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+ servings
A close-up of a chocolate lava cake, dusted with powdered sugar, with its molten chocolate center oozing out.

Chocolate Lava Cakes

Quick and easy chocolate lava cakes that are ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a last-minute dessert.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes
Servings: 4 cakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

For the Lava Cakes
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 4 oz semisweet chocolate chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
Optional for Serving
  • powdered sugar for dusting
  • whipped cream
  • berries

Equipment

  • Muffin tin
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease and flour four cups of a muffin tin.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly lighter in color.
  4. Gradually whisk the slightly cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until smooth.
  5. Gently fold in the flour and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.
  6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups.
  7. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the center is still soft and gooey.
  8. Let the cakes cool in the muffin tin for 1 minute, then carefully invert them onto serving plates.
  9. Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with whipped cream or berries, if desired.

Notes

For best results, use good quality chocolate. You can make the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed, adding a minute or two to the baking time if baking from cold.

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