Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe
Warm chocolate cake with a gooey center.
Was this page helpful?
Help improve this recipe for others.
Send this recipe to your inbox.
We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.
Ingredients
Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Cake Ingredients
For Greasing
Method
Preparation
- 1
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.
- 2
Prepare ramekins
Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, then dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Tap out the excess cocoa powder.
Making the Batter
- 3
Melt chocolate and butter
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine 1 cup of unsalted butter and 8 ounces of chopped bittersweet chocolate. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
- 4
Mix in sugar
Once melted, add 1 cup of granulated sugar to the chocolate mixture and whisk until well combined.
- 5
Add eggs and yolks
Whisk in 2 large eggs and 2 large egg yolks one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
- 6
Add vanilla and dry ingredients
Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, and a pinch of salt. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
Baking
- 7
Fill ramekins
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.
- 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.
Serving
- 9
Cool and serve
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate and gently lift to release the cake. Serve warm, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.