Easy Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

I originally shared this rich and gooey lava cake recipe back in 2012, but it was in desperate need of some updated pictures, as well as some updated recipe notes… plus I will never turn down the opportunity to eat chocolate cake.

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe:

• Start by melting together some butter and semi-sweet chocolate in a bowl.
• You can either melt the combination over a double boiler, or in the microwave. I prefer the microwave because it’s faster.
• Whisk powdered sugar into the chocolate mixture until it’s nice and smooth.
• Add in 3 whole eggs and the yolk of another as well as some flour and whisk again until smooth.

What is Inside Chocolate Lava Cake?

• This Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe is baked at a high temperature causing the outsides of the cake to bake quickly, while leaving the insides of the cake a hot gooey chocolate center.
• A common question I get with this recipe is: “Is it safe to eat the inside of the lava cake?”
• YES! The internal temperature of the cake will rise above 160 degrees which is the safe temperature of eggs. You can check the temperature of your cakes to be sure.

What Type of Chocolate is Used To Make Lava Cake?

• You’ll want to use a high quality chocolate for this recipe for best results. I use the Semi-sweet baking bars by Baker’s, Ghirardelli, Nestle, or Lindt.
• That being said, I have successfully used morsels (chocolate chips) for this recipe when in a pinch.
• You could also use bittersweet chocolate if desired.
• Here is a White Chocolate Lava Cake version as well!

How to Bake Chocolate Lava Cakes:

• This recipe makes 4 chocolate lava cakes when baked in 6oz ramekins, but can also be prepared in a muffin tin (making 6 smaller cakes).
• Make sure to coat the ramekins or muffin pan with non-stick spray. I prefer to use the baker’s spray (the one with flour in it).
• Place the ramekins on a baking sheet before placing in the oven for ease in removing.
• Make sure to let the chocolate lava cake rest for at least 3 to 5 minutes before inverting onto a plate to enjoy.

The top of the lava cake will be slightly jiggly, but mostly set when you remove it from the oven, while the outsides should be set completely.

If you’re having trouble getting the lava cake to release from the cup, carefully run a knife around the edge of the cake to help loosen it.

Make Ahead Chocolate Lava Cakes

Can you make these Chocolate Lava Cakes ahead of time if you’re having a dinner party? 

• You can mix up the chocolate cake batter up to 2 days ahead of time, separate it into the ramekins, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Let the cake batter come to room temperature before baking.

Can you FREEZE these Chocolate Lava Cakes and How Do You REHEAT Them?

• Once the cakes have been baked, remove them from the ramekins and let them cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks.
• To reheat, unwrap cake and microwave on a microwave safe plate for 1 minute, or until heated through and chocolate center is still gooey.

These Chocolate Lava Cakes are the perfect dessert to go along with your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner, or any time you’re needing to satisfy that chocolate craving!

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Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

This warm and gooey Chocolate Lava Cake recipe is just 5 simple ingredients and ready in less than 25 minutes!

Prep Time10 mins

Cook Time15 mins

Total Time25 mins

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings: 4

Calories: 587 kcal

Author: Shawn

Ingredients

• 4 oz Semi-Sweet Chocolate
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 1 egg- YOLK ONLY
• 6 tbsp flour

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
• In a microwave safe bowl combine chocolate and butter. Microwave for 1 minute and 20 seconds. Whisk until the chocolate has melted and is smooth.
• Add the powdered sugar, 3 WHOLE eggs and 1 egg YOLK, whisk till combined.
• Add 6 tbsp of flour and whisk until combined again.
• Liberally spray 4 small (1 cup) custard cups with non-stick cooking spray, and evenly fill with batter.
• Bake on a cookie sheet in the oven for 15 to 16 minutes until the outer edges are set and the center is soft set.
• Remove from oven and let cool for 3 to 5 minutes before inverting onto a plate. Serve with ice cream if desired and enjoy!

Notes

Make Ahead Instructions:

• You can mix up the chocolate cake batter up to 2 days ahead of time, separate it into the ramekins, cover tightly with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator. Let the cake batter come to room temperature before baking.

Freezing Instructions:

• Once the cakes have been baked, remove them from the ramekins and let them cool completely. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 weeks.
• To reheat, unwrap cake and microwave on a microwave safe plate for 1 minute, or until heated through and chocolate center is still gooey.

Nutrition

Calories: 587kcal | Carbohydrates: 54g | Protein: 8g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 234mg | Sodium: 255mg | Potassium: 218mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 966IU | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 3mg

Keywords: Chocolate Lava Cake

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