Irresistible Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes in Under 25 Minutes

Craving a rich, gooey dessert that looks fancy but comes together fast?
These Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes are soft and cakey on the outside, with a warm, liquid chocolate center that flows with every bite.

You only need 6 ingredients, 1 bowl, and less than 25 minutes.
No mixer. No chill time. No stress. Just deep chocolate flavor and bakery-level results.

Serve them up with ice cream, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar — and watch them disappear.

If you're building a dessert board or planning a romantic dinner, pair them with our soft and decadent Red Velvet Cupcakes for a showstopping finish.

Why You'll Love These Cakes

• Ready in under 25 minutes
• Use pantry staples — no special tools
• Restaurant-style presentation, zero effort
• Perfect for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or chocolate cravings
• Easily make ahead and bake when needed

Perfect for These Occasions

• Valentine’s Day
• Anniversaries
• Dinner parties
• Date nights at home
• Last-minute desserts

Great with champagne, espresso, or a side of vanilla bean ice cream.

Equipment

• 4 ramekins (6 oz) or muffin tin
• 2 mixing bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Baking sheet
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula
• Fine mesh sieve (for powdered sugar)

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients (Serves 4)

• ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 6 oz semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate (chopped or chips)
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• Butter or spray (for greasing ramekins)

Optional toppings:

• Powdered sugar
• Berries (raspberries, strawberries)
• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Chocolate drizzle or caramel

Instructions

1. Prep the ramekins: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-oz ramekins with butter or baking spray. Dust lightly with cocoa powder or flour.

2. Melt butter & chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt butter and chocolate in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Stir until glossy and let cool slightly.

3. Mix eggs & sugar: In another bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and salt until pale and thick (about 1–2 minutes).

4. Combine & fold: Add melted chocolate into the egg mixture. Stir to combine. Sift in flour and gently fold just until no streaks remain.

5. Fill & bake: Divide batter evenly among the ramekins. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 11–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers are soft.

6. Invert & serve: Let cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates. Top with powdered sugar, fruit, or a scoop of ice cream.

Tips for Success

• Don’t overbake — the center should jiggle slightly when done
• Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor and gooey center
• Want to prep ahead? Refrigerate filled ramekins, then bake 1 extra minute
• No ramekins? Use a muffin tin, but reduce bake time by 1 minute
• Dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking instead of flour for a prettier finish

Make Ahead & Storage

• Prep ahead: Fill ramekins, cover with plastic, and refrigerate up to 24 hours
• To bake from cold: Add 1 minute to baking time
• Leftovers: Reheat gently in microwave for 10–15 seconds (center may firm up)
• Freezing: Freeze filled ramekins (uncooked) for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen for 14 minutes

Pair With:

• Red Velvet Cupcakes: perfect for Valentine's Day or a chocolate duo
• Fudgy Marble Brownies: a great addition to a dessert platter
• Cinnamon Roll Muffins: turn dessert into brunch

These Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes deliver all the wow-factor with none of the stress.
They're quick, easy, and always impressive — perfect for a dinner party, Valentine's date, or cozy night in.

Love chocolate desserts? Try our Red Velvet Cupcakes for another romantic, crowd-pleasing treat!