These lava cakes are rich and decadent, with cakey outsides and irresistibly gooey chocolate centers. They’re like a warm mug of hot chocolate in romantic dessert form.
These molten chocolate lava cakes look and taste impressive, but they’re pretty quick and easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment—no mixer, just a couple of bowls and a whisk. Unlike most lava cakes, you don’t even need ramekins to make this recipe. I scaled it down to fit perfectly in your muffin tin!
Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten popularized the lava cake in the 1990s, so this recipe concept has been around for a while. I’m excited to report that the ingredients are simple (you probably have them already) and the muffin tin technique works like a charm.
This recipe yields two small lava cakes, perfect for two individual servings. They’re rich enough that you could also serve four people who are willing to share. I never manage to polish one off on my own.
You’ll find step-by-step photos and a detailed recipe below. Let’s make some lava cakes!
Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make lava cakes:
- Unsalted butter: For greasing the muffin tins, plus several tablespoons for melting.
- Quality chocolate or chocolate chips: Use bittersweet chocolate for more intense dark chocolate flavor, or semi-sweet chocolate for rich but somewhat more mild flavor. If using a chocolate bar, finely chop the chocolate before using (you’ll need a slightly heaping 1/3 cup). I’ve successfully used Guittard’s extra-dark chocolate chips (63 percent cacao content). Low-quality chocolate chips with additives may not work as well.
- Eggs: We’ll use one egg yolk and one full egg.
- Sugar: Two tablespoons of sugar is extremely low for a dessert and works beautifully. I tried making this recipe with natural sweeteners and it just doesn’t work as well.
- Vanilla Extract: Just a dash yields more complex flavor
- Flour: One teaspoon, can you believe it? You can use whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend.
Watch How to Make Mini Lava Cakes
Lava Cake Serving Suggestions
For serving, I think these cakes are pretty with a light sprinkling of powdered sugar. For presentation bonus points, add a dollop of strawberry or vanilla ice cream and/or fresh berries.
For a special meal to accompany your lava cakes, check out my date night recipe roundup.
Chocolate Lava Cake FAQ
Can I make this recipe ahead of time? You can prepare the recipe through step 6 up to one day in advance. Refrigerate the tin in the meantime but let it warm to room temperature before baking.
Can I use ramekins instead? While this recipe was developed for a standard muffin tin, I believe you could bake the lava cakes in small, four-ounce ramekins (about three inches in diameter). I wouldn’t recommend using ramekins any larger than that.
Can I double or triple the recipe? Yes. A couple commenters reported success, but mentioned that their cakes needed an extra minute or two in the oven. Try to divide the batter as evenly as possible between the muffin cups. You won’t be able to flip individual servings onto their serving plates as you would if you were just making two. Perhaps try flipping them onto a cutting board or pan, and then carefully transferring them to serving plates with a metal spatula once they have cooled for a few more minutes.
What about the “uncooked” egg in the center of the cakes? Is it safe to eat? To my understanding, the interior of the lava cake reaches over 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a high enough temperature to eliminate any risks with the egg. You can verify with a thermometer if you wish.
What if my lava cakes don’t look done after 5 minutes? In my tests with my well-calibrated oven, five minutes was just right. If your oven runs cool, your cakes might need a little more time. Pay close attention to the visual cues provided within the recipe (bake until the cakes have risen from their cups but still jiggle in the center just a bit) and check out my step-by-step photos if you have any doubts.
Craving more chocolate treats?
- Amazing Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Swirl Fudge
- Coffee Chocolate Chip Blondies
- Dark Chocolate-Dipped Macaroons
- Favorite Hot Chocolate
Please let me know how your lava cakes turn out in the comments! I’m so eager to hear how this technique works for you.
Mini Lava Cakes for Two
- Author:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 lava cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Make chocolate lava cakes for two with this simple recipe! This decadent small-scale dessert is such a treat. No special equipment required, just a muffin tin. Recipe yields 2 small lava cakes, perfect for 2 people (or 4 people if you’re willing to share).
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the tin
- Cocoa powder or additional flour, for dusting the tin
- ⅓ cup quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or 2 ounces chocolate, chopped into small pieces
- 2 large eggs (we’ll use 1 yolk and 1 full egg)
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon flour (whole wheat, all purpose or gluten-free flour blend)
- Suggested garnishes: Powdered sugar, strawberry or vanilla ice cream, fresh sliced strawberries or whole raspberries
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit, assuming you will be baking these lava cakes right away (see notes for make-ahead option).
- Prepare your muffin tin by heavily buttering only two of the cups (one on the center outside edge, the other on the opposite). See photos for reference and be sure to coat them well. Then sprinkle some cocoa powder into the buttered cups. Turn and tap the tin over the sink to lightly coat the insides of the cups with the powder. Set the tin aside.
- Place the butter in a medium heat-safe mixing bowl and melt it in the microwave (alternately, gently melt it over low heat on the stove and then remove it from the heat). Add the chocolate to the bowl and stir until melted (if the chocolate won’t melt on its own, gently warm the mixture in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, or over very low heat on the stovetop). Set aside.
- Crack one egg and pour the egg white into a bowl for later use* or discard it. Pour the yolk into another medium-to-large mixing bowl. Crack the second egg into the yolk bowl (both the white and the yolk). Add the sugar, vanilla and salt. Beat the mixture with a whisk until foamy and pale, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour the egg mixture into the chocolate mixture. Add the flour. Whisk until the mixture is fully combined.
- Divide the mixture between the two prepared muffin cups. You can fill them all the way to the top (you should have just enough mixture to fill them, but if you have extra, discard it).
- Bake for 5 minutes, until the cakes have risen from their cups but still jiggle in the center just a bit. Place the muffin tin on a heat-safe surface and let the cakes cool for 1 minute.
- In the meantime, find two dessert plates or appetizer plates with raised rims. Here’s the slightly tricky part—place the plates upside down over each of the cakes. While wearing oven mitts, securely grab both plates and the tin itself with both hands. Flip the whole thing and place the plate sides down on the counter. Gently lift up the tin and the lava cakes should release without trouble.
- Garnish as desired (if using powdered sugar, place a small spoonful in a fine-mesh sieve and sprinkle the sieve over the plates). Serve at once! Leftover cakes will keep in the refrigerator, covered, for a few days (the texture will change, but should still be delightful).
Notes
Recipe adapted from Georges Vongerichten’s Molten Chocolate Cake recipe, via Mark Bittman in The New York Times, with reference to Yossy Arefi’s Chocolate Lava Cake for Two.
Make it ahead: You can prepare the recipe through step 6 up to one day in advance. Refrigerate the tin in the meantime but let it warm to room temperature before baking.
Make it gluten free: Simply use a gluten-free flour blend. I successfully used Bob’s Red Mill.
Baking time note: If you are using whole wheat or all-purpose flour (not gluten-free) and prefer an even gooier cake, you could likely get by with 4 minutes 30 seconds baking time. The cakes will be a little more delicate, though, so I’d suggest trying this only after successfully baking with the 5-minute method.
Special diet note: I don’t believe this recipe can be made vegan or egg-free, as the eggs provide the structure to this soufflé-like dessert. You could possibly make the recipe dairy-free by using dairy-free butter, such as Miyoko’s Creamery, and dairy-free chips, such as Enjoy Life, but I haven’t verified.
Vegetable enthusiast. Dog lover. I'm probably making a big mess in my Kansas City kitchen right now. 
Stuart
A fantastic recipe, so simple to follow, but produces such decadent results.
I’ve made these in individual portions before now, kept frozen in the freezer for up to a month (easily could have left longer). Reheat in a 400F / gas mark 6 oven for 16 minutes, enjoy.
★★★★★
Kate
Thanks, Stuart! That’s a great suggestion.
ManosRK
Do they still retain their saucy consistency after the reheat ?
4waystoyummy
I’ve made these and love them. Little treats are all my husband and I need these days so it’s a healthier choice! Of course we’re talking soul food healthy. Happy Valentines Day!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, and happy Valentine’s as well!
Devon
These are exactly what I had in mind for tonight, thank you! They look divine. However, I don’t have any baking chocolate in the house and it’s -5 degrees so I don’t want to leave the house. Could this work somehow using cocoa powder instead?
Kate
Hi Devon! We’re in the negative temps here in KC, too. Brrr. I’m sorry, I really don’t know if you could achieve the same results with cocoa powder only. If you have a decent chocolate bar or some chocolate chips, those will work, or maybe a neighbor could spare some chocolate chips? Stay warm!
Hayley
These look so beautiful & fun to make – can’t wait to try. Is that strawberry ice cream in the photos? I never thought of that over vanilla but I love chocolate & strawberry!
Kate
Thanks, Hayley! Yes, it is, and I loved the strawberry-chocolate combo!
Brenda Tabor
I’ve been making a single-serving version of this recipe for years (one egg, 1/4 cup chocolate chips, longer baking time) but use single-serving ramekins. Juggling skills not needed and I like the souffle-look of the just baked dessert.
Kate
Your version sounds great, Brenda!
Joanne
Kate, I am sure you are telepathic. Guess what we have planned for dessert tonight? It’s all prescaled so too late to try your recipe but I will try your version tomorrow and compare the two! Always LOVE your recipes Kate. Still loving the cookbook! Many thanks for all your work!!
Kate
Love it! Please report back!
Kim Hollenbeck
Kathryne Taylor;
Hi,how are you doing and feeling in kansas city?My name is kim and I just found your website and I had fun looking at your recipes.I hope that you don’t mind me copying down some of your recipes to make in my apartment.Do you have any recipes that are low carb and low sugar or no sugar added?I am a diabetic so I have to eat as healthy as I can on limited monthly funds that I live on.Can I use diabetic friendly ingredients in your recipes?I love your website and you did an awesome job putting your wesite together,it is easy to read your recipes as well.
Kate
Hi Kim, thank you for your note! I’d love for you to make my recipes. I’m sorry, I don’t have low carb-specific recipes. I do try to keep the recipes well balanced with wholesome ingredients. Most of my savory recipes are sugar free. Hope that helps! Stay well.
Lakey
Kate, I really want to try these but the thought of flipping the muffin tin gives me pause. I have small ramekins as well as small Pyrex cups.
Have you tried baking the lava cakes in either of those?
These sound outrageously good!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi Lakey, small ramekins should work well. I just haven’t tested the recipe in ramekins to offer an exact baking time, but should be pretty similar if the ramekin is similar in size to a muffin cup.
Cheryl Buckerfield
Absolutely amazing! So much chocolatey goodness with pantry ingredients!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Cheryl!
Donna
Awesome recipe – so easy to make and incredibly tasty!! I made it for my husband for our 39th valentines together ❤️❤️ today. He loved it and asked when can I make it again – ha.
★★★★★
Kate
Yessss! Happy Valentine’s Day to you two! We are just celebrating our fourth. :)
Robin Fakler
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!! An impressive keeper! My 15 year old baker son just surprised us with this and I am blown away! Happy Valentines Day!
★★★★★
Kate
That is so awesome! Please give him a high five for me.
Pasqualina
Hi Kate, the chocolate lava cakes were a great success with my kids! I used a muffin tin, as you suggested. Couldn’t be simpler. The recipe is easy and quick and ohhh, so delicious. Will make them again. Thank you so much!
★★★★★
Kate
Marvelous! Thank you for reporting back!
Meredith
I’m a long time lover of your blog but this is the first of your desserts I’ve tried. Loved it. One of my lava cakes fell apart but I put it back together and into the oven for a bit longer and salvaged it. They tasted great and my partner loved it too. Next time I may leave them in a bit longer and/or bake them on the bottom rack. Thanks for an easy but great recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Meredith! I’m glad you were able to resuscitate your cake. Could be that your oven runs a little cooler than mine, so I’d just bake a bit longer next time (even 30 seconds might be enough).
Connie
These were delicious. I made them in ramekins so they were a little flatter but still came out great! Such a fun valentine treat.
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy you enjoyed them, Connie!
Shirley
Really good and no sharing of my cake! Be sure to really, really butter the muffin tin because mine did not come out as nice as Kate’s, but it sure was good. I added just a bit of Espresso powder.
★★★★★
Maggie
Thank you so much for this recipe! Coming “later” actually was a boon for me; I was looking for something at that moment that was quick, delish, and would say HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY! These lava cakes hit the spot! (Suggestion: Releasing the dessert from the muffin tins was tough for me; going around the outside of each with a knife after they had their one minute of cooling definitely helped when I repeated the recipe — for seconds!)
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! You’re welcome. Thanks for taking the time to comment, Maggie.
Christa
So easy, fast and delicious. I saw your post on IG and immediately went to my kitchen to try! But one question. How does it work with the lava inside having uncooked egg in it? Is that totally fine to eat? Or did I miss something?
Kate
Hey Christa, good question. I haven’t verified with a thermometer, but I’ve read that the interior of the cakes reach over 165 degrees Fahrenheit, which is a high enough temperature to eliminate any risks with the egg.
Sue Peoples
I made these yesterday and they were perfect. I had all the ingredients prepped and ready and just had to assemble them. So tasty! And the perfect amount for two.
★★★★★
Kate
Awesome! Thank you, Sue.
Bernice McBeth
Made this recipe for Valentine’s Day dinner dessert. So delicious, and easy to make. Even half a lava cake is a nice treat for chocolate lovers.
Thank you for sharing.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Bernice! I’m happy you tried it and enjoyed the cakes.
Ivory
Wow, looks amazingly yummy. Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
Jenny
What if I wanted to triple the recipe and make it in a 6 muffin pan for my family? Is that ok, (since you talk about 2 muffin cups on opposite sides of each other)
Kate
Hi Jenny! I think that would work. At that rate, you might just want to flip the cakes onto a cutting board and then veeeery carefully transfer them to plates with a spatula.
Sonia
Amazing!!
★★★★★
Jen
This looks great, am wondering if the recipe can be successfully doubled?
Kate
Hi Jen, I think so!
Sue
This recipe sounds delicious.
How is Cookie doing?
Kate
Thank you, Sue. Cookie is snoozing next to me now after her chemo treatment this morning. She only has a few more to go to finish up her regimen. Most days, she is her usual spunky self and we are so lucky for that. Unfortunately, she still has one problematic lymph node, so after treatment is up, we’ll pursue other options (maybe more chemo, maybe lymph node removal or radiation). I’ll do anything for my best friend and I’m consulting with some wonderful doctors.
Kate
I’ve been wanting to try a recipe for molten lava cake for a while but never wanted to specifically buy ramekins – so YES! along comes your fantastic recipe. Can’t wait to try.
Kate
Perfect! Enjoy, Kate!
Nellie Landeros
. Sad
I can’t eat eggs & these look amazing
Kate
I wish I had a good alternative, Nellie!
Midori
I just made this! OMG! So good and easy! We could have easily shared one but we had no problems eating one each! I used Bob’s Red Mill AP baking flour in the red bag. Turned out perfectly!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m delighted you loved it.
Harj
Hi
I am jinxed at baking lava cakes
I thought my luck would change but they were very runny after 5 minutes so I am cooking for 10 minutes
Kate
How did they turn out, Harj?
freddy joe
Wow, It’s delicious. Thanks will try.
Baking with Love on the Palouse
There was something messed-up with the ingredient measurements between what I read and what I printed. The printed recipe was calling for 4 eggs but on line the recipe called for 2 eggs. I needed to make 3 or 4 lava cakes and so I was doubling the recipe which meant 8 eggs!? This made me stop and question the proportions and amounts, I had already melted and mixed together 12 Tbsp of butter and 8 oz of chocolate. I found a different Lava Cake recipe that I was able to adjust using 1/2 of the choccolate/butter mixture which made SEVEN lava cakes. I refrigerated the other 1/2 of the chocolate/butter mixture and will consider using it in a frosting or making 7 more lava cakes later.
Kate
Hi, I’m sorry to hear there was confusion. It sounds like you printed a scaled version of the recipe 1x, 2x, 3x) button in the recipe card. I hope you try it again and let me know what you think!
Kathy
Just made these tonight but unfortunately they collapsed when I flipped them – I think they were undercooked. I think my oven must not be quite up to heat. So next time I’ll cook them slightly longer (as you suggested to someone else here). But the collapsed cakes tasted so amazingly delicious that I’ll definitely try them again!
★★★★
Kate
Hi Kathy, I’m sorry to hear that. Try adding some time and be sure to let me know!
Nancy
Happened to me too. Bummer! Tasty tho!. I commented but it hasnt posted for some reason.
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that. Try adding more time and let me know!
Leanne
WOW!!!!!
These lava cakes were the best I ever ever had, better than at a nice restaurant.
Too good….. and pretty easy to make too. Thanks and all the best for sweet Cookie
Tania L
These are delicious and dangerously easy and quick to make. I made a quick raspberry coulis to go with it- just some thawed frozen berries smushed up with a bit of maple syrup and then passed thru a sieve to de-seed. My partner is verrrrry happy- thank you for the recipe!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Tania! Thank you for your review.
Aviva
Wow!! Just devoured this. My muffin tin must be smaller bc I had enough to make three and I actually cooked it for 10 minutes bc after 5 it wasnt done at all. It was a little hard to get out of the tin but it tasted amazing!!! So good!!
★★★★★
Kate
Yes! Thank you for sharing you devoured it, Aviva. I’m sorry yours took longer, but happy you got it work. Maybe try 7 minutes next time and see what that does.
Jaime
AMAZING! And so easy!
★★★★★
Kate
I’m glad you enjoyed them, Jaime!
Nancy
Followed everything to a tee….even left it in the oven a couple min longer. But it fell apart. Maybe im not the beat “flipper” though I did lots of butter and cocoa. Tasty but a big mess. Bummer.
★★★
Kate
I’m sorry to hear that! Did you get the butter all the way to the top rim of the tin?
Steph
These were incredible and so easy to make! In the words of my four year old son “everyone needs to taste this”. Thank you for such a delicious treat. I’ve made them twice already
★★★★★
Kate
That’s great! Thank you for your review, Steph.
Ramya
Hi Kate,
I am a HUGE fan of your blog and I tried the lava cake today. It came out just perfect. We loved it. Thank you for the recipe and keep it coming!
Ramya
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Ramya! I appreciate your review.
Nicole
Amazing! So decadent, yet easy and quick. Thanks for the lovely recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Nicole!
Maddie
This is literally the best lava cake recipe I’ve ever found it has blown me into another dimension. No joke these are AMAZING
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m happy you think so.
Robin L Pritchard
I finally got around to making these. They are to die for! A perfect fast recipe for two(I actually got 4 out of the recipe). I can’t wait to make them again.
★★★★★
Kate
Great! Thank you for your review, Robin.
Marisa S
These are soooo good!! Such a nice, simple, and surprising treat. I don’t think many expect a lava cake as an easy dessert? I certainly didn’t, and wouldn’t have thought to make these before. Thanks as always, Kate!!
★★★★★
Kate
Marvelous to hear! Thank you, Marisa. :)
Leslie
My lava cakes did not release from the pan, despite me heavily buttering the cups and shaking the powdered cocoa around. Maybe I used too much butter? It was soaking through the powder and looking very wet. It was still delicious chocolate soup with bits of cooked stuff floating around though!
★★★
Kate
Hi Leslie, I’m sorry to hear that. Maybe try adding a little more time next time and just enough butter to coat the pan.
hansel
Buonissimi!!!
thanks Kate, I really love your recipies and these mini cakes are amazing! easy, healthy and delicious.
Please, I’m waiting for a Cheesecake too..
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Jessica
Another 10/10
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Jessica!
Katrina
This was so lovely! I didn’t get the muffins to come out nicely, but it was still delicious. Next time, I will use 2 pans to make a double recipe because you were right to use the plates to flip them over. All the gooey goodness went onto the cutting board. In my muffin tins, a double recipe made 6. Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Katrina! Thank you for your review.
Nora
I made this using coconut oil (ran out of butter) and the flavor was amazing! If you don’t mind the taste of coconut with chocolate and need to be dairy-free, this is a great way to go. I made them in smaller size ramekins and they did need a longer cooking time, more like 15-20 minutes. Great recipe!
★★★★★
Nereeta
Hi Kate ,
I’m Nereeta, from Malaysia .
Thank you so much for the recipe . Made it for our date night- My husband and I enjoyed it !
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear! Thank you for your review, Nereeta.
Hannah Jones
Looks so delicious! I love reading and trying desserts like this because we normally get it in restaurants or patisseries, but this looks easy to do and I could definitely try to make it. Thank you for sharing!
Kate
You’re welcome, Hannah!
Alice Peaks
These are soooooo good! I totally recommend them and i think they are great and I don’t think any changes are needed. I made them in a muffin tin and worked great! perfect size as they are rich and fill you up quick! Thank you Kate!
★★★★★
Chetna
Hii Kate and cookie,
I am from India. I love your mini lava recipe. I don’t have the convection oven, it is just microwave one. So can you tell how to make it in microwave.
Kate
Hi, Sorry to disappoint, but I don’t have microwave instructions.
Shani
Hi Kate! I am obsessed with all of your recipes, in your book and on your blog, but this one was particularly delightful. So much fun to make and more fun to eat. I’m always amazed at how you take complex sounding foods and break them down into easy to make healthy deliciousness. Who ever thought I’d make a lava cake?? Well I just did, and I enjoyed the heck out of it!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Shani! I love you are enjoying my recipes in my cookbook and blog. I love when I can create recipes like these for all to enjoy!
Prisha
Could I add some rum to these cakes?
Kate
I haven’t tried it and adding an ingredient won’t necessarily guarantee results. Sorry!
Hayley
I made these today for Father’s Day. They were delicious. They were a bit messy to get out of the tins, but I think that is because I didn’t grease them well enough. I also doubled the recipe to ensure I served 4 people, and the cakes took an extra minute in the oven because of that. I can also verify a good non-dairy butter works well for anyone avoiding dairy! Thanks Kate! I will be making these again soon.
★★★★★
Kate
Great idea for father’s day! Thank you for sharing. I’m sorry they struggled to come out of the pan.
Natasha
HI I am trying this for a school project hopefully it works
Nithya
I see that you have not used any baking powder or soda in this recipe. It’s been more than 8 minutes in the oven and it’s still runny. Any suggestion as what could have gone wrong?
Kate
Hi, This didn’t require any as the eggs were sufficient and it’s to be more of custard like texture. Were you certain you added the correct amounts? Was your oven set to temperature?
McKenzie
Yay! I made them and they were delish! The only thing I doubled the recipe and had to cook them for about 7 minutes.
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, McKenzie!
Ro
There isn’t any baking powder in this recipe, is that correct?
Kate
Correct! I hope you try it and enjoy it.
mark bill
Very nice recipe!! Thanks for sharing. I love all your recipes.
★★★★★
Jake
Tastes great, however when i picked up the tin it was all liquid and the cake was stuck to the inside of the muffin tin… not sure what i did wrong. Buttered up the tin real well and even cooked over 5 minutes at 450, any advice?
★★★★
Kate
Hi Jake, it sounds like it needed more time. Sometimes ovens can vary. Let me know if you try it again. I’m sorry it didn’t turn out this time.
Mrs.Webster
Made these tonight for me n mml. Soooooo good. Thanks for the go to recipe for decadent dessert
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome!
Divya
THESE ARE AMAZINGGGG!!! I did have to bake for an additional two minutes, but it was worth the (small) wait- these are the best lava cakes I’ve ever made at home :)) Thank you!
★★★★★
Anneke Vargas
I LOVE these. Prob top 3 fav desserts ever. I was wondering- can I use almond flour as a gf flour sub? I wanted to make for my mom who is gluten free just not sure if it’ll work with the gooey situation.
Thanks!
★★★★★
Kate
Hi! Almond flour isn’t a great substitute. But, I did have a good result with Bob’s Red Mill GF flour.
Hope
5 stars!!! For how quick it comes together with the most basic of ingredients AND for how delicious it is!!! My only problem was I had enough batter for 3 cups on my muffin tin. Dunno if maybe my eggs are larger than normal, my chickens do lay a variety of sizes. I didn’t have a third cup prepped so tried to make-do after two were full, and the third one stuck a little. But now I know!! Will definitely be making this often, perfect busy-day-but-need-dessert recipe, thank you!!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Hope for your review! It could have been egg size or pan size. But, more to eat!
1Shosh
Thanks so much! Perfect for a special New Years Eve dessert for 2!
Absolutely delectable!
P.s. I used 1/2 semi sweet chocolate and 1/2 dark chocolate chipits
Served with fresh whipped cream and berries. I wish I took a photo:(
★★★★★
Karen Harris
Love this recipe so easy and perfect for 2 people.
I did cook mine for an extra minute sometimes ovens vary, but it was delicious. Yum yum.
Thank you for this recipe I will be making it again
★★★★★
Kate
I’m happy to hear it, Karen!
Justice Flight
I made it for my husband and kids tonight and it went over quite well! (I’m on tube feeding, and so sad not to get to try this!) Made for really pretty pictures, too! I made it in heart shaped silicone molds, and used semi-sweet chocolate chips in the recipe. Nicely done!
★★★★★
Kate
Thank you, Justice! I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe.
Julia
I tried making these tonight for Valentine’s Day – unfortunately with disastrous results. The double flip on the plate is much harder than you think! They didn’t come out of the pan easily so ended up all over the counter. Lol. My husband and I grabbed spoons and ate what we could salvage. Very yummy but a big mess. Will try again and bake in ramekins. .
Kate
Hi Julia, I’m sorry to hear that. Did you grease the pan well? How long did you bake it for.
Ami Manser
DELICIOUS!! I’ve always assumed making lava cakes was hard, but this recipe proved me wrong. They were fast and easy to make (although I need to work on my flipping game – one flipped perfectly, the other got a little messy). I’d make these again in a heartbeat!
★★★★★
Kate
Great to hear, Ami! Thank you for sharing.
Emily
Hi there! Per your post, for Valentine’s Day I made the lava cakes and the mushroom risotto. First time making either recipe and both turned out wonderfully. I was especially surprised by the lava cakes because it was so simple. The fam loved both. Thank you for these recipes!
★★★★★
Kate
That sounds like a delicious combination! Thank you for sharing, Emily.
Kim
Wow – I had such huge hopes for this recipe (particularly given its provenance!) but I’m afraid it was an epic fail. I let them go to 8 minutes but they still came out as a runny mess when turned upside down – only about 1/8 of it had set. Disappointing but still tasted nice with ice cream – chocolate in any form wins! :D
Next time I might try it with a tablespoon of flour instead of a teaspoon and see if that has better results for me.
Kate
Hi Kim, I’m sorry to hear that. Sounds like they needed more cooking time. Are you baking at an elevation?
Kim
Hi Kate,
Thanks for coming back to me (really gracious of you!). To answer your question, no – I’m very much at sea level here in Sydney Australia :D
Ramie Streng
I made the your mini cakes twice and both times they came out great. I used silicone cupcake cups and there was no need to butter them. Doubled the recipe and friends raved and wanted the recipe. I cooked them slightly longer than recommended as wanted them to be more solid and served them with French vanilla ice cream.. A perfect dessert..Thank you!
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m glad you loved these cakes. I appreciate you sharing, Ramie.
Natalya
This is INCREDIBLE. I used to have chocolate lava cake maybe once a year at most and it was my most favorite dessert. Since discovering your recipe in mid-January, my husband and I have made these like 5 times haha. Because we eat it with vanilla ice cream, I reduced the sugar to 1tbsp. and use bittersweet chocolate. This is so much better than any I’ve had at restaurants. Even without the reduced sugar (the first two times I made it, I made it exactly according to your recipe), it’s not incredibly sweet like I’ve had at restaurants. This is so so good. THANK YOU for this recipe.
★★★★★
Kate
Hooray! I’m excited you love it and have made it so many times since then. You’re welcome, Natalya.
Lieke
I made these lava cakes for my friends tonight (after serving them your fabulous vegetable lasagne), and they loved them. The instructions are so clear and spot on. They came out great. My friends let my try a bite and we all loved that these are not overly sweet. The chocolate really speaks and what is better than that. Thank you for another great recipe! Next time I’ll make 4!
★★★★★
Kate
Wonderful, Lieke! Thanks for sharing you and your friends enjoyed these.
Kierra
This was my first lava cake and it as scrumptious!!! I cooked it longer and added pecans to give it crunch. Easy to make, especially since we have most of the ingredients in the cabinet. Will be a future staple in our home. Thanks for sharing.
Kate
I’m glad you hear that, Kierra!
Lynn
What size Ramakin’s do you use?
Kate
Standard size is around 6 oz. I hope you try it!
Claire
Hi, I’d love to make this, but I’m wondering if it would work with cupcake liners? Would I cook it at the same temp and time or would things need to be adjusted? If so please do tell me if you know any suggestions?
Kate
I’m not sure since I didn’t try it that way. I find it this specific recipe works great as written. Just make sure your tin is floured enough.
Tyler Z
It was a delicious recipe but the cook time was pretty far off. It may have been user error but we used ramekins that were the same size as recommended and I ended up having one come out really soupy. The other was put back in the oven and cooked in 1 minute increments for about 4 more minutes. Other than that we loved it was delicious and fluffy when it came out right.
★★★★
Kate
Thank you for sharing, Tyler! I appreciate your review
Rhian Herl
Used this recipe for a quick (surprise) birthday treat request at a cafe in western KS. This will become a regular item to keep on hand! Thanks Cookie&Kate! Also thanks to Stuart for the comment about freezing for future use.
★★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Rhian! I appreciate your comment and review.
Yvette Luxenberg
I love these so much but am now at high altitude (5000 feet) baking is different here—any sense of what I might need to do differently? Thx so much.
★★★★★
Kate
Hi! I wish I could help, but I don’t have much experience cooking in elevation.
Enga
I made these today for my toddler’s 2nd birthday. I used 2 small teddy bear shaped tins and it came out delightful!! My baby broke the bear in half and devoured the head I had to grab the other half to prevent her from eating too much chocolate. She didn’t want to let go. It was so good. I’ll be making these for friends and family and for myself for a quick treat. It is such an easy and quick recipe and yet so luxury. Thank you for sharing with us, the internet people.
★★★★★
Kate
How fun! I love this idea for a birthday, Enga. I appreciate you sharing.
Bre
I had to try this recipe after failing at a crockpot version. They turned out beautifully! The only thing I found was the taste was a bit more bitter than I expected, however, looking back at the chocolate I had used, was Unsweet chocolate Whoops! Nonetheless, even though it was a slight too bitter, it was super delicious and I devoured the two in minutes. Will definitely try again with semisweet chocolate next time
★★★★★
Em
Just made this dairy free! :)
A reminder to those who are doubling the recipe: Remember all of your eggs
★★★
Hilarie Lewis
Just made for my husband for Valentine’s Day. He loves chocolate lava cake. What took me so long to try these? They were perfect. Will definitely make again. So easy too!
Kate
I’m so glad you did! Thank you for sharing, Hilarie.
Jaime
Made these for Valentines Day dessert, wonderful! Served with fresh raspberries and whipped cream. Mine needed two extra minutes cook time and were still very runny in the middle. Guess I need to check the temp of my oven! Another wonderful recipe, Kate.
★★★★★
Kate
I love that! Thank you for sharing, Jamie.
Mari
First time trying was not sure what to expect, the lava cake leaked while I turned it so I suspect it could of baked a few more minutes. I would half the sugar to 1 tablespoon though. It was still great and would try it again as I’m a big fan of chocolate…..especially dark chocolate. Thank you!
★★★★
Kate
You’re welcome, Mari!
Mari
They seem to still burst even after leaving them in for 7 minutes, twice. Not sure what I am doing wrong they are delicious though!
★★★★