Ultimate Chocolate Lava Cake
A quick and easy decadent dessert featuring a rich, molten chocolate center and tender cake exterior, perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces (170 grams) bittersweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/2 cup (65 grams) all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a rack in the middle position.
- Generously butter each ramekin and dust with unsweetened cocoa powder. Tap out excess cocoa.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together in a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl. If microwaving, heat in 20-second bursts, stirring in between until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and sugar until thick, pale, and fluffy (3-4 minutes by hand or 2 minutes with an electric mixer).
- Slowly fold the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs and sugar. Then sift in flour, salt, vanilla extract, and espresso powder (if using). Fold gently until just combined.
- Divide batter evenly into prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes. Run a knife around edges to loosen and invert onto plates.
- Serve immediately, optionally with vanilla ice cream or powdered sugar.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for better texture. Do not overmix batter to keep cake light. Dust ramekins with cocoa powder for easy release and enhanced flavor. Watch baking time closely to maintain molten center. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour. For dairy-free, use coconut oil and dairy-free chocolate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake (approxi
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 100
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, quick chocolate cake, decadent dessert, chocolate dessert