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Molten Lava Cake for Two

February 6, 2020 | Cake

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Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is the ultimate chocolate lover’s dessert! This small rich chocolate cake has a warm gooey center that makes you go weak at the the knees. It’s so easy to make and comes together in less than 20 minutes!

A Molten Lava Cake on a plate, dusted with powdered sugar, chocolate oozing out, and raspberries on the side.

Chocolate is my love language and I’m guessing it’s a lot of others’ too which is why Molten Lava Cake is so popular. Is there really anything better than warm gooey chocolate?! If you’re on the hunt for more awesome chocolate desserts, check out my Easy Chocolate Mousse, Easy Chocolate Fudge, and these 4-Ingredient Chocolate Truffles.

Molten Lava Cake (for two!)

I have been making this for years! This cake is delicious, decadent, addicting, divine, just so incredibly good!!! If you haven’t made or even tried Chocolate Lava Cake, you need to ASAP. And the great thing is that this is really quick and easy to whip up. 

Chocolate Lava Cake on a plate with raspberries and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Why is it called Molten Lava Cake?

As soon as you cut into the cake the gooey chocolate inside flows out like molten lava. It’s so dang good! Especially with a scoop of ice cream and some berries.

A baking sheet with ingredients on it- chocolate chips, sugar, butter, vanilla extract, salt, eggs, and flour.

Ingredients for Molten Lava Cake:

  • Dark Chocolate– Use baking chocolate or baking chips such as Ghirardelli.
  • Butter– Adds to the richness and flavor of the cake.
  • Whole Egg– The egg helps with leavening and structure of the cake.
  • Egg Yolk– Adding an egg yolk add to the richness, creaminess, and smooth texture of the lava.
  • Sugar– Adds to sweetness of the cake.
  • Vanilla– Gotta have vanilla for flavor!
  • Salt– Helps enhance the flavor.
  • Flour– Gives structure to the cake.
Process shots of making mini chocolate cakes.

How to make Chocolate Lava Cake:

Time needed: 20 minutes.

These rich chocolate Lava Cakes come together quickly, making them a fun dessert to make for a date night in.

  1. Preheat Oven

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

  2. Prep the Ramekins

    Grease the inside bottom and sides of two 4-6 ounce ramekins with butter or shortening. Pour about 1 teaspoon sugar in each and shake the sugar around so it sticks the bottom and sides of the ramekins. Shake out any remaining sugar.

  3. Melt Chocolate

    Place chocolate and butter together in a bowl and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds at 50% power. Stir and heat an additional 15 seconds if needed. Stir until smooth.

  4. Mix the Batter

    In a medium mixing bowl, beat the whole egg, yolk, sugar, vanilla, and salt together until pale in color. Mix in the melted chocolate/butter. Add the flour and mix until just combined.

  5. Bake

    Pour batter into the ramekins (to the top of the inside lip) and then place in the oven (directly on the rack) and bake for 11-12 minutes until top is set but cake still jiggles in the middle (you don’t want to cook the lava!).

  6. Remove the Cakes

    Let the cake sit for 1-2 minutes. Run a sharp knife along the sides of the cake to ensure it comes out perfectly. Invert the cake onto a plate by placing a plate upside down on top of the cake. With hot pads on, flip the cake so that the plate is on the bottom and cake is upside down on top. Leave it for 20 seconds, give the bottom of the ramekin a couple of pats and then lift it straight up.

  7. Garnish

    Dust the cakes with powdered sugar and garnish with berries and ice cream. Serve immediately.

Process shots of removing a chocolate lava cake from a ramekin.

What size ramekin do I need for Lava Cakes?

I use two 4 ounce ramekins. This creates the perfect size cake for an individual portion. Since the ramekin is narrow it produces a tall little cake that has more of a dramatic look when cut into and the lava flows out onto the plate. 5 or 6 ounces ramekins work well too.

A 7 or 8 ounce ramekin works as well. Usually though these are wider so it produces a shorter cake which isn’t as pretty. This size is great for is you’re not planning on removing the cake from the ramekin. Since the cake doesn’t rise to the rim you’ll have room to add your fruit and ice cream. Just be sure to place the ramekin on a plate and not burn your hands on the dish while eating.

A bowl of chocolate batter and ramekins with cooked chocolate cake.

What to serve with Lava Cake: 

Since this cake is very rich, I like to serve it with vanilla ice cream. It’s the perfect pairing, kind of like eating brownies and ice cream.

Fruit is a great addition as well and adds to the beauty. I prefer raspberries with my cake but sliced strawberries or bananas taste great with it too.

Chocolate Lava Cake on a plate with raspberries and a spoonful of the cake on a spoon with the lava flowing out onto the plate.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes! Double, triple, quadruple… the recipe to serve more people.

A closeup shot of a spoonful of chocolate Molten Lava Cake.

Tips for making perfect Molten Lava Cake: 

  • Grease the ramekins well so the whole cake comes out.
  • No substitutions. Baking is a science. I have tested and made adjustments to get this recipe just right.
  • Place ramekins directly on the oven rack. Placing them on a baking sheet causes the bottom of the cake (which becomes the top) to not cook as fast.
  • Use hot pads when handling the ramekins.
  • Let the cake sit 1-2 minutes before flipping over and let it sit upside down for 20-30 seconds before tapping and removing.
  • Don’t over bake! 11-12 minutes is all you need. The top of the cake should be cooked but if you tap it gently it should still giggle.
A closeup shot of the gooey chocolate center of a molten lava cake.

LOOKING FOR MORE DECADENT CHOCOLATE DESSERTS? CHECK OUT THESE:

  • Raspberry Chocolate Cupcakes are divine and oh so pretty!
  • Raspberry Brownie Cheesecake Trifles are so easy to make for any occasion.
  • If you’re looking to impress, you’ve got to make Raspberry Chocolate Swiss Roll. 
  • Strawberry Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies are a brownie cookie that is topped with a gooey marshmallow. So GOOD!
  • For perfectly portioned decadent desserts, make Mini Triple Chocolate Cheesecakes!
  • Dark Chocolate Mousse Cake is a show stopper.
  • Double Chocolate French Silk Pie is a chocolate lover’s dream!
A Lava Cake on a plate with raspberries, dusted with powdered sugar and cut into slightly to show the gooey warm chocolate inside.
Print Recipe
5 from 10 votes

Molten Lava Cake (for Two)

Molten Lava Cake is the ultimate chocolate lover's dessert! This small rich chocolate cake has a warm gooey center that makes you go weak at the the knees. It’s so easy to make and comes together in less than 20 minutes!
Prep Time8 mins
Cook Time12 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 2
Calories: 553kcal
Author: Garnish and Glaze

Equipment

  • Ramekins

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate (about 3 ounces), chopped (or use Ghirardelli baking chips)
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 whole egg, room temperature*
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature*
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, (plus more for ramekins)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons flour

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease the inside bottom and sides of two 5-ounce ramekins with butter or shortening. Then place about 1 teaspoon granulated sugar in each and shake the sugar around so it sticks to the butter on the bottom and sides of the ramekins. Shake out any remaining sugar.
  • Place chocolate chips and butter together in a bowl and melt in the microwave for 30 seconds at 50% power. Stir and heat an additional 15 seconds if needed. Stir until smooth.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, beat the whole egg, yolk, sugar, vanilla, and salt together until pale in color. Mix in the melted chocolate/butter. Add the flour and mix until just combined.
  • Pour batter into the ramekins and then place in the oven directly on the middle rack and bake for 11-12 minutes until top is set but cake still jiggles in the middle (you don't want to cook the lava!).
  • Let the cake sit for 1-2 minute. Run a sharp knife along the sides of the cake to ensure it comes out perfectly. Invert the cake onto a plate by placing a plate upside down on top of the cake. With hot pads on, flip the cake so that the plate is on the bottom and cake is upside down on top. Leave it for 20 seconds, give the bottom of the ramekin a couple of pats and then lift it straight up.
  • Dust the cakes with powdered sugar and garnish with berries and ice cream.

Notes

*Get eggs to room temperature quickly by placing them in a bowl of warm water for 5 minutes (while still in the shell).
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Molten Lava Cake
Nutrition Facts
Molten Lava Cake (for Two)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 553 Calories from Fat 333
% Daily Value*
Fat 37g57%
Saturated Fat 21g131%
Cholesterol 218mg73%
Sodium 315mg14%
Potassium 343mg10%
Carbohydrates 46g15%
Fiber 5g21%
Sugar 29g32%
Protein 9g18%
Vitamin A 686IU14%
Calcium 56mg6%
Iron 6mg33%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @GarnishandGlaze on Instagram and use hashtag #GarnishandGlaze
Molten Lava Cakes | Gaarnish & Glaze

Related topics:
Cake Dessert Oven Valentine's Daycake Chocolate Valentine's Day

Comments

  1. Wendi W. says

    January 14, 2023 at 12:01 am

    Followed your recipe tonight but added some grated orange peel. The flavor reminded of those chocolate orange they sell during the holidays. Thank you so much for this recipe. It is one of my mom’s favorite desserts.

    Reply
  2. Katie says

    April 18, 2022 at 1:13 am

    I’ve never wanted to comment on a recipe before but this lava cake recipe is actually perfect lol. It’s super quick and easy and even if it’s slightly overcooked it’s delicious. Absolute favorite late night treat recipe for over a year now.

    Reply
  3. Pam says

    November 21, 2021 at 9:49 pm

    I made this for my husband’s birthday
    .it was so special and delicious ♥️a big hit
    Very easy to do and decadent too
    thank you for the excellent recipe. We will make again✅

    Reply
  4. Kim says

    February 14, 2021 at 8:15 pm

    So easy and so delicious! It was our Valentine’s Day dessert.

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      February 19, 2021 at 10:15 am

      Kim, I’m so happy to hear you liked it! Thank you for leaving a review! 🙂

      Reply
  5. Jasmine says

    November 11, 2020 at 2:09 am

    Great recipe! But heed the warning and do not use chocolate chips- make the effort to get baking chocolate, it makes a HUGE difference in consistency.

    Reply
  6. Catherine says

    September 3, 2020 at 9:19 pm

    Melanie, if I need to serve the cake for 6, how much butter I should have? About 105 grams?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      September 5, 2020 at 2:21 pm

      Yes. If you’re tripling the recipe to make 6, you’ll need 7.5 tablespoons butter which is 3.75 ounces (~106 grams).

      Reply
  7. Kate says

    September 3, 2020 at 11:16 am

    2 1/2 tablespoon butter about how much grams? Seems this recipe does not have much butter?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      September 5, 2020 at 2:23 pm

      Since you’re only making 2 little cakes, it doesn’t have much. 2.5 tablespoons is 35.4 grams.

      Reply
  8. Akshita Luthria says

    August 19, 2020 at 7:40 am

    Hi I have a quick Q please…assuming we use powdered sugar to coat the ramekins, do we use the same or granulated sugar for the 3.5 tablespoons?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      September 5, 2020 at 2:14 pm

      Akshita, You could use powdered sugar to coat it but I actually use granulated sugar. The powdered sugar is just for at the end as a garnish.

      Reply
  9. Kelly says

    May 8, 2020 at 4:27 pm

    Made this today. Super easy and absolutely delicious!

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      June 22, 2020 at 1:35 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad you loved it!

      Reply
  10. Padma says

    May 6, 2020 at 7:47 pm

    Thank you for this amazing, simple recipe. I made this tonight and it was a hit..turned out perfect

    Reply
  11. Shivika says

    May 2, 2020 at 5:38 am

    Made these for the first time and they were delicious! And so easy too! Didn’t have ramekins so made them using foil. Overall, super happy with the recipe!

    Reply
  12. jk says

    February 10, 2020 at 7:31 pm

    Can these be made ahead so that when i have a dinner party I am not baking after dinner while my guests are here and waiting?

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      February 13, 2020 at 8:24 pm

      You can fill the ramekins, cover, and place in the fridge for up to 1 day. I recommend setting them on the counter while the oven comes to temperature. They might still need an extra minute in the oven.

      Reply
    • Melanie says

      February 13, 2020 at 8:26 pm

      Another dessert that works really well for a dinner party and requires no baking while guests are present is my Chocolate Mousse.

      Reply
  13. Ashley says

    February 11, 2016 at 5:30 pm

    I made these the other night and they were amazing! So easy and so decadent! I will definitely be making them again.

    Reply
  14. Ashley says

    February 5, 2016 at 10:52 pm

    Just made this tonight and it was a big hit. So easy and decadent! Definitely going to be making this again in the future. Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
  15. Ashley says

    February 5, 2016 at 10:49 pm

    Just made this tonight and it was a big hit. I love that it was easy, delicious, and didn’t leave me with any leftovers. Definitely will be making this again in the future. Thanks for the great recipe!

    Reply
  16. Georgina says

    February 11, 2015 at 5:40 am

    Hi Melanie, I found you on Google+, what an incredible work you do here. These molten lava cakes are to die for. How about these pictures? Superb! I will check your food photos often to get inspired!

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      February 12, 2015 at 8:16 pm

      Thank you!!! I’m so glad you found me Georgina! You’ll love the lava cakes.

      Reply
  17. Becky | The Cookie Rookie says

    February 10, 2015 at 3:48 pm

    What a gorgeous post!!! You are killing it girl!

    Reply
    • Melanie says

      February 12, 2015 at 8:18 pm

      Thanks so much Becky! 🙂

      Reply

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