Go Back
Decadent homemade lava cakes with molten chocolate center

Lava Cakes

Indulge in these easy-to-make lava cakes with a gooey chocolate center that will impress everyone.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 cakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped Use semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate for a different taste.
  • 4 tbsp butter Plus extra for greasing the ramekins. Can use vegan butter.
  • ¼ cup sugar Brown sugar can be used for a more caramel-like flavor.
  • ⅛ tsp salt Enhances the chocolate flavor.
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract Can substitute with almond extract for a twist.
  • 3 tbsp flour Use gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free option.
  • 4 large eggs Flax eggs can be used as a vegan substitute.
  • cocoa powder For dusting ramekins to prevent sticking.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
  2. Grease the ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder, shaking out any excess.
  3. Chop the dark chocolate into small pieces and melt it with butter in short bursts in a microwave or over a double boiler until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
Mixing Batter
  1. In a bowl, whisk sugar, salt, vanilla, and eggs until foamy.
  2. Gradually mix in the cooled chocolate mixture, stirring gently.
  3. Fold in flour until just combined; avoid overmixing.
Baking
  1. Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling them about three-quarters full.
  2. Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are firm but the center jiggles.
Serving
  1. Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for a minute.
  2. Run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.
  3. Invert the ramekins onto plates and serve immediately, ideally with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Notes

For best results, use quality chocolate and avoid overbaking. Let cakes rest for a minute before serving to maintain their molten center. You can meal prep by refrigerating unbaked cakes and baking them when needed.