Decadent Molten Chocolate Lava Cake for Two
A quick and easy molten chocolate lava cake recipe perfect for two, featuring a crisp outer shell and a warm, gooey molten center made with simple pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 ounces (115 grams) dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa)
- ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, softened but not melted
- ¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease two 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring until smooth. Let cool slightly for about 5 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract vigorously until pale and slightly thickened (2-3 minutes by hand or 1 minute with mixer).
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine.
- Sift in the all-purpose flour and salt, then fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins, filling about ¾ full. Tap gently to release air bubbles.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but centers remain slightly soft and jiggly.
- Let cakes rest for 1-2 minutes after baking. Run a knife around edges and invert onto plates to serve immediately.
Notes
Watch baking time carefully to avoid overbaking; the center should remain slightly jiggly. Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor. Grease and dust ramekins thoroughly to prevent sticking. Batter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated in ramekins for up to 24 hours; add 1-2 minutes to baking time if baking from chilled batter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake (half of
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 25
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 6
Keywords: molten chocolate lava cake, chocolate dessert, easy lava cake, romantic dessert, quick chocolate cake