Chocolate Lava Cakes Recipe

Molten Chocolate Lava Cakes

Molten chocolate lava cakes. Was there ever a sweeter string of words? Was there ever a better, more decadent or more chocolate-y dessert? I don’t think so. With their soft, cakey exteriors and positively molten chocolate interiors, these aren’t just decadent and rich, they’re also quick and easy to make. Yes, really! Lava cakes are so easy to make it’s almost a straight-up crime that I didn’t share this recipe sooner. I’ve shared a lot of desserts for my fellow chocolate-lovers in the past, from chocolate pie to my favorite homemade brownies and chocolate cake, but this one (ahem) takes the cake. Let’s get started.

What You Need to Make Homemade Lava Cake

Remember, this is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why. For the full recipe please scroll down to the bottom of the post!

How to Make Chocolate Lava Cakes

SAM’S TIP: Your oven must be fully preheated to 450F (235C) before you add the lava cakes, so turn it on before you begin baking. My oven takes 15-20 minutes to get to temperature, and it’ll often “beep” that it’s preheated and ready long before it actually is so I keep two oven thermometers in it to keep it honest. Let your lava cakes cool for several minutes before (carefully) inverting onto a plate and serving warm. The top may cave just a bit, this is fine! That chocolate cake ring will keep the lava contained to the center, right where it’s supposed to be. For a pretty appearance and bonus taste, I always like to dust mine with powdered sugar or serve topped with homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream and some strawberry sauce.