Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes (Print Version)

Rich mini chocolate cakes featuring warm, gooey molten centers for a cozy sweet treat.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Chocolate Mixture

01 - 4.25 oz bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, roughly chopped
02 - 7 tbsp unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing

→ Batter

03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 large egg yolks
05 - scant 1/2 cup granulated sugar
06 - 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
07 - 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
08 - 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

→ For Serving (optional)

09 - Powdered sugar, for dusting
10 - Fresh berries or vanilla ice cream

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Grease six 6-ounce ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
02 - In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
03 - In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.
04 - Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until evenly combined.
05 - Sift in flour and salt, folding gently until just incorporated. Avoid overmixing to maintain texture.
06 - Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins placed on a baking sheet.
07 - Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and slightly jiggly.
08 - Let cakes rest 1 minute. Run a thin knife around edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar and accompany with berries or ice cream if desired.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • Rich molten chocolate center
  • Elegant yet easy to prepare
02 -
  • Use high-quality chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for deeper flavor
  • The cakes can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking cold
03 -
  • Do not overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake
  • Serve immediately for best molten center texture
Go Back