Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes

Name: Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup dark chocolate chips; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt; Ice cream or whipped cream (optional); Fresh berries (optional)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I fell in love with these Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes the first time I baked them. The warm, gooey center paired with a rich chocolate flavor makes for an indulgent dessert that impresses everyone. I enjoy how easy they are to make, yet they feel special enough for any occasion. With just a handful of ingredients, you can create this perfect treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether it's for a dinner party or a cozy night in, these lava cakes are my go-to dessert.

Created by

Poppy Walsh

Last updated on 2026-01-05T23:07:17.271Z

When I first attempted these Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes, I was amazed by how simple yet divine they turned out. The combination of quality dark chocolate and butter creates a luscious batter that just melts in your mouth. I recommend using high-quality chocolate because it truly enhances the flavor and richness of the cakes.

One special tip I learned along the way is to slightly underbake them. The perfect lava cake should have a gooey center, so keeping an eye on the time is crucial. Trust me, the moment you cut into one of these cakes and watch the molten chocolate flow out is absolutely magical!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Mastering the Batter

The success of your Dark Chocolate Lava Cakes greatly relies on the batter preparation. When melting the chocolate and butter together, it's crucial to do so in intervals, stirring in between to achieve a smooth, glossy mixture. Overheating can lead to a grainy texture, so keep an eye on it. If you're not comfortable with the microwave, you can also gently melt them together in a double boiler, stirring continuously until completely melted.

After melting, the order in which you add the ingredients matters. Mixing the powdered sugar in first helps to create a uniform texture, preventing unsightly lumps in your batter. When incorporating the eggs and yolks, mix until they're just combined, as over-mixing can incorporate too much air, which may disrupt the lava cake's signature gooey center. A pinch of salt enhances the chocolate flavor, so don't skip that step!

Baking to Perfection

Baking time is key for achieving that perfectly molten center. Start checking the lava cakes at around 10 minutes; the edges should be set, while the center still looks moist and a bit wobbly. If they appear too firm, you've likely baked them a bit too long. Remember, they will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so err on the side of underbaking them slightly for that divine lava effect.

Using ramekins that are the right size—typically about 6 ounces—is essential for even baking. If you only have larger ramekins, adjust the baking time accordingly. Smaller portions may need only 8-10 minutes, while bigger ones might need a full 14-16 minutes. Pay attention to the texture; a perfectly baked lava cake will have golden edges but still jiggle in the center.

Ingredients

For the Lava Cakes

1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup dark chocolate chips
1/2 cup powdered sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

For Serving

Ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter four ramekins generously. Dust them with flour to prevent sticking.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and dark chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals until fully melted, stirring between each interval.

Mix the Batter

Once melted, whisk in the powdered sugar until smooth. Then add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, mixing well. Finally, fold in the flour and salt until just combined.

Bake

Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.

Serve

Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates. Serve immediately, optionally with ice cream or fresh berries.

Enjoy these decadent desserts!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, try adding a pinch of espresso powder to the dark chocolate mixture to enhance the chocolate flavor.

Serving Suggestions

These lava cakes stand beautifully on their own, but elevating them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream can take dessert to new heights. The cool creaminess pairs delightfully with the warm, rich chocolate, creating a contrast that’s both comforting and sophisticated. Fresh berries not only add a visually appealing garnish but also a refreshing tartness that perfectly balances the rich sweetness of the cake.

For an even more decadent experience, consider drizzling homemade chocolate sauce on top. Simply melt some chocolate with a splash of cream and runny it over the unmolded cakes just before serving. This presentation will impress your guests, making these lava cakes suitable for both casual dining and upscale occasions.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the batter for these lava cakes ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just pour the batter into the prepared ramekins and cover them tightly with plastic wrap. When you're ready to bake, simply add a few extra minutes to the baking time, as the cold batter may take longer to cook through. This is perfect for stress-free entertaining; you can assemble everything in advance and bake them just before serving.

If you have leftovers (though they’re hard to resist!), store the cooled cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 6-8 minutes. This will revive their soft centers, making them almost as delightful as when they were first baked.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

→ What should I do if the center doesn't melt?

If the center isn't melting, you may have overbaked them. Reduce the baking time slightly next time.

→ Can I use milk chocolate instead?

While you can use milk chocolate, the cakes will be sweeter and less rich. Dark chocolate is recommended for the best flavor.

→ How do I store leftover lava cakes?

Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.