Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Featured in: Baking & Sweet Treats

These mini chocolate lava cakes offer a decadent experience with a gooey molten center surrounded by a tender cake exterior. Prepared by melting bittersweet chocolate and butter, then folding into egg and sugar batter with a touch of vanilla and flour, these individual cakes bake quickly and serve warm. Perfect for dessert occasions or cozy moments, they pair beautifully with powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Simple yet indulgent, they bring a touch of elegance with minimal effort.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:15:00 GMT
Warm, gooey center oozes from these individual Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, ready to be devoured. Save
Warm, gooey center oozes from these individual Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, ready to be devoured. | hyperladle.com

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

This recipe always impresses my guests and is a true crowd-pleaser at dinner parties.

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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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour, tapping out the excess.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
Step 5:
Sift in the flour and salt, and fold gently until just incorporated do not overmix.
Step 6:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
Step 7:
Bake for 1113 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly jiggly.
Step 8:
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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Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
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Grind fresh meat, make sausages, and shred vegetables quickly for homemade burgers, meatballs, and everyday recipes.
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Save
| hyperladle.com

My family loves gathering around the table to enjoy these rich molten cakes, making dessert time extra special.

Notes

For a deeper chocolate flavor, use high-quality chocolate 70% cocoa or higher. Add a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur for a twist. 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.

Elegant Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, dusted with powdered sugar, offering a rich, chocolatey molten delight. Save
Elegant Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes, dusted with powdered sugar, offering a rich, chocolatey molten delight. | hyperladle.com
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Enjoy your baking with this indulgent and elegant dessert that never fails to delight.

Recipe FAQs

What type of chocolate works best?

High-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher enhances the rich flavor and gooey texture.

How can I tell when the lava cakes are done?

The edges should be set while the centers remain soft and slightly jiggly, ensuring the molten core stays warm.

Can these be prepared in advance?

Yes, prepare the batter and refrigerate in ramekins before baking; just add 1-2 minutes to the baking time if baking cold.

What serving suggestions complement these cakes?

Dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh berries or vanilla ice cream for contrast and added flavor.

Are there optional flavor variations?

Try adding espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter for a sophisticated twist on the classic flavor.

Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Rich mini chocolate cakes featuring warm, molten centers, perfect for elegant or comforting treats.

Prep Time
15 mins
Time to Cook
12 mins
Complete Time
27 mins
Recipe by Victoria Thompson


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine French-American

Makes 6 Portions

Diet Details Meatless

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

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 set over simmering water, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Step 03

Combine Eggs and Sugar: Whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and thick, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 04

Incorporate Chocolate Mixture: Gently fold melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until uniform.

Step 05

Add Dry Ingredients: Sift flour and salt into the mixture and fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Fill Ramekins: Evenly divide batter among prepared ramekins placed on a baking sheet.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set and centers remain soft and slightly jiggly.

Step 08

Serve: Rest cakes for 1 minute. Run a knife around edges, invert onto plates, dust with powdered sugar, and serve immediately with berries or ice cream if desired.

Gear Needed

  • 6 ramekins (6 oz capacity)
  • Heatproof mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Rubber spatula
  • Baking sheet

Allergy Notes

Review every ingredient for allergens and talk to your doctor if unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts depending on chocolate processing.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Offered for reference only—please check with a healthcare professional for diet advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 19 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 34 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams