Few desserts are as universally loved as the Chocolate Lava Cake, with its gooey, molten center and rich chocolate flavor. Perfect for a romantic dinner, a celebration, or a simple indulgence, this dessert is surprisingly easy to make at home. Follow this simple recipe to create your own show-stopping treat.

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What Makes Chocolate Lava Cake Special?

The magic of chocolate lava cake lies in its dual texture—firm edges encasing a warm, gooey chocolate center. The combination of buttery richness and semi-sweet chocolate makes this dessert a favorite among chocoholics. Paired with powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it’s pure indulgence.

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Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Ingredients

• A pinch of salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Ramekins

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Grease four ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with flour. Shake off any excess flour.

2. Melt Chocolate and Butter

• Combine the semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe dish.
• Melt them together in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the mixture is smooth and glossy.

3. Mix the Batter

• Add powdered sugar to the melted chocolate and butter, stirring until fully incorporated.
• Mix in the eggs and egg yolks, followed by the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
• Gradually fold in the all-purpose flour, ensuring the batter is smooth and cohesive.

4. Fill the Ramekins

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.

5. Bake

• Place the ramekins in the oven and bake for 12–14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers should remain soft.
• Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for 1–2 minutes.

6. Serve

• Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate.
• Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately. For an extra indulgent touch, pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

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Tips for Perfect Chocolate Lava Cake

• Grease Well: Ensuring the ramekins are greased and floured will help the cakes release easily.
• Monitor Baking Time: Overbaking will result in less lava; keep an eye on the edges—they should be set while the center stays soft.
• Use Quality Chocolate: High-quality semi-sweet chocolate elevates the flavor.
• Prep Ahead: Batter can be prepared and refrigerated for up to a day; simply bake when ready.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Lava Cake is the perfect blend of rich, gooey, and indulgent. It’s elegant enough for a dinner party but easy enough for a weeknight dessert. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality treat right in your kitchen.

Did you make this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out, and don’t forget to share it with fellow dessert lovers.