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This Molten Lava Cake recipe is one of the easiest and most decadent desserts to make at home! Only a few ingredients are needed that you probably already have on hand! If this dessert isn’t your thing, give my perfect chocolate cake a recipe with accompanying frosting. It’s one of my most popular recipes!
What is Lava Cake?
Lava Cake is a mix between a chocolate cake and a soufflĂ©. Originally from France, lava cakes are made from a combination of eggs, chocolate, sugar, butter, and flour. The outside is a dense chocolate cake while the inside is essentially uncooked cake batter brought to temperature so you don’t become sick. The center is especially hot which is why you’ll sometimes hear this dessert be called Molten Lava Cake.
You can top this dessert with powdered sugar, whipped cream, cold ice cream, syrups, and/or fresh berries.
How to Make Homemade Lava Cakes
For full details on how to make lava cakes from scratch, see the recipe card below!
Prep
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Spray 4 custard cups with non-stick cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
Make the Batter
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide evenly between baking dishes.
Bake and Serve Hot
Bake 13-15 minutes until sides are firm and center is soft. Let stand 1 minute before removing. Serve warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or powdered sugar and berries!
How to Make Mini Lava Cakes
If you want to make mini lava cakes you’re going to need a mini muffin tin with 24 wells. Most of the recipe stays the same except for the baking temperature and time. Here’s how to do it:
Prep Mini Muffin Tin
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Generously spray a mini muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
Make the Batter
Melt the chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cool 3 minutes. Stir in eggs and egg yolks until incorporated. Stir in powdered sugar and flour. Spoon into the prepared muffin tin so the batter is 3/4 the way up each well.
Bake and Serve Hot!
Bake 4-7 minutes or until the edges are cooked and the centers are soft. Cool 5 minutes and carefully remove from the pan using a butter knife. Serve warm with whatever your heart desires!
Can I heat up leftover lava cake?
While leftover lava cakes can be cooled down and refrigerated to enjoy later, I would highly suggest eating this dessert fresh instead of reheating leftovers. This is because reheating could overbake the middle. If you are going to reheat I’d suggest doing so carefully either for a short time in the microwave or oven.
Making Lava Cakes Ahead of Time
Prepare the batter up to 2 days in advance to make Lava Cakes ahead of time! But be sure to let the batter come to room temperature before baking.
Freezing Instructions
Freeze baked lava cakes for up to 3 months! Reheat in the microwave but don’t overdo it, you still want the center to be runny.
More Chocolate Cake Recipes!
- Black Forest Cake
- Dark Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Candy Cane Cake
- Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Chocolate Birthday Cake
- Chocolate Swiss Roll Cake
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Sheet Cake
Voila! That’s it! Perfect for Valentine’s Day, date night an anniversary, or just because. The printable recipe card below 🙂
Molten Lava Cake Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking squares or just use 4 oz chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 4 ounces semi-sweet chocolate baking squares or just use 4 oz chocolate chips, about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup butter melted
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 6 tablespoons flour
Equipment
- 4 custard cups
- 4 custard cups
Equipment
- 4 custard cups
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Spray 4 custard cups with non-stick cooking spray and place on a baking sheet.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide evenly between baking dishes.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate until butter is melted. Stir until chocolate is melted. Stir in sugar until well blended. Whisk in eggs and egg yolks. Stir in flour. Divide evenly between baking dishes.
