Molten Lava Cake Recipe

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You’re here for Molten Lava Cake, and this one delivers every single time. The texture hits just right, the center flows like it’s supposed to, and the timing is dialed in so you don’t have to cross your fingers when you pull it from the oven. It’s quick, confident, and reliable… the kind of dessert that makes you feel like you know exactly what you’re doing (even if you made it on a whim).

Ingredient Notes + Variations

This molten lava cake recipe keeps things tight and intentional. Every ingredient pulls its weight, which is why the centers stay soft and the edges bake up just enough to hold everything together.

• Flour – Just enough to set the edges while the center stays soft.
• Semi-sweet chocolate – Baking squares melt smoothly, but chocolate chips work beautifully too and are easier to grab.
• Butter – Melted butter gives richness and helps create that glossy interior.
• Powdered sugar – This dissolves quickly and keeps the batter silky.
• Eggs + egg yolks – Whole eggs provide structure, extra yolks bring that signature molten texture.

Equipment Needed

• 4 ramekin dishes, custard cups, or a standard muffin tin

Molten lava cakes are typically baked in a muffin tin or a small ramekin dish. Custard cups can also be used and are similar in size and shape to 3 or 4 oz ramekins. The main difference is that custard cups are made of porcelain or glass and are used for serving, while ramekin dishes are typically made of oven-safe ceramic or silicone and are used for baking.

How to Make Molten Lava Cake

This molten lava cake comes together in minutes and bakes fast, so it’s perfect when you want something impressive without a long prep. For full recipe details, including ingredients and measurements needed, see the printable recipe card below. If you want to make mini Lava Cakes using a mini muffin pan, scroll down for the step by step directions for that.

1. Preheat Oven + Prep

Preheat oven. Spray 4 custard cups or ramekin dishes with non-stick cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.

2. Make the Batter

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate in 30 second increments until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour.

3. Bake

Divide the chocolate mixture evenly between prepared ramekins or custard cups. Bake for 13-15 minutes until sides are firm and center is soft. Let stand 1 minute before removing. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or powdered sugar and berries!

Tips for Success

• Use the center rack so the cakes bake evenly.
• Pull them from the oven as soon as the edges look firm. The centers finish setting as they rest.
• Let them stand for one minute before unmolding. That pause matters.
• Serve warm for the best molten texture.

Voila! You can totally skip dessert at the fancy restaurant next time! These molten chocolate lava cakes are perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, date night, an anniversary, or just because. The printable recipe card below. Have a fantastic day, friends!

Molten Lava Cakes

Katie Cooksey

Chocolate Molten Lava Cakes are one of the easiest and most decadent desserts to make at home! Only a few ingredients needed that you probably already have on hand! Perfect for Valentine's Day!

4.87 from 29 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 13 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 588 kcal

Equipment

• 4 ramekin dishes or custard cups, or muffin tins

Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate baking squares or just use 4 oz chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup
• 1/2 cup butter melted
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 6 tablespoons flour

Instructions

 

• Preheat oven to 425° F. Spray 4 custard cups with non-stick cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
• In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide evenly between baking dishes.
• Bake 13-15 minutes until sides are firm and center is soft. Let stand 1 minute before removing. Serve warm with ice cream.

Video

Notes

Storage Instructions

To freeze- Freeze baked lava cakes for up to 3 months! Reheat in the microwave but don’t overdo it, you still want the center to be runny.

To make ahead- Prepare the batter up to 2 days in advance to make Lava Cakes ahead of time! But be sure to let the batter come to room temperature before baking.

Nutrition

Calories: 588kcalCarbohydrates: 54gProtein: 8gFat: 39gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 11gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 248mgSodium: 226mgPotassium: 224mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 981IUCalcium: 51mgIron: 3mg

Keyword Chocolate Lava Cake, Lava Cake, Lava Cake Recipe, Molten Lava Cake

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Variations

• Add a small square of chocolate to the center before baking for an extra molten core.
• Swap semi-sweet chocolate for dark chocolate for a deeper flavor.
• Bake in a muffin tin for easier portioning, just keep an eye on bake time.

How to Make Mini Molten Chocolate Cakes

If you want to make mini lava cakes you’re going to need a mini muffin tin with 24 wells. Most of the recipe stays the same except for the baking temperature and time. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prep Mini Muffin Tin

Preheat the oven to 400° F. Generously spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

2. Make the Batter

Melt the chocolate and butter in 30 second increments, in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cool 3 minutes. Stir in eggs and egg yolks until incorporated. Stir in powdered sugar and flour. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin so the batter is 3/4 full in each well.

3. Bake

Bake 4-7 minutes or until the edges are cooked and the centers are soft. Cool 5 minutes and carefully remove from the pan using a butter knife. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whatever your heart desires!

More Delicious Chocolate Cake Recipes!

• Black Forest Cake
• Flourless Chocolate Cake
• Classic Chocolate Cake
• Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake
• Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake

Be sure to try my 20+ Valentine’s Day Desserts!

If you make this recipe, I would really appreciate it if you would give it a star rating and leave your review in the comments! If you have a picture of your finished dish, post it on Instagram using the hashtag #laurenslatest and tagging me @laurens_latest.