Who doesn’t love a dessert that’s warm, gooey, and full of chocolate? This chocolate lava cake is one of my favorite go-to treats when I want to impress my family or satisfy my sweet tooth. 😋 My kids go crazy for this one, and they always ask for seconds (and thirds, sometimes!). The best part? It’s super easy to make and comes together in just about 30 minutes!

The Perfect Dessert for Any Occasion

Now, don’t let the fancy name fool you. This chocolate lava cake is actually pretty simple to whip up. It might look like something from a five-star restaurant, but it’s totally something you can make in your own kitchen. Plus, who doesn’t love the drama of cutting into the cake and watching that ooey gooey chocolate pour out? 😍

What You’ll Need to Make Chocolate Lava Cake

1/2 cup (115g) butter
4 oz (115g) semi-sweet chocolate
1 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
A pinch of salt
Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins

How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter and cocoa powder your ramekins. I like to coat them well so the cake comes out easily.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together. Stir until smooth and let it cool for a minute.
Whisk in the powdered sugar, then add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is well combined.
Stir in the flour and salt, and mix until smooth. Don’t overmix, though!
Divide the batter evenly between the ramekins. If you like, you can place a piece of chocolate in the center of each for an extra lava-like effect.
Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the sides of the cakes are set, but the center is still soft.
Let the cakes cool for a minute, then run a knife around the edges and flip them out onto plates. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

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Fun Variations You Can Try

Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can swap out the semi-sweet chocolate for dark or milk chocolate, depending on your taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a tablespoon of peanut butter to the center before baking for a fun twist. Want a fruity flair? Toss a few raspberries in the center for a chocolate-raspberry lava cake.

A Dessert to Impress

Chocolate lava cake is perfect for special occasions, but I’ve been known to make it just for a random Tuesday night treat. After all, who needs a special occasion when you’ve got warm chocolate cake waiting to be devoured? The best part is how easy it is to make—it looks like you spent hours, but it only takes about 30 minutes from start to finish!

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to bake.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?
You can, but keep in mind the flavor will be a bit sweeter. Semi-sweet chocolate gives that perfect balance of richness.
How can I tell when the cake is done?
The edges should be set, and the center should still be a little jiggly. If you wait until the center is fully set, it won’t have that gooey lava effect!
What can I serve with this cake?
A scoop of ice cream, whipped cream, or fresh berries make great toppings for this rich dessert. Enjoy!