Go Back
Sarah

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

A rich chocolate lava cake with a warm, gooey molten center and crisp edges. This easy chocolate lava cake recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and makes the perfect dessert for two.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Rest time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 cakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: French
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • butter for greasing ramekins as needed
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3 tbsp white sugar
  • 3 1/2 oz dark chocolate chopped
  • 5 tbsp butter
  • 4 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/8 tsp vanilla extract

Method
 

  1. Generously butter four 5 1/2 oz ramekins and place in a casserole dish.
  2. Whisk egg yolks, eggs, and sugar until light, foamy, and pale yellow.
  3. Melt chocolate and butter together in the microwave in 30 second bursts until smooth.
  4. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Sift in cocoa powder, then flour and salt, stirring until smooth. Stir in vanilla.
  5. Pipe the batter evenly into the ramekins and tap out any air bubbles.
  6. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
  7. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Place ramekins in a water bath halfway up the sides. Bake 15 to 18 minutes.
  8. Cool 15 minutes, loosen edges with a knife, invert onto plates, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Best served immediately after baking while the center is still molten.
  • The batter can be made and refrigerated up to 24 hours ahead before baking.
  • Do not skip the water bath, it helps the cakes bake evenly.
  • Watch the bake time closely, a couple extra minutes can turn a lava center into a fully baked one.