These chocolate lava cakes are rich, gooey, and decadent yet made without any complicated steps.

one chocolate lava cake on a plate garnished with a fresh raspberry and mint garnish

Recipe originally published on OurZestyLife

Why you need this recipe!

Each cake has an espresso kissed chocolate exterior with a warm, molten center that flows with every spoonful.
They come together super quick with simple pantry staples and bake in under 10 minutes.
I love these molten lava cakes anytime! Serve at celebrations, holidays, or a simple dessert after a family dinner.

chocolate, butter, eggs, flour, sugar, and espresso assembled on a wooden board to make chocolate lava cakes

Simple Ingredients, Big Payoff!

Dark chocolate delivers bold flavor but you can use semi-sweet chocolate if that is what you have on hand.
Butter adds rich flavor, plus helps create a delicious melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Eggs are used to create structure while keeping the centers soft and sillky.
Sugar balances the dark chocolate without overpowering it.
Use just enough flour to hold everything together while keeping the inside molten.
Instant espresso powder enhances and deepens the chocolate flavor. Don’t leave it out!
Cocoa powder is used to help keep the cakes from sticking and adds texture to the outer finish.

ingredients assembled to make chocolate lava cakes on a wooden board

process to make chocolate lava cakes where espresso and water have been mixed, butter and chocolate have been melted, and the other ingredients on the side

Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

Prep your ramekins ahead of time to make baking stress-free.
Use high-quality chocolate, you can taste the difference!
Bake for 9 minutes for that perfect molten center. Each oven is a little different so watch carefully.
Add a small parchment circle to the bottom of each ramekin for easy release.
Let the cakes rest briefly, then run a knife around the edge before inverting and serving.

Serving Ideas

Keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar, or dress them up however you like!
Fresh berries as garnish are always a hit!
A scoop of vanilla ice cream is perfect for a hot and cold combination that everyone loves.
Add whipped cream and chocolate shavings for extra indulgence.

one chocolate lava cake on a plate with a bite taken out and molten chocolate coming out

Save Them For Later

These molten lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh while the centers are warm and flowing. If you have leftovers, store them covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for only about 15 to 20 seconds, just be aware the centers will be less molten than freshly baked.

More Desserts To Try!

I truly hope you enjoy these chocolate lava cakes! Leave a comment or rating below.

5 from 1 vote

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Donnalea

Servings

Prep 20

Cook 9

Cool 2

Total 31

Print Pin

Make these chocolate lava cakes for the perfect decadent dessert anytime!

Equipment

mixing bowls
ramekins

Ingredients

4 ounces dark chocolate
⅓ cup butter
2 large eggs
⅓ cup sugar
¼ cup flour
1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder
1 Tablespoon boiling water
1 Tablespoon cocoa more or less, for dusting

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450˚F. Grease 4 ramekins and dust with 1 Tablespoon cocoa.
In a medium bowl, melt ⅓ cup butterand 4 ounces dark chocolate at two 30 second intervals, stirring in between until just melted. Microwave 20 seconds more only if needed.
Add 1 Tablespoon boiling water to 1 Tablespoon instant espresso powder Stir into chocolate mixture. Set aside and cool.
In a small bowl, whisk 2 large eggsand ⅓ cup sugar together very well.
Whisk chocolate mixture, and slowly add to the egg mixture in a steady stream.
Fold in ¼ cup flour to chocolate egg mixture only until just combined.
Distribute evenly into prepared ramekins. Set ramekins on a bake sheet.
Bake for 9 minutes, remove. Cool just slightly, then use a flat blade knife to cut around the sides of each ramekin. Invert a serving plate on top of ramekin, then flip it over. Carefully remove ramekin.
Garnish as desired and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 441kcalCarbohydrates: 37gProtein: 7gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 135mgSodium: 164mgPotassium: 314mgFiber: 4gSugar: 24gVitamin A: 619IUCalcium: 44mgIron: 4mg

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