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Chocolate Molten Lava Cake topped with soft slightly melting ice cream. The warm chocolate center is flowing onto the plate.

Molten Lava Cake

Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: chocolate lava cake, lava cake
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 690kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
This chocolate Molten Lava Cake is a decadent special occasion dessert for two!  It's easy to make, requires no fancy ingredients, and yet makes an impressive treat! 
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Ingredients

  • 6 ounces (170g) bittersweet chocolate or semi sweet chocolate (use a good quality chocolate)
  • ½ cup (113g) butter + extra for greasing the ramekins
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (45g) powdered sugar
  • pinch of salt
  • 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Lightly grease 4 ramekins with extra butter.  Dust each with cocoa powder or flour; set aside.  Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C)
  • Chop the chocolate and place in a microwave-safe bowl with the butter.  Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring well after each until smooth.  
  • Add the remaining ingredients and stir well to combine.  Spoon batter into prepared ramekins and place onto a baking sheet.  
  • Bake for 10-13 minutes or just until the sides are set but the center looks soft.  Allow to cool for 1 minute then invert onto a plate.  Carefully remove the ramekin.  Serve immediately with desired toppings: ice cream, fruit, whipped cream.  

Notes

  1. Make ahead option: You can make the batter several days in advance and pour into prepared ramekins or muffin tin. Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use. Remove from the fridge 2 hours before baking to allow the batter to come to room temperature then proceed as normal.   
  2. Freezer Friendly: You can freeze already baked cakes. Cool the cakes completely then wrap well with plastic wrap and foil. Place in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely and reheat in a microwave. Cover 1 cake with a damp paper towel and reheat for about 35-40 seconds. While this method isn't the most ideal (the centers won't be as liquidy) it works if you are short on time.
  3. If using a muffin tin this will make 6 smaller cakes. Bake for 8-10 minutes.
  4. This recipe can easily be cut in half to make 2 lava cakes. 
  5. Nutrition Facts: Since different brands of ingredients have different nutritional information, the information shown is just an estimate.
  6. Recipe adapted from Food and Wine

Nutrition

Serving: 1cake | Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 5.6g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 246mg | Sodium: 44mg | Sugar: 15g | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 4mg