Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Featured in: Sweet Treats & Baking

These mini chocolate lava cakes feature a decadent bittersweet center that melts warmly with each bite. Using a simple blend of melted chocolate, butter, eggs, and sugar, the batter is baked just until edges set and centers remain soft and gooey. Finished with optional powdered sugar and fresh berries or ice cream, these individual cakes deliver an elegant dessert with a tender crumb and molten chocolate core. Ideal for sharing or savoring alone, their quick preparation and medium difficulty make them a favorite for special occasions or comforting treats.

Updated on Sat, 13 Dec 2025 12:03:00 GMT
Steaming, gooey mini chocolate lava cakes, perfect for a romantic dessert, served warm. Pin It
Steaming, gooey mini chocolate lava cakes, perfect for a romantic dessert, served warm. | metroladle.com

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

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

Instructions

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Step 1:
Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease six 6-oz ramekins with butter and lightly dust with flour tapping out the excess.
Step 2:
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.
Step 3:
In a mixing bowl whisk the eggs egg yolks sugar and vanilla until pale and thick about 2 minutes.
Step 4:
Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until combined.
Step 5:
Sift in the flour and salt and fold gently until just incorporated do not overmix.
Step 6:
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place ramekins on a baking sheet.
Step 7:
Bake for 11–13 minutes until the edges are set but the centers are still soft and slightly jiggly.
Step 8:
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.
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Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
Product image
Handle kitchen cleanup easily by disposing of food scraps, packaging, and cooking waste without leaks or odors.
Check price on Amazon
A rich, dark chocolate mini lava cake with a molten center, dusted with powdered sugar. Pin It
A rich, dark chocolate mini lava cake with a molten center, dusted with powdered sugar. | metroladle.com

Elegant individual mini chocolate lava cakes, with fresh berries, offering that delightful contrast. Pin It
Elegant individual mini chocolate lava cakes, with fresh berries, offering that delightful contrast. | metroladle.com

Enjoy these luscious mini cakes with your favorite toppings for a perfect ending to any meal.

Recipe FAQs

How do I achieve the gooey molten center?

Bake the cakes just until the edges are set but the centers stay 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 the baking time if baking straight from cold.

What types of chocolate work best?

Bittersweet or semisweet chocolate with 70% cocoa or higher provides a richer flavor and balanced sweetness.

Are there suggested toppings for serving?

Powdered sugar, fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, fresh mint, whipped cream, or caramel sauce enhance the experience.

What tools are needed to make these cakes?

Six 6-oz ramekins, heatproof bowls, whisk, rubber spatula, and a baking sheet are required.

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Mini Chocolate Lava Cakes

Rich mini cakes with a warm chocolate molten center, perfect for elegant or comforting moments.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Duration
12 minutes
Total Duration
27 minutes


Skill Level Medium

Cuisine Type French-American

Output 6 Portions

Diet Details Meat-Free

What You 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 Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

Melt chocolate and butter: Combine chocolate and butter in a heatproof bowl over simmering water. Stir until smooth. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 03

Whisk eggs and sugar: In a mixing bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until pale and thick, about 2 minutes.

Step 04

Combine mixtures: Fold melted chocolate mixture gently into the egg mixture until fully incorporated.

Step 05

Add dry ingredients: Sift flour and salt into the batter and fold gently until just combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 06

Fill ramekins: Distribute batter evenly into prepared ramekins placed on a baking sheet.

Step 07

Bake: Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until edges are set but centers remain soft and jiggly.

Step 08

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

Tools Needed

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

Allergy Advice

Review each item for allergens. If you're unsure, speak with a medical expert.
  • Contains eggs, milk (butter), and gluten (wheat flour).
  • May contain traces of nuts if chocolate is processed in nut-handling facilities.
  • Check ingredient labels for hidden allergens.

Nutritional Info (per portion)

Treat these details as a guide—they're not a substitute for professional medical advice.
  • Energy: 320
  • Fats: 19 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Proteins: 5 g