Chocolate Lava Cake recipe served on a plate, by Char Bar - Westport
Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsChar Bar - WestportChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Rich chocolate cake with a molten center.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients

For serving

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven

    Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) to ensure it is hot enough for baking the cakes.

  2. 2

    Prepare the ramekins

    Grease four ramekins (6 oz size) with butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Making the Cake Batter

  1. 3

    Melt chocolate and butter

    In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Melt them together over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.

  2. 4

    Mix sugar and eggs

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, whole eggs, and egg yolks until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened.

  3. 5

    Combine mixtures

    Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to combine. Make sure the chocolate is not too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.

  4. 6

    Add flour and flavorings

    Sift in the all-purpose flour, add the vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Do not overmix.

Baking the Cakes

  1. 7

    Fill the ramekins

    Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.

  2. 8

    Bake

    Place the ramekins on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is soft. The tops should look set.

  3. 9

    Cool slightly

    Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for about 1-2 minutes before inverting onto plates.

Serving

  1. 10

    Serve warm

    Gently run a knife around the edges of the ramekins and invert them onto serving plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired.

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