Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a warm, gooey molten center — perfect for an elegant dessert or a comforting treat.

This recipe quickly became a favorite at family gatherings due to its impressive presentation and delightful texture.

Ingredients

• Chocolate Mixture: 120 g (4.25 oz) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate roughly chopped, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
• Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 90 g (scant 1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
• For Serving (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting, fresh berries or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.

Step 2:

In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

Step 3:

In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.

Step 4:

Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.

Step 5:

Sift in the flour and salt, and fold gently until just incorporated — do not overmix.

Step 6:

Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.

Step 7:

Bake for 11 13 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly jiggly.

Step 8:

Let rest for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar and add berries or ice cream if desired.

Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

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Quickly chop vegetables, blend sauces, and prepare dips or dressings for fast, everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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These cakes bring a smile every time they're served, making celebrations even sweeter with loved ones.

Notes

For a flavored twist, add a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter. Serve with fresh mint, whipped cream, or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Required Tools

6 ramekins (6 oz each), heatproof mixing bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, baking sheet

Allergen Information

Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in facilities handling nuts. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

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Keeps spoons and utensils off counters while cooking, catching drips and keeping your stovetop clean.

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Enjoy your mini chocolate lava cakes fresh out of the oven for the best molten lava effect and rich chocolate flavor.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chocolate works best?

Use bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa for a deep, rich flavor that's ideal for molten centers.

→ How can I tell when the cakes are done?

Bake until the edges are firm but the centers remain soft and slightly jiggly; this ensures a molten core.

→ Can these be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, you can refrigerate the batter in ramekins and bake later, adding a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

→ What serving suggestions enhance the cakes?

Dust with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries or vanilla ice cream for a balanced finish.

→ Are there any common allergens to note?

This dessert contains eggs, butter (milk), and wheat flour; always check chocolate labels for nut traces.