Chocolate Lava Cakes are decadent molten chocolate cakes that are known for their rich, gooey centers that spill out when cut into!
This chocolate lava cake recipe comes together easily & uses classic ingredients such as butter, chocolate, eggs, sugar, and flour.
These mini chocolate cakes are rich and chocolatey, and the molten center is pure heaven. While chocolate volcano cakes can be found on the menus of high-end restaurants, they are also easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients.
History of Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate lava cake, also known as molten chocolate cake, is a decadent dessert that has become a popular choice in fine dining restaurants, bakeries, and cafes worldwide. This dessert is known for its rich chocolate flavor and gooey, molten center.
The origin of chocolate lava cake is somewhat disputed. Some sources claim that the dessert was accidentally created in the mid-1980s by a French chef named Jean-Georges Vongerichten. According to this story, Vongerichten removed a chocolate cake from the oven too early, resulting in a cake with a runny center. However, rather than discarding the cake, he served it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and it became an instant hit.
The history of chocolate lava cakes may be somewhat unclear, but there is no denying the popularity of this delicious dessert. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with a scoop of ice cream, chocolate lava cake is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Why You Will Love This Chocolate Cake Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and easy to follow. You don’t need any fancy equipment or ingredients, and you can have these cakes ready in less than 30 minutes.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Chocolate lava cakes are a great dessert to serve at dinner parties or special occasions. They are impressive and elegant, yet simple to make.
- Versatile: You can customize this recipe to suit your taste preferences. You can add different flavors to the chocolate batter, such as orange zest or espresso powder, or serve the cakes with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
Ingredients for Decadent Chocolate Lava Cakes
Butter: Add in ½ cup of salted butter to help create moist, rich cakes.
Chocolate chips: You will need 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips for the deep chocolatey taste we are aiming for.
Eggs: Use 4 large eggs to create the perfect cake texture and help bind the ingredients together to form the cake structure.
Sugar: For just the right amount of sweetness, add ½ cup of granulated sugar.
Condensed milk: To give the cakes an amazing creamy texture and taste, add in a 14-oz can of sweetened condensed milk.
Flour: You only need 1 cup of all-purpose flour for these mini cakes, this will ensure they have a nice tender texture but still give the cakes structure.
How to make Chocolate Lava Cakes
Prep
First, grease 4 ramekins with butter and then get the oven preheating to 400°F.
Batter
Next, in a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Proceed to microwave the ingredients for 30-seconds at a time, until the chocolate chips are fully melted. Stir the mixture after each 30-second interval to prevent the butter from splattering.
Then, using a whisk or large fork, mix in the eggs until they are homogenous with the melted chocolate.
Continue to add in the sugar and condensed milk to the bowl, mix again until the sugar is fully dissolved, and the condensed milk is incorporated into the batter.
After that, gently mix in the flour until no clumps of dry flour remain anywhere in the batter.
Bake
Now, divide the batter among the 4 prepared ramekins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top of the cakes are only slightly jiggly. If the cakes are puffed up and cracking, they are likely ready to be removed from the oven. Be careful not to overbake, it will affect the molten lava interior of the cake.
Immediately remove the ramekins from the oven and use a rubber scraper to loosen the cakes from their containers.
Flip the ramekins over on plates to remove the cakes, let them cool for a few minutes, then serve, and enjoy!
Variations of Chocolate Lava Cakes
There are several variations of chocolate lava cakes that cater to different dietary requirements and preferences. By making a few adjustments to the classic recipe, it is possible to create a delicious dessert that everyone can enjoy.
Vegan: For those who follow a vegan diet or have lactose intolerance, there are several options to make a delicious chocolate lava cake without using any animal products. Instead of using butter, eggs, and milk, coconut oil, almond milk, and flax eggs can be used as substitutes. The recipe can be adjusted by using vegan chocolate chips and cocoa powder to ensure that the dessert is entirely vegan-friendly.
Gluten-Free: Gluten-free chocolate lava cakes are perfect for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance. Instead of using wheat flour, gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute. Almond flour is also a great alternative, which adds a nutty flavor to the dessert. It is essential to ensure that all the ingredients used are gluten-free, including chocolate chips and cocoa powder.
White Chocolate: For those who prefer a milder chocolate flavor, white chocolate lava cakes are a great alternative. The recipe is similar to the classic chocolate lava cake, but white chocolate chips are used instead of dark chocolate. The result is a creamy dessert that is still rich and indulgent. It is important to note that white chocolate is not technically chocolate, as it does not contain cocoa solids.
Chocolate Lava Cakes
Ingredients
- ½ cup salted butter
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 14 oz sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease 4 ramekins with butter.
- Batter: In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and chocolate chips. Microwave the ingredients for 30-seconds at a time until the chocolate chips are fully melted. Stir the mixture after each 30-second interval to prevent the butter from splattering.
- Using a whisk or large fork, mix in the eggs until they are homogenous with the melted chocolate.
- Add the sugar and condensed milk to the bowl. Mix again until the sugar is fully dissolved and the condensed milk is incorporated into the batter.
- Gently mix in the flour until no clumps of dry flour remain anywhere in the batter.
- Bake: Divide the batter among the 4 prepared ramekins and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the top of the cakes are only slightly jiggly.
- Immediately remove the ramekins from the oven and use a rubber scraper to loosen the cakes from their containers. Flip the ramekins over on plates to remove the cakes, serve, and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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How to Store Chocolate Lava Cakes
Chocolate lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their quality. Here are some tips on how to store chocolate lava cakes:
- Let the cakes cool completely before storing them. This will prevent condensation from forming and making the cakes soggy.
- Wrap each cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent air from getting in. Alternatively, you can store the cakes in an airtight container.
- Place the wrapped cakes in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, let them come to room temperature before reheating.
- To reheat the cakes, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the plastic wrap or foil and place the cakes on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Can I Freeze Homemade Chocolate Volcano Cakes?
Chocolate lava cakes are a delicious treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. However, it is not always possible to eat them all at once. So, can you freeze chocolate lava cakes? The answer is yes, you can freeze them. When freezing chocolate lava cakes, it is important to follow a few simple steps to ensure that they remain fresh and tasty. Here are some tips to help you freeze your chocolate lava cakes:
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before freezing them.
- Wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and to keep them fresh.
- Place the wrapped cakes in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and make sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing.
- Label the container or bag with the date of freezing to keep track of how long they have been in the freezer.
Pairings with Chocolate Lava Cakes
When it comes to pairing chocolate lava cakes with other foods or beverages, there are several options that can enhance the overall taste experience. Here are a few suggestions:
- Fresh Berries: Adding fresh berries such as raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries can provide a nice balance to the richness of the chocolate. The tartness of the berries can complement the sweetness of the cake and create a refreshing contrast.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream on top of the chocolate lava cake can add a creamy texture and a touch of sweetness. It can also help to balance out the intensity of the chocolate flavor.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serving a warm chocolate lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream can create a delicious contrast in temperature and texture. The creaminess of the ice cream can also help to balance out the richness of the cake.
- Coffee: Pairing a chocolate lava cake with a cup of coffee can be a great way to enhance the flavor of both. The bitterness of the coffee can complement the sweetness of the cake and create a well-rounded taste experience.
Love chocolate? Try more amazing chocolate treat recipes here:
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Chocolate Lava Cakes are impressive treats that look fancy but are so easy to make. This chocolate lava cake recipe only calls for 6 basic ingredients, some of which are most likely already in your kitchen!
Rebecca says
WOW! I can’t believe I haven’t made these sooner. So easy, yet so ridiculously good. This recipe nailed it–even for a beginner baker.
Jenn says
The step by step photos were super helpful thank you! Loving this chocolate loaded lava cake recipe!