Jul 14 2026
Restaurants440 MainChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Inspired by 440 Main
Time30m
Serves4

Rich chocolate cake with a molten center.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Serving Suggestions

Method

Cake Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that the cakes will cook evenly and create the molten center.

  2. 2

    Prepare Ramekins

    Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking. Place them on a baking tray for easy handling.

  3. 3

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

  4. 4

    Mix Sugar and Eggs

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, large eggs, and large egg yolk until well combined and slightly frothy.

  5. 5

    Combine Mixtures

    Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then stir until completely integrated.

  6. 6

    Add Flour

    Gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the texture.

  7. 7

    Fill Ramekins

    Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 2/3 full. The batter will rise during baking.

  8. 8

    Bake

    Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is soft. The tops should look set but may have a slight sheen.

  9. 9

    Cool and Serve

    Let the cakes cool for 1 minute before carefully inverting them onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream if desired.

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