Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Featured in: Sweet Bakes & Treats

These mini chocolate lava cakes offer an indulgent treat with their warm, gooey molten centers that melt in your mouth. Crafted by melting bittersweet chocolate with butter and folding gently into an egg and sugar batter, they bake quickly to achieve a delicate balance of soft edges and fluid centers. Perfect served dusted with powdered sugar and accompanied by fresh berries or vanilla ice cream, these cakes suit elegant occasions or cozy evenings alike.

The preparation takes just over 25 minutes, making them an accessible choice when craving chocolate. Variations include adding espresso powder for depth or orange liqueur for a subtle twist. Using high-quality chocolate amplifies the rich, bittersweet flavor profile. These petites offer both simplicity and sophistication.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 15:31:00 GMT
Warm, gooey center of mini chocolate lava cakes, perfect for a special-occasion dessert. Save
Warm, gooey center of mini chocolate lava cakes, perfect for a special-occasion dessert. | pixelcuisine.com

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

This recipe has become a favorite for special occasions and always impresses guests with its luscious texture.

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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

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Instructions

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:
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.
Mix Eggs:
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.
Fill 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.
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.
Rich dark chocolate mini lava cakes, dusted with powdered sugar, ready for serving with berries. Save
Rich dark chocolate mini lava cakes, dusted with powdered sugar, ready for serving with berries. | pixelcuisine.com

This recipe always brings smiles when served to family during celebrations and cozy gatherings.

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Notes

For a deeper chocolate flavor, try adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter.

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.

Molten chocolate spills from a freshly baked mini lava cake; a decadent, comforting treat. Save
Molten chocolate spills from a freshly baked mini lava cake; a decadent, comforting treat. | pixelcuisine.com

Enjoy these luscious mini cakes as a delightful finale to any meal.

Recipe Questions & Answers

What type of chocolate works best?

Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with at least 70% cocoa delivers a rich, intense flavor ideal for molten cakes.

How do I know when the cakes are done?

Bake until edges are firm but centers remain soft and slightly jiggly, usually 11–13 minutes at 220°C (425°F).

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes, the batter can be refrigerated before baking. Add 1–2 extra minutes to baking time if baking cold batter.

What are good serving suggestions?

Dust with powdered sugar and serve alongside fresh berries or vanilla ice cream for a balanced, elegant presentation.

Are there flavor variations to try?

Consider adding a pinch of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur to the batter to enhance complexity.

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Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Rich mini chocolate cakes with a warm, molten center for a decadent and comforting indulgence.

Prep Duration
15 minutes
Time to Cook
12 minutes
Overall Time
27 minutes
Created by Ryan Cooper


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French-American

Output 6 Number of Servings

Diet Preferences Meat-Free

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

How-To Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the 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 extract in a bowl until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Combine Chocolate with Egg Mixture: Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture gently until homogenous.

Step 05

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Sift in flour and sea salt, folding gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Portion Batter: Divide the batter evenly 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

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

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Tools Needed

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

Allergy Info

Review every item for allergens and ask a healthcare pro if you're unsure.
  • Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour). May contain traces of nuts.

Nutrition Details (each serving)

Nutrition info is for reference only—it's not medical guidance.
  • Caloric Content: 320
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g

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