Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake for Two
A quick and easy molten chocolate lava cake recipe perfect for two, featuring a rich, gooey center and tender cake exterior made with simple pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 oz (115g) bittersweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened, plus extra for greasing
- 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour, lightly sifted (can substitute almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
- Vanilla ice cream or fresh berries (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and place a rack in the center. Grease two 6-ounce ramekins generously with softened butter, then dust with unsweetened cocoa powder, tapping out the excess.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together gently using a double boiler or microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring between each until smooth and glossy. Set aside to cool slightly (about 5 minutes).
- Whisk the eggs and sugar in a medium bowl until pale and thick, about 3-4 minutes.
- Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture gradually, using a spatula, being gentle to keep air bubbles intact.
- Sift in the flour and salt, then fold them in carefully until just combined.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins and smooth the tops.
- Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and firm but the center is slightly soft and jiggly.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 1 minute. Run a knife around edges to loosen, invert onto dessert plates, and gently lift ramekins off.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve immediately with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
Notes
Use room temperature eggs for better volume. Grease and dust ramekins with cocoa powder for easy release. Watch baking time closely to maintain molten center. Batter can be chilled for 10 minutes before baking to improve structure. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond flour and reduce baking time slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake (1 ramek
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 28
- Fat: 25
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, dessert for two, easy chocolate dessert, quick lava cake, romantic dessert