Jul 14 2026
RestaurantsWest Side Bar & GrillMolten Lava Cake Recipe

Molten Lava Cake Recipe

Time30m
Serves4

Rich chocolate cake with a gooey center.

Was this page helpful?

Help improve this recipe for others.

Send this recipe to your inbox.

We'll email it straight to you - plus weekly cooking inspiration.

Ingredients

Some product links may be affiliates. If you buy through them, you're supporting the site and Pekin may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Cake Batter

For Greasing Ramekins

Method

Preparation

  1. 1

    Preheat the Oven

    Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This ensures that your cakes will bake evenly.

  2. 2

    Prepare Ramekins

    Grease four ramekins with 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter and dust with 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder. Ensure all sides are coated to prevent sticking.

Making the Cake Batter

  1. 3

    Melt Chocolate and Butter

    In a microwave-safe bowl, combine 170g of dark chocolate and 115g of unsalted butter. Microwave in 30-second intervals until melted and smooth, stirring between intervals.

  2. 4

    Mix Sugar and Eggs

    In a separate bowl, whisk together 100g of granulated sugar and 2 large eggs until the mixture is pale and slightly thickened.

  3. 5

    Combine Mixtures

    Once the chocolate and butter mixture has cooled slightly, stir it into the egg and sugar mixture. Mix until well combined.

  4. 6

    Add Dry Ingredients

    Sift in 50g of all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the batter. Gently fold the flour into the mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

  5. 7

    Add Vanilla

    Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until fully incorporated.

Baking

  1. 8

    Fill Ramekins

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

  2. 9

    Bake

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

  3. 10

    Cool Slightly

    Once baked, remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for about 1 minute before serving.

Serving

  1. 11

    Invert and Serve

    To serve, run a knife around the edges of each ramekin and carefully invert onto a plate. The molten center should flow out.

  2. 12

    Enjoy

    Serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if desired.

More from West Side Bar & Grill