Rich, indulgent, and irresistibly gooey in the center, these chocolate lava cakes are the ultimate dessert for any chocolate lover. With their molten middle and tender cake exterior, they’re perfect for special occasions—or anytime you need a decadent treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect balance of rich chocolate flavor and soft, melty center
Quick and easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
Impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknight indulgence
Pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream for a hot-and-cold dessert experience
Made with simple pantry ingredients you likely already have

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Baking spray, for spraying custard cups
1 stick butter
2 ounces bittersweet chocolate
2 ounces semisweet chocolate
1 1/4 cups powdered sugar
2 whole eggs
3 egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Vanilla ice cream, for serving

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spray four custard cups with baking spray and place them on a baking sheet.
In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, bittersweet chocolate, and semisweet chocolate. Microwave on high for about 1 minute, until the butter is melted. Whisk until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth.
Stir in the powdered sugar until well blended.
Whisk in the eggs and egg yolks, followed by the vanilla extract.
Gently stir in the flour until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared custard cups.
Bake for about 13 minutes, until the sides are firm but the centers remain soft.
Let stand for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto individual plates.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 13 minutes
Total time: 23 minutes

Variations

Peanut butter swirl: Add a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each cake before baking.
Mocha lava cakes: Stir in 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder with the flour.
White chocolate center: Place a small square of white chocolate in the center before baking for a double-chocolate surprise.
Berry twist: Top with fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity contrast.
Dairy-free version: Use plant-based butter and dairy-free chocolate.

Storage/Reheating

Best enjoyed immediately for the molten center effect.
If storing, refrigerate cooled cakes for up to 2 days.
Reheat in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, but note the center may be less molten.
Batter can be made ahead, refrigerated for up to 24 hours, and baked just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use only one type of chocolate?

Yes, you can use all semisweet or all bittersweet chocolate, but the flavor profile will change slightly.

2. Can I make these in a muffin tin?

Yes, just adjust baking time to 10–11 minutes as muffin tins are smaller.

3. How do I know when they’re done?

The edges should look set while the center remains slightly soft and jiggly.

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, refrigerate for up to 24 hours and bake straight from the fridge, adding 1–2 extra minutes to baking time.

5. Can I freeze unbaked lava cakes?

Yes, wrap and freeze the filled custard cups. Bake from frozen, adding 3–4 minutes to the baking time.

6. What’s the best way to remove the cakes from the cups?

Run a thin knife around the edges before inverting to help them release cleanly.

7. Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

8. What can I serve instead of ice cream?

Whipped cream, crème fraîche, or fresh berries pair wonderfully.

9. Can I reduce the sugar?

You can reduce by about 1/4 cup, but it may slightly alter texture and sweetness.

10. What’s the best chocolate to use?

High-quality chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content will give the richest flavor.

Conclusion

Chocolate Lava Cakes are the epitome of indulgence—simple to make yet absolutely decadent. With their tender cake exterior and molten chocolate center, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, especially when paired with cool, creamy vanilla ice cream. Whether for a romantic dinner or a cozy night in, this dessert never fails to impress.

Ezabella