Decadent Molten Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

If you crave restaurant-style lava cake but don’t want a pile of leftovers, this Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake is your new dessert soulmate! Rich, perfectly portioned, and oozing with gooey chocolate, it’s a treat that’s all about instant chocolate bliss—made right at home, in less than 30 minutes.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake relies on a handful of classic ingredients, each one bringing its own bit of magic to the mix. Simple as they seem, these are the foundational flavors and textures that transform into molten chocolate perfection!

• Semi-sweet chocolate chips (3 ounces): They melt into a glossy, intense base for that irresistible lava center—use good quality for the best flavor.
• Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Lends creamy richness and helps guarantee a beautifully tender crumb.
• Large egg + large egg yolk: The combo brings custardy decadence, making the cake rich without being heavy.
• Granulated sugar (3 tablespoons): Just enough to sweeten without overpowering the chocolate.
• Pure vanilla extract (¼ teaspoon): Enhances the chocolate and gives the cake a warm, inviting aroma.
• Fine sea salt (pinch): Balances sweetness; a tiny bit sharpens every chocolatey bite.
• All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons): Just enough to set the edges while leaving the center deliciously molten.
• Vanilla ice cream: The essential cool, creamy finish—melting over warm cake for that award-winning contrast.

Variations

One of my favorite things about the Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake is how effortlessly you can personalize it! Whether you’re swapping ingredients for dietary needs or just playing with flavors, this is a recipe that loves your creativity as much as you love chocolate.

• Switch Up the Chocolate: Try dark, bittersweet, or even white chocolate chips for a twist on the molten center!
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Sub in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—you’ll still get that luscious lava flow.
• Extra Boozy: Add a splash of coffee liqueur or Irish cream for a grown-up, sophisticated treat.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use a plant-based butter and your favorite dairy-free chocolate chips—the magic still happens!

How to Make Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Give your ramekin or oven-safe baking dish a swipe of butter or a burst of nonstick spray—this makes unmolding (or even just diving in!) a total breeze.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Combine the chocolate chips and butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl. Melt gently over low heat, stirring constantly—or use the microwave in short bursts. You want a silky, glossy pool—take care not to scorch the chocolate, which can make it grainy.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, vigorously whisk together the whole egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and a pinch of sea salt. Beat until everything is smooth and just a touch pale—the air you incorporate here helps lift the cake.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Add the flour to the wet ingredients, whisking gently until most lumps vanish. Next, pour in the melted chocolate-butter mixture. Fold with a spatula until the batter is just blended—don’t overmix or your cake could lose its signature gooeyness!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Scrape the batter into your prepared ramekin. Bake for 14–20 minutes—watch closely! The perfect Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake will have a softly set top and a center that jiggles ever-so-slightly when tapped.

Step 6: Serve and Savor

Let the cake cool for just a few minutes. Top with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and dig in while the center is still gloriously molten. It’s a moment you won’t want to rush!

How to Serve Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake

Garnishes

This cake loves a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, but don’t stop there—try a dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or even a few chocolate curls for extra flair. A light drizzle of raspberry sauce can turn every bite into an occasion!

Side Dishes

Because the Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake is so rich, I love to pair it with something light—think a fresh fruit salad, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sharp espresso to cut the sweetness and keep dessert beautifully balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn up the charm by serving your cake in a pretty ramekin, unmoulding it and topping with gold leaf, or plating alongside a swipe of berry coulis. If you want a playful twist, divide the batter into two mini moulds for a pair of petite desserts—perfect for sharing or a sweet snack the next day.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

It’s rare to have leftovers with a cake this irresistible! But if you do, just cover the ramekin tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to two days. The texture will firm up, but you’ll still have a wonderfully fudgy treat.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked batter right in the ramekin—just cover well and store for up to two months. When you’re ready, bake straight from the freezer, adding an extra couple of minutes to the baking time and checking for that signature wobbly center.

Reheating

To revive that molten magic, pop the refrigerated cake (preferably at room temp) into a 300°F oven for just 6–8 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch—give it short bursts and keep a close eye so the center stays luscious, not rubbery.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I truly believe everyone should have a Decadent Single-Serving Molten Chocolate Cake in their back pocket for those moments when only chocolate comfort will do. It’s a dessert that feels both luxurious and delightfully easy—and always guaranteed to bring a smile. Go on, treat yourself tonight!

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