Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Featured in: Breads & Sweet Bakes

These mini chocolate lava cakes offer a rich, molten chocolate center surrounded by tender cake. Melt bittersweet chocolate with butter, whisk eggs with sugar and vanilla, then combine with the chocolate mixture and flour for a smooth batter. Baked briefly until edges are set but centers remain soft, they deliver a perfect balance of textures. Serve warm, dusted with powdered sugar, and paired with fresh berries or vanilla ice cream for an elegant and comforting dessert experience.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:36:00 GMT
Warm, gooey center oozes from these Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, ready to be enjoyed with ice cream. Save
Warm, gooey center oozes from these Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, ready to be enjoyed with ice cream. | shiftoven.com

Decadent individual chocolate cakes with a warm, gooey molten center perfect for an elegant dessert or a comforting treat.

This recipe offers a perfect balance of elegance and comfort suited for any occasion.

Ingredients

  • Chocolate Mixture: 120 g (4.25 oz) bittersweet or semisweet chocolate roughly chopped, 100 g (7 tbsp) unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
  • Batter: 2 large eggs, 2 large egg yolks, 90 g (scant 1/2 cup) granulated sugar, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, 40 g (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • For Serving (optional): Powdered sugar for dusting, Fresh berries or vanilla ice cream

Instructions

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Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour tapping out the excess.
Melt Chocolate and Butter:
In a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water melt the chocolate and butter together stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Whisk Eggs and Sugar:
In a mixing bowl whisk the eggs egg yolks sugar and vanilla until pale and thick about 2 minutes.
Combine Mixtures:
Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
Add Dry Ingredients:
Sift in the flour and salt and fold gently until just incorporated do not overmix.
Prepare Ramekins:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly jiggly.
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 1 minute. Run a thin knife around the edges invert onto plates and serve immediately. Dust with powdered sugar and add berries or ice cream if desired.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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Air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate foods quickly for crispy snacks and easy everyday meals.
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These cakes bring pure delight to family celebrations with their rich molten centers.

Notes

For a flavored twist add a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter. Serve with fresh mint whipped cream or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Required Tools

6 ramekins (6 oz each), Heatproof mixing bowls, Whisk, Rubber spatula, Baking sheet

Allergen Information

Contains eggs milk (butter) and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in facilities handling nuts. Always check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Rich, dark Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes with a dusting of powdered sugar, served with fresh berries. Save
Rich, dark Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes with a dusting of powdered sugar, served with fresh berries. | shiftoven.com
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Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the perfect molten center every time.

Recipe Q&A

What type of chocolate works best?

Use bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with at least 60-70% cocoa for a rich flavor and proper melting consistency.

How can I prevent the cakes from sticking to ramekins?

Grease ramekins thoroughly with butter and lightly dust with flour to ensure easy release after baking.

Can I prepare the batter in advance?

Yes, you can refrigerate the batter before baking. If baking cold batter, add 1-2 extra minutes to the baking time.

What is the key to achieving a molten center?

Bake just until edges are set and centers are soft and slightly jiggly; overbaking will set the centers fully.

Any tips for adding flavor variations?

Try adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter for subtle, complementary flavor notes.

Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Indulgent individual chocolate cakes featuring a rich, molten center and tender edges.

Time to Prep
15 min
Time to Cook
12 min
Overall Time
27 min
Recipe by Samuel Hill


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine French-American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Preferences Meat-free

What You Need

Chocolate Mixture

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

Batter

01 2 large eggs
02 2 large egg yolks
03 scant 1/2 cup granulated sugar
04 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
05 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
06 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

For Serving (optional)

01 Powdered sugar, for dusting
02 Fresh berries or vanilla ice cream

Directions

Step 01

Prepare ramekins: Preheat oven to 425°F. Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and dust lightly with flour, tapping out excess.

Step 02

Melt chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt chocolate and butter, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 03

Whisk eggs and sugar: Whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Combine mixtures: Fold melted chocolate mixture gently into the egg mixture until combined.

Step 05

Incorporate dry ingredients: Sift flour and salt into the batter and fold until just incorporated without overmixing.

Step 06

Fill ramekins: Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins and place on a baking sheet.

Step 07

Bake cakes: Bake 11–13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and slightly jiggly.

Step 08

Serve: Let cakes rest for 1 minute. Run a knife around edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately. Optionally dust with powdered sugar and add berries or ice cream.

Tools Needed

  • Six 6-oz ramekins
  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet

Allergy Details

Review each item to spot allergens, and consult a health expert if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour).
  • May contain traces of nuts if chocolate processed in facilities handling nuts.
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutrition (per serving)

For guidance only. Always check with a medical provider for advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g