Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsMacKenzie's Chop HouseChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Decadent chocolate cake with a molten center.

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Ingredients

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Cake Batter

For Greasing Ramekins

Method

Preparation of Ramekins

  1. 1

    Grease the Ramekins

    Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Take four 6-ounce ramekins and use 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to grease the inside of each ramekin. Then dust the ramekins with cocoa powder to ensure the cakes can easily be unmolded after baking.

Making the Cake Batter

  1. 2

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 4 oz of dark chocolate and 1 stick of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely melted and smooth.

  2. 3

    Mix Sugar, Eggs, and Vanilla

    In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 large eggs, and 2 large egg yolks until well combined. Add in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.

  3. 4

    Combine Mixtures

    Pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture. Stir gently until combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  4. 5

    Add Flour and Salt

    Sift in 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour and add a pinch of salt into the batter. Fold gently to incorporate, ensuring there are no lumps.

Baking the Cakes

  1. 6

    Fill Ramekins

    Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.

  2. 7

    Bake

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

  3. 8

    Cooling

    Once baked, remove the ramekins from the oven and let sit for 1 minute. Carefully run a knife around the edges to loosen the cakes.

  4. 9

    Invert and Serve

    Place a plate on top of each ramekin and invert to release the cake. Serve immediately for a molten center, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

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