Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsUnion League CafeChocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Inspired by Union League Cafe
Time30m
Serves4

Warm chocolate cake with a molten center.

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Ingredients

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Batter Ingredients

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with flour, or use cooking spray.

  2. 2

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

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

  3. 3

    Mix Sugar and Eggs

    In a separate bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until the mixture is thick and pale in color, about 3-4 minutes.

  4. 4

    Combine Mixtures

    Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Add vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then gently fold in the all-purpose flour until just combined.

Baking

  1. 5

    Fill Ramekins

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

  2. 6

    Bake

    Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center should be soft.

Serving

  1. 7

    Cool and Serve

    Let the cakes cool for 1 minute before inverting them onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries, if desired.

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