Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes
If you're craving a decadent, restaurant-style dessert at home, Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes are the answer. These rich, chocolatey treats feature a perfectly gooey molten center that spills out with every bite. Made with a handful of simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes, they're the ideal dessert for special occasions or cozy nights in. Serve them with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a truly indulgent finish.
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter plus more for greasing
- 6 oz semisweet chocolate chips use high-quality for best flavor
- 2 large whole eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour plus more for dusting ramekins
Instructions
- Prepare the Ramekins: Grease four 8-oz ramekins with butter and dust with flour. Shake out any excess. This helps ensure the cakes release cleanly after baking.
- Melt Chocolate and Butter: Place butter and chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of simmering water. Stir until smooth and melted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Whip Eggs and Sugar: In a separate bowl, beat eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and salt using an electric mixer on high speed for about 5 minutes until pale and thick.
- Combine the Batter: Fold the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract into the whipped egg mixture. Gently fold in the flour until smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Divide the batter evenly between the ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F (232°C) for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be firm while the centers remain soft.
- Serve: Let the cakes cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and dust with powdered sugar. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overbake—the center should remain molten.
- Grease and flour ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Let batter rest if you’re prepping ahead, but bring to room temp before baking.