Jul 13 2026
RestaurantsThe American ReserveChocolate 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

Serving Suggestions

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking.

  2. 2

    Prepare Ramekins

    Grease four ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Making the Batter

  1. 3

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a medium saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate together until smooth, stirring frequently.

  2. 4

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

  3. 5

    Combine Mixtures

    Once the chocolate and butter mixture has cooled slightly, add it to the dry ingredients. Stir until combined.

  4. 6

    Add Eggs and Vanilla

    Beat in the eggs, one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Mix until the batter is smooth and glossy.

Baking

  1. 7

    Fill Ramekins

    Evenly distribute the batter 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, until the edges are firm but the center is soft.

  3. 9

    Cool Slightly

    Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool for 1 minute before inverting onto plates.

Serving

  1. 10

    Serve Warm

    Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

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