Servings
Font
Back
0 from 69 votes

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Chocolate lava cakes are rich and decadent but only require six ingredients. Make this recipe for a date night dessert or to impress your dinner guests!

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 4 cakes
Calories: 617 kcal
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 6 ounces bittersweet chocolate finely chopped
  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 eggs
  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F and adjust the oven rack to the upper-middle position. Grease four 4-ounce ramekins with butter, then coat with granulated sugar, tapping out the excess.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar and cornstarch.
  3. In a medium heatproof bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, melt the butter and chocolate together.
  4. Add the chocolate mixture to the sugar mixture and whisk to combine. Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, and whisk until thoroughly combined.
  5. Divide the batter between the prepared ramekins, place them on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until the tops are set and look shiny on top, 13 to 16 minutes.
  6. Remove from the oven, cool for 2 minutes, then run a paring knife around the edges of the ramekins. Carefully invert each cake onto a plate and serve immediately.

Notes

  • : You can substitute semisweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter dessert. However,
  • substitute chocolate chips for the chopped chocolate; chocolate chips have an emulsifier in them that helps them keep their shape, which inhibits their ability to totally melt into that “lava” or “molten” consistency.
  • If you don’t have ramekins, you can divide the batter between 6 cups in a muffin tin. The bake time will be slightly shorter, so begin checking sooner. To remove them, carefully use a fork to lift them up, then invert onto plates.
  • Feel free to add 1 teaspoon of liquor for an extra punch of flavor in place of the vanilla. Some ideas include Grand Marnier, brandy, or rum would be delicious.
  • The lava cakes can be prepared and the batter placed into the ramekins, then covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
  • Prepare as directed in the make-ahead instructions above. Cover with plastic wrap, then with foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. The cakes do not need to thaw; bake as directed from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.
  • Chocolate: You can substitute semisweet chocolate if you prefer a sweeter dessert. However, DO NOT substitute chocolate chips for the chopped chocolate; chocolate chips have an emulsifier in them that helps them keep their shape, which inhibits their ability to totally melt into that “lava” or “molten” consistency.
  • Using a Muffin Tin: If you don’t have ramekins, you can divide the batter between 6 cups in a muffin tin. The bake time will be slightly shorter, so begin checking sooner. To remove them, carefully use a fork to lift them up, then invert onto plates.
  • Adding Liqueur: Feel free to add 1 teaspoon of liquor for an extra punch of flavor in place of the vanilla. Some ideas include Grand Marnier, brandy, or rum would be delicious.
  • Serving Suggestions: These cakes are fabulous on their own, or you can top them with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or ice cream (vanilla or coffee ice cream is awesome!).
  • Make-Ahead Instructions: The lava cakes can be prepared and the batter placed into the ramekins, then covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Remove the plastic wrap and bake as directed.
  • Freezing Instructions: Prepare as directed in the make-ahead instructions above. Cover with plastic wrap, then with foil, and freeze for up to 1 month. The cakes do not need to thaw; bake as directed from frozen, adding a minute or two to the baking time.

Nutrition Information

Calories 617kcal (31%) Carbohydrates 50g (17%) Protein 7g (14%) Fat 44g (68%) Saturated Fat 25g (125%) Cholesterol 243mg (81%) Sodium 43mg (2%) Potassium 281mg (8%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 41g (82%) Vitamin A 979IU (20%) Calcium 57mg (6%) Iron 3mg (17%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4cakes

Amount Per Serving

Calories 617

% Daily Value*

Calories 617kcal 31%
Carbohydrates 50g 17%
Protein 7g 14%
Fat 44g 68%
Saturated Fat 25g 125%
Cholesterol 243mg 81%
Sodium 43mg 2%
Potassium 281mg 6%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 41g 82%
Vitamin A 979IU 20%
Calcium 57mg 6%
Iron 3mg 17%

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