Recipe Video - OnlineCook

April 29, 2025

Restaurant-quality molten chocolate lava cakes are easy to make in your own kitchen — and in less that 45 minutes from start to finish! You'll need 4-ounce ramekins to make the recipe, but ramekins that are the same volume can vary in shape, which can impact the baking time. For perfect "lava" centers, start checking for doneness early and add more time as needed until you see an edge that is set and a quarter- to half dollar-sized center that is still dark and pudding-like. Looking for a fancy presentation? Just dust the cakes with powdered sugar and add a few fresh raspberries. The recipe is a Yummly original created by Sara Mellas .

9 Ingredients

Recipe

Chocolate Lava Cakes

OnlineCook

Ingredients

Servings

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 325°F.

Spray four 4 oz. ramekins thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray and transfer to a baking sheet. Set aside.

Place the chopped chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe mixing bowl. Microwave on high in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Allow the mixture to cool at room temperature for at least 5 minutes.

Add the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. Whisk gently until the eggs are fully combined and the mixture is smooth. Sift the flour and salt into the bowl, and continue whisking until just combined.

Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.

Bake the cakes on middle rack of oven until the edges are set, and a slightly darker, quarter- to half dollar-sized wobbly spot remains in the center (when poked with a knife tip, the center should be pudding-like), 9-15 minutes.

Check to see that cakes are done. Remove from oven or add time as needed.

Allow the cakes to cool in the ramekins for 1-2 minutes. Protecting hands, run a knife around the edges of each cake and invert onto serving plates. Serve immediately, while still very warm.

Video Tutorial Bite Tutorial

Smart Nutrition

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Chocolate Melting Magic 🍫
Use a double boiler or microwave at 50% power to melt chocolate slowly and prevent burning, stirring frequently to achieve a smooth, glossy texture.
Ramekin Prep Pro 🥣
Thoroughly coat ramekins with nonstick spray and dust with cocoa powder for effortless cake release and a professional-looking finish.
Lava Center Precision ⏱️
Check lava cakes at 10-12 minutes and look for set edges with a slightly jiggly, dark center to ensure the perfect molten interior.
Temperature Control Technique 🌡️
Use room temperature eggs and butter to ensure smooth batter incorporation and consistent cake texture.
Instant Serving Hack 🍽️
Invert ramekins immediately after baking onto serving plates and let sit for 1 minute before lifting to prevent cake sticking.