Chocolate Lava Cake recipe served on a plate, by The Iowa Taproom
Jul 09 2026
Restaurants›The Iowa Taproom›Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Inspired by The Iowa Taproom
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 prepare for baking the cakes.

  2. 2

    Prepare the Ramekins

    Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

Mixing the Batter

  1. 3

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth.

  2. 4

    Mix Dry Ingredients

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

  3. 5

    Combine Ingredients

    Once the chocolate and butter mixture is cool, whisk in the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth. Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.

Baking the Cakes

  1. 6

    Fill Ramekins

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

  2. 7

    Bake

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

  3. 8

    Cool and Serve

    Remove cakes from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate and let the cake slide out. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

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