Indulge in the ultimate chocolate experience with this Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake. With a rich, molten chocolate center encased in a tender, slightly crisp exterior, this dessert is both dramatic and irresistible. Perfect for dinner parties, romantic evenings, or treating yourself, these individual lava cakes are surprisingly easy to make and deliver a luxurious chocolate punch with every bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Servings: 4 cakes
Ingredients
- 4 oz (115g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter and lightly dust four 6-ounce ramekins with cocoa powder.
- Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water or in short bursts in the microwave. Stir until smooth.
- Whisk in powdered sugar until fully combined. Add eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Fold in flour and a pinch of salt until batter is smooth.
- Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes until the edges are firm but the center is soft.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 1–2 minutes. Carefully invert onto serving plates, tap to release, and dust with powdered sugar.
- Serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a decadent dessert experience.
Tips, Variations & Storage
- For extra richness, use a combination of bittersweet and semisweet chocolate.
- Make ahead: prepare batter in ramekins, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake directly from fridge, adding 1–2 minutes to cooking time.
- Dust with cocoa powder or drizzle with chocolate ganache for a stunning presentation.
- Serve immediately—molten center is best enjoyed warm.
More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this dessert, you might also like:
- Red Velvet Cheesecake
- Mini Cinnamon Muffins
- Quick Oatmeal Bites
- For more chocolate dessert ideas, visit BBC Good Food Chocolate Recipes.
