Description
A rich, indulgent chocolate lava cake with a gooey molten center, perfect for romantic dinners or cozy nights in. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 oz dark chocolate (around 170g)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (113g)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
- 2 whole eggs + 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Fresh strawberries and blueberries (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust with flour or cocoa powder.
- Melt chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over a double boiler or in the microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, vanilla, and salt. Fold in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Sift in the flour and gently fold until combined.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
- Optional: Add a square of chocolate into the center of each ramekin for extra lava.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12–13 minutes, until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly.
- Let rest 1 minute, then run a knife around the edge and invert onto serving plates.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with fresh berries.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate for richer flavor.
- Don’t overbake — the center should remain molten.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare batter in ramekins and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Try adding espresso powder or orange zest for flavor variations.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, easy chocolate dessert, individual chocolate cakes, gooey center cake