Chocolate Lava Cake – Gooey, Rich & Made in 15 Minutes

Chocolate Lava Cake is the ultimate indulgence — crisp on the outside, molten and gooey in the center. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just craving something sweet, this rich and decadent dessert is shockingly simple to make at home. With just a few pantry staples and under 20 minutes, you can bake a restaurant-style lava cake that oozes warm chocolate with every bite. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries for a dessert no one can resist!
PREP TIME | COOK TIME |
5 MIN | 10 MIN |
Ingredients:
½ cup dark chocolate (chopped or chips) |
¼ cup unsalted butter |
¼ cup powdered sugar |
1 large egg |
1 egg yolk |
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (maida) |
½ teaspoon vanilla extract |
A pinch of salt |
Vanilla ice cream (for serving) |
Fresh berries |
Powdered sugar (for dusting) |
Chocolate sauce or ganache |
🍫 Use good-quality dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa) for the richest flavor and lava texture.
Equipments:
Microwave-safe mixing bowl or double boiler |
Whisk or fork |
Measuring cups and spoons |
2 ramekins or small oven-safe bowls (4 oz each) |
Oven or OTG |
Baking tray |
Sifter (optional for flour or powdered sugar) |
🔥 Grease your ramekins well with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Prep the Ramekins
- Grease 2 ramekins with butter.
- Dust with cocoa powder or flour to prevent sticking.
- Preheat oven to 200°C (390°F).
Step 2: Melt Chocolate & Butter
- In a microwave-safe bowl, add ½ cup dark chocolate and ¼ cup unsalted butter.
- Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, and heat again if needed until melted and smooth.
- Let it cool slightly.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
- Add 1 whole egg, 1 egg yolk, and ¼ cup powdered sugar to the chocolate-butter mix.
- Whisk well until smooth and slightly thick.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
- Sift in 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, a pinch of salt, and ½ tsp vanilla extract.
- Gently fold to form a smooth batter.
Step 5: Fill & Bake
- Divide the batter evenly between the ramekins.
- Place them on a baking tray.
- Bake at 200°C (390°F) for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still jiggly.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then gently run a knife around the edges.
- Invert onto a plate and serve immediately.
- Dust with powdered sugar or top with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence!
🍨 The center should ooze out like molten lava when you cut into it!
Chef’s Notes & Cooking Tips
- Timing is everything! Bake for no more than 10–11 minutes. Overbaking will cook the center and ruin the lava effect.
- Use good-quality chocolate (60–70% cocoa) — it’s the hero of this dessert.
- For an extra gooey center, place a small chocolate cube or truffle in the middle of the batter before baking.
- No ramekins? Use small metal bowls or thick cupcake molds, but adjust bake time slightly.
- To make it eggless, substitute eggs with ½ cup thick Greek yogurt (but texture will vary).
- Always let the cakes rest 1–2 minutes after baking before unmolding — too hot, and they’ll collapse.
🍫 Want to go fancy? Serve with a dusting of cocoa powder, chocolate shavings, or a swirl of ganache!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream — the cold-hot combo is irresistible.
- Drizzle with chocolate syrup, salted caramel, or berry compote for extra flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar or cocoa powder for a classic presentation.
- Add fresh strawberries, raspberries, or mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- Turn it into a plated dessert by adding a small whipped cream rosette and crushed nuts.
🍷 Pair with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of red wine for a restaurant-style dessert experience at home.
Nutrition Information (Estimated):
Nutrient | Amount (approx.) |
Calories | 370–400 kcal |
Protein | 5–6 g |
Carbohydrates | 35–38 g |
Sugars | 25–28 g |
Fat | 24–26 g |
Saturated Fat | 14–16 g |
Fiber | 2–3 g |
Sodium | 80–100 mg |
Cholesterol | 120–140 mg |