sugar, if desired, and serve immediately with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
🔥 Pro Tips for Perfect Lava
✅ Don’t overbake – Center should wobble slightly
✅ Room temp eggs whip better for the rise
✅ No ramekins? Use a muffin tin (reduce bake time)
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Espresso dust for coffee lovers
- Salted caramel drizzle
- Gold leaf for special occasions
📊 Nutrition (Per Cake)
- Calories 480
- Protein 7g
- Carbs 35g
- Iron 20% DV
🌿 Flavor Variations
- Mint – Add ¼ tsp peppermint extract
- Orange – Stir in 1 tbsp orange zest
- Nutty – Press a hazelnut into the center before baking
- Spicy – Add ¼ tsp cayenne to batter
Enjoy your delicious homemade Chocolate Lava Cake!
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