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Chili's Molten Lava Cake (Copycat Recipe)

Recreate Chili's famous dessert at home with this foolproof recipe. A perfect chocolate cake with a warm, flowing center, topped with vanilla ice cream and a crisp chocolate shell.

Prep Time
20 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Additional Time
30 mins
Total Time
1 hr 5 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 1052 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 2 teaspoons butter for ramekins
  • ¼ cup cocoa for dusting ramekins
  • 6 ounces baking chocolate (ideally 60% cacao)
  • 6 ounces butter
  • 2 whole eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 3/4 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups vanilla ice cream
  • 8 tablespoons Magic Shell

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Grease the ramekins with butter. Then dust the buttered ramekins with cocoa powder.
  2. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the baking chocolate and butter.
  3. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and repeat until the chocolate and butter are melted.
  4. Whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until they are lighter in color and foamy.
  5. Add the melted chocolate to the egg mixture.
  6. Stir in the vanilla extract, salt, and flour.
  7. Pour the batter into the ramekins.
  8. Cover the dishes with plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
  9. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes. The tops will be firm, but the insides will be melting.
  10. Unmold the cakes onto a plate.
  11. Place a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top of the lava cake.
  12. Pour Magic Shell over the vanilla ice cream.
  13. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best results, use high-quality baking chocolate, not chocolate chips.
  • The chilling step is critical for achieving the molten center—don't skip it!
  • Baking time varies by oven. Start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  • Store leftover cakes (before baking) in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Frozen cakes can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
  • The secret to perfect lava cakes is all in the timing—underbake slightly for that molten center, but bake long enough that the exterior is fully set and can hold its shape when unmolded.

Nutrition Information

Calories 1052kcal (53%) Carbohydrates 99g (33%) Protein 16g (32%) Fat 75g (115%) Saturated Fat 45g (225%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 22g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 305mg (102%) Sodium 667mg (28%) Potassium 735mg (21%) Fiber 11g (44%) Sugar 65g (130%) Vitamin A 1652IU (33%) Vitamin C 0.5mg (1%) Calcium 189mg (19%) Iron 10mg (56%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 1052

% Daily Value*

Calories 1052kcal 53%
Carbohydrates 99g 33%
Protein 16g 32%
Fat 75g 115%
Saturated Fat 45g 225%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g 18%
Monounsaturated Fat 22g 110%
Trans Fat 1g 50%
Cholesterol 305mg 102%
Sodium 667mg 28%
Potassium 735mg 16%
Fiber 11g 44%
Sugar 65g 130%
Vitamin A 1652IU 33%
Vitamin C 0.5mg 1%
Calcium 189mg 19%
Iron 10mg 56%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.