Dessert / Sweets
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a firm crust and a rich, gooey molten chocolate center that flows out when cut.
Watch it madeBakeLikeAPro · 12:05
Ingredients
- Bittersweet Chocolate170g
- Unsalted Butter1/2 cup
- Eggs2 large
- Egg Yolks2 large
- Sugar1/4 cup
- All-purpose Flour2 tbsp
Method
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour four ramekins.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave. Whisk until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until light and thick.
- Whisk the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Stir in the flour until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins. Bake for 12-14 minutes until the sides are firm but the center is soft.
- Let cool for 1 minute, then invert onto plates. Serve immediately while warm.
Common questions
Can I substitute semisweet or dark chocolate for bittersweet chocolate?
Yes. Semisweet works well and will make the cakes slightly sweeter. If using very dark chocolate, taste the batter if possible and add a little extra sugar only if needed. Avoid milk chocolate; it can make the texture too soft and overly sweet.
How do I know when the lava cakes are done without overbaking them?
Bake until the edges look set and pull slightly from the ramekins, but the centers still jiggle when gently shaken. Start checking at 12 minutes. If the tops look fully firm, they’re likely overbaked and won’t have a molten center.
What are the most common mistakes that ruin molten chocolate lava cakes?
The biggest mistakes are overbaking, using cold eggs, and overmixing after adding flour. Also, don’t skip greasing and flouring the ramekins well. Under-melted chocolate or a batter that’s too hot can also cause grainy texture or poor rise.
Can I make the batter or baked cakes ahead of time?
Yes. You can refrigerate the batter in the ramekins for several hours, then bake straight from cold, adding 1–2 minutes. Baked cakes are best eaten immediately, but leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
What’s the best way to serve molten chocolate lava cakes?
Invert onto dessert plates after a 1-minute rest, then serve right away while the center is still warm and flowing. They’re excellent with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, raspberries, or a dusting of powdered sugar for contrast.