Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsBella Cafe and Grille at Chevy ChaseChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Rich chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center, served with vanilla ice cream.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

Serving Ingredients

Method

Preparing the Batter

  1. 1

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

  2. 2

    Mix Sugar and Eggs

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

  3. 3

    Combine Mixtures

    Once the chocolate mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the egg mixture. Stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated.

  4. 4

    Add Flour

    Sift the all-purpose flour into the chocolate mixture and gently fold it in using a spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Preparing the Ramekins

  1. 5

    Preheat Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

  2. 6

    Prepare Ramekins

    Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with cocoa powder. This will help the cakes release easily after baking.

Baking the Cakes

  1. 7

    Fill Ramekins

    Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.

  2. 8

    Bake

    Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.

  3. 9

    Cool Slightly

    Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert each ramekin onto a serving plate.

Serving

  1. 10

    Add Ice Cream

    Top each chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

  2. 11

    Garnish (Optional)

    If desired, garnish with fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor.

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