Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsLe PapillonChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Inspired by Le Papillon
Time30m
Serves4

Warm chocolate cake with molten center

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Ingredients

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Cake Batter

Serving

Method

Cake Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

  2. 2

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

  3. 3

    Mix Sugar and Eggs

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

  4. 4

    Combine Mixtures

    Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir until combined. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, mixing well.

  5. 5

    Add Flour

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

  6. 6

    Fill Ramekins

    Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 2/3 full.

Baking and Serving

  1. 7

    Bake the Cakes

    Place the ramekins in the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center will be soft and slightly jiggly.

  2. 8

    Cool and Serve

    Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute. Carefully run a knife around the edges, then invert onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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