Chocolate Molten Cakes – Also known as a chocolate lava cake, these little cakes have a soft and fudgy crumb and an irresistibly gooey centre. The ultimate individual chocolate desserts!
Chocolate Molten Cakes
One of my all-time favourite chocolate desserts has to be the Chocolate Molten Cake (also known as a Chocolate Lava Cake). I just cannot resist that runny chocolate centre!
My Chocolate Molten Cakes are super quick and easy to make, and are totally irresistible. You only need 6 simple ingredients, and in just over 30 minutes, you’ll have yourself the ultimate chocolate dessert.
Serve these little cakes warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and nobody will be able to resist.
Looking for more chocolate desserts? See my Chocolate Sheet Cake, No-Bake Double Chocolate Cheesecake, and my Dark Chocolate Orange Tart.
Ingredients you’ll need
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make these cakes. You can find my recipe card at the bottom of this post for the complete list with their amounts.
- Dark chocolate: Choose the brand you love and enjoy eating on its own. I love Lindt.
- Unsalted butter
- Large eggs: You’ll want 2 large eggs, plus 2 large egg yolks.
- Vanilla extract
- Icing OR powdered sugar
- Plain OR all-purpose flour
How to make Chocolate Molten Cakes
To make these cakes, simply start by adding the chocolate and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl and heating in 20 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth.
Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, and whisk until combined. Add the icing sugar and flour, and whisk until smooth and combined. The mixture should be slightly thick and gloopy.
Divide the mixture between four greased 4-oz ramekins. Bake for 12 – 14 minutes, or until the sides of the cakes are firm, and the centres are still soft and gooey.
TIP: To grease the ramekins, I like to use a cake-release formula like Wilton or PME. Alternatively, you can grease and coat your ramekins lightly in cocoa powder.
Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cake, then turn them out onto serving plates. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
The printable recipe card with the FULL list of ingredients and instructions can be found at the bottom of this post.
NOTE: For best results, I highly recommend using the gram measurements (with a digital scale), rather than the cup measurements.
Cup measurements are simply not accurate enough, and I cannot guarantee the best results if you use them.
These Chocolate Molten Cakes are:
- super quick and easy to throw together
- made with only 6 simple ingredients
- deliciously rich and indulgent
- the ULTIMATE chocolate dessert
Want to make these cakes ahead of time? Simply prepare the pudding and divide between the ramekins. Cover tightly with clingfilm and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Don’t have any ramekins? You can use a muffin pan! This recipe should yield about 6 cakes if using a muffin pan. Bake for about 8 – 10 minutes.
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram and hashtag it #simplybakeblog. I’d love to see!
By the way, you can totally enjoy these lava cakes straight from the ramekins… ↓
Try these delicious cakes next!
- Chocolate Fudge Cake
- Microwave Chocolate Mug Cake
- Mint Chocolate Bundt Cake
- Mint Chocolate Chip Layer Cake
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Originally Published: February, 2016 | Updated: July, 2019
Chocolate Molten Cakes
Also known as a chocolate lava cake, these little cakes have a soft and fudgy crumb and an irresistibly gooey centre. The ultimate individual chocolate desserts!
Ingredients
- 4-oz (115g) dark chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs + 2 large egg yolks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (125g) icing/powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup (62g) plain/all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220C/425F/Gas 7. Grease four 4-oz ramekins, and place them on a baking tray.
- Add the chocolate and butter to a large microwave-safe bowl and heat in 20 second intervals, stirring after each one, until melted and smooth.
- Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla, and whisk until combined. Add the icing sugar and flour, and whisk until smooth and combined.
- Divide the mixture between the prepared ramekins. Bake for 12 - 14 minutes, or until the sides of the cakes are firm, and the centres are still soft and gooey.
- Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cake, then turn them out onto serving plates. Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream.
Notes
Make ahead of time: Simply prepare the pudding and divide between the ramekins. Cover tightly with clingfilm and keep refrigerated for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4 cakesServing Size:
1 cakeAmount Per Serving: Calories: 629Total Fat: 38gSaturated Fat: 22gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 296mgSodium: 84mgCarbohydrates: 61gFiber: 2gSugar: 45gProtein: 10g
Nutrition information isn’t always accurate.
Claudia Rendon
Tuesday 31st of March 2020
Can i use rice flour instead of flour? I can't find flour on any place
Marsha
Tuesday 31st of March 2020
I'm afraid results may differ, as rice flour doesn't absorb liquid and fat like plain/all-purpose flour. But if you do test it out, please let me know how it goes!
Bondita
Tuesday 15th of October 2019
Omg! this looks so delicious. I'll definitely try out this recipe and will share the feedback with you.
Christie
Sunday 31st of March 2019
Hi,
I want to ask if I can make this is a regular size pan? If I do bake it and not serve immediately can I reheat it?
Thank you.
Marsha
Monday 1st of April 2019
I've never tried this recipe in a regular sized pan, so I can't say. And yes, you can reheat these cakes when ready to serve. You can also keep the cake mixture covered in the fridge overnight, and bake them the next day.
Joscelyn | Wifemamafoodie
Wednesday 24th of February 2016
Oh my YUM! This may just be my most favorite thing on your site...and I've loved everything you've posted!! I must make these soon! That oozing chocolate is calling my name!!! ❤️
Marsha
Thursday 25th of February 2016
Thanks so much, Joscelyn! :)
Amanda
Tuesday 23rd of February 2016
Wow. These look amazing! Molten and chocolate are two words that are always great together. I think it's great that you can make these ahead and store them in the fridge before baking. And I can't believe they're done in thirty minutes! Awesome.
Marsha
Tuesday 23rd of February 2016
Thanks, Amanda!