How to Make Molten Chocolate Lava Cake: A Decadent French Favorite
Warm, indulgent, and irresistibly gooeyโchocolate lava cake is a classic French dessert that delivers drama and delight in every bite. With its crisp edges and molten center, itโs the perfect show-stopping dessert for any occasion.
This recipe ensures professional-quality results in your home kitchen, with a luxuriously chocolatey center every time.
Servings
12
Prep time:
5min
Cook time:
12min
Resting time:
0min
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- โ Impressive yet simpleโready in under 20 minutes from start to finish
- โ Two textures, one dessertโcrispy shell contrasted with liquid chocolate center
- โ Perfect portioned treatโideal for intimate dinners or as finishing touch on dessert menus
- โ High visual impactโsuitable for fine dining, menus, or home indulgence
Ingredients
- 200g of unsalted butter
- 200g of dark chocolate
- 180g ofย granulated sugar
- 90g ofย all-purpose flour
- 6 eggs
These five little ingredients could save your life. LITERALLY ! Did you already have some friends who decided to come over for a last-minute dinner, and you don’t have any time to buy a dessert ? Even if your guests are already at home, it will only take you 10 minutes to do this lovely desserts and 10 more minutes to cook this beauty. This chocolate lava cake is a life saver !
Step by Step Instructions
Melt Chocolate & Butter
Gently melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl over simmering water (bainโmarie) or in short bursts in the microwave. Set aside to cool slightly.
Whisk Together Eggs & Sugar
In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and slightly thickened. This step helps create the airy cake texture.
Combine Ingredients
Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until smooth. Sift in flour and gently fold until just combinedโavoid overmixing to preserve the cakeโs tender crumb.
Fill Ramekins
Butter and lightly flour 2โ4 individual ramekins. Pour the batter in, filling each about three-quarters full.
Bake Carefully
Preheat your oven to 190โฏยฐC. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 10โ12 minutes, until the edges are set and the centers wobble softly when you gently shake them.
Unmold & Serve Immediately
Let the cakes rest 30 seconds before inverting gently onto plates. The warm molten center should flow out. Serve immediately for maximum effect.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with sifted cocoa powder or icing sugar
- Top with fresh raspberries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Garnish with mint leaves or chocolate shards for a refined presentation
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Made ahead? Chefโs tip: bake 1โ2 minutes less, then uncover, cool, and refrigerate. Before serving, warm under oven grill or torch until molten before plating
- Note: Lava cakes are meant to be served warm and spectacularly gooeyโbest enjoyed fresh from the oven
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did my cake set all the way through?
Your center likely overbaked. Reduce oven time by 1โ2 minutesย to maintain the molten core.
Can I make these in advance?
Yesโprepare the batter and fill ramekins ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake just before serving.
Can I freeze chocolate lava cakes?
Absolutely! Chocolate lava cakes freeze beautifully:
- Assemble the batter into ramekins and freeze unbaked. When ready to serve, bake directly from frozen, adding 2โ3 minutes to the baking time.
- Alternatively, bake fully, let cool, wrap well, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat briefly in a hot oven until warmed through and molten inside.
How do I ensure the molten center?
Avoid overbaking: remove from the oven while the center still jiggles slightly. The residual heat continues cooking off the oven, ensuring a soft, gooey center.
๐ฉ๐ผโ๐ณ Want to Elevate Your Dessert Offerings with Authentic French Classics?
If youโre looking for ways to enhance your pastry experience for guests and create unforgettable moments:
Crรจme Brรปlรฉe
A silky, vanilla-infused custard topped with a perfectly caramelized sugar crustโan elegant French dessert classic.
Croissant
The ultimate French viennoiserieโflaky, buttery, and irresistibly crisp.
Brioche
A rich and fluffy French bread with a tender crumbโperfect for breakfast or an indulgent snack.
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