Dessert Recipes

By Taryn Chavez

18 Decadent Lava Cake Recipes with a Gooey Center

Indulge in the rich, velvety goodness of a perfectly cooked lava cake. The moment you take that first bite, the warm, gooey center oozes out, releasing a cascade of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or a fan of fruity twists, we’ve got you covered with our collection of 18 decadent lava cake recipes.

From classic chocolate to innovative flavor combinations, these indulgent treats are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth. With ingredients like dark chocolate, fresh raspberries, and salty caramel, each recipe is carefully crafted to deliver an unparalleled level of richness and complexity. So go ahead, treat yourself to a slice (or two) and experience the pure bliss that only a truly great lava cake can provide.

Classic Chocolate Lava Cake

Classic Chocolate Lava Cake
Rich, gooey chocolate cake that’s perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:
– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups (190g) all-purpose flour
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 6 ounces (170g) best-quality bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
– 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Let cool slightly.
4. Whisk together eggs, butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the egg mixture and whisk until just combined.
6. Pour in the melted chocolate and whisk until smooth.
7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly jiggly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool for 1 minute before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

White Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake

White Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake
White Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake Recipe

Sink your teeth into the rich, creamy goodness of this White Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake! A delightful combination of white chocolate and tart raspberries creates a decadent treat that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces white chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup fresh raspberries

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
  2. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth. Let cool slightly.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs until frothy. Add melted white chocolate and vanilla extract; whisk until well combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared ramekins. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
  6. Remove from oven and let cool in pans for 1 minute. Invert onto plates, then top with fresh raspberries. Serve warm.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Salted Caramel Lava Cake

Salted Caramel Lava Cake
Salted Caramel Lava Cake Recipe

Rich, gooey caramel centers meet crispy, buttery edges in this indulgent treat. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and sea salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are golden brown and centers still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before inverting onto plates.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Peanut Butter Lava Cake
Peanut Butter Lava Cake Recipe

Satisfy your cravings with this rich and decadent peanut butter lava cake, featuring a gooey center and crispy edges.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 sticks (6 tablespoons) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup creamy peanut butter
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and salt; set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine peanut butter, sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until smooth.
4. Gradually add the flour mixture to the peanut butter mixture, stirring until just combined.
5. Pour batter into 6 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small cups.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven; let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before inverting onto plates.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Matcha Green Tea Lava Cake

Matcha Green Tea Lava Cake
Experience the unique fusion of Japanese green tea and rich, gooey chocolate with this Matcha Green Tea Lava Cake recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons matcha green tea powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and matcha powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually pour the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix until smooth.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Tips: Let cakes cool in ramekins for 1 minute, then invert onto plates. Serve warm with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream.

Red Velvet Lava Cake

Red Velvet Lava Cake
Experience the rich, velvety goodness of red velvet cake in a decadent lava cake form. This indulgent treat is perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:
• 1 and 1/2 sticks unsalted butter (12 tablespoons), at room temperature
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons red food coloring
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
• Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine butter and sugar; beat until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by red food coloring and vanilla extract.
5. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add flour mixture to wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
6. Gradually add milk, beating until smooth.
7. Pour batter into prepared ramekins and bake for 12-13 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-13 minutes

Oreo Crunch Lava Cake

Oreo Crunch Lava Cake
This rich and decadent Oreo Crunch Lava Cake is a twist on the classic lava cake, with the added crunch of crushed Oreos and a gooey chocolate center. Perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces good-quality dark chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 4 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup crushed Oreos

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Whisk eggs and vanilla extract together. Add melted chocolate and whisk until combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared ramekins. Top with crushed Oreos.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake

Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake
Experience the warmth of fall with this rich and gooey Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake, perfect for a cozy evening or special occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, pumpkin puree, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger.
4. Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients; whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared ramekins, filling three-quarters of the way.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Dust with confectioners’ sugar before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Espresso Coffee Lava Cake

Espresso Coffee Lava Cake
Espresso Coffee Lava Cake Recipe

Intense Chocolate Flavor Meets Bold Espresso

Moist and rich, this Espresso Coffee Lava Cake is perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike. With a gooey espresso-flavored center, it’s sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), broken into small pieces
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons strong brewed espresso or 1 tablespoon instant coffee powder
  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Precare the oven and a 9-inch springform pan. Preheat to 425°F.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and a pinch of salt.
  3. Melt chocolate and butter in a double boiler or microwave; stir until smooth.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, vanilla extract, and espresso or coffee powder. Add the dry ingredients and melted chocolate mixture; mix until just combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set and center is still slightly jiggly.
  7. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before serving. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Nutella-Stuffed Lava Cake

Nutella-Stuffed Lava Cake
Moist, gooey chocolate lava cakes get a decadent twist with the addition of Nutella. These rich treats are perfect for satisfying any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces best-quality dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1/2 cup Nutella
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and coat with sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and a pinch of salt.
3. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth. Let cool slightly.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and melted chocolate until well combined.
5. Stir in flour mixture and butter until just combined.
6. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins. Make a small indentation in center of each cake and fill with 1-2 teaspoons Nutella.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set, but centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 5 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Lemon Curd Lava Cake

Lemon Curd Lava Cake
A rich and decadent dessert that combines the brightness of lemon with the velvety texture of a lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 tablespoon grated lemon zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust with sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into prepared ramekins, filling 3/4 of the way.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute.
8. Invert onto plates and serve immediately.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Black Forest Lava Cake

Black Forest Lava Cake
A rich and decadent chocolate cake filled with a gooey cherry center, reminiscent of the iconic Black Forest Gateau.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup cherry preserves (such as Morello cherries)
  • Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour 1/4 cup of batter into each prepared ramekin.
6. Top with 1-2 teaspoons of cherry preserves, leaving a small border around edges.
7. Pour remaining batter over the cherries.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
9. Dust with confectioners’ sugar (if desired) and serve warm.

Banana Pudding Lava Cake

Banana Pudding Lava Cake
Experience the ultimate comfort dessert with this rich and decadent Banana Pudding Lava Cake recipe. Moist banana cake filled with a gooey puddle of caramelized banana and butterscotch sauce is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

– 3 large ripe bananas, mashed
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup butterscotch sauce (homemade or store-bought)
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch round cake pan and line the bottom with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, softened butter, egg, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to banana mixture and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth top.
6. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until cake is set and edges are lightly browned.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes

Tiramisu Lava Cake

Tiramisu Lava Cake
Experience the rich flavors of Tiramisu in a decadent lava cake form! This unique dessert combines the classic Italian treat with a gooey, chocolatey center.

Ingredients:

– 1 and 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate (at least 70% cocoa), broken into small pieces
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 4 large eggs, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter a 6-cup rame or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Whisk together eggs, cocoa powder, and vanilla extract.
5. Add melted chocolate to egg mixture; whisk until combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared rame; smooth top.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set, but centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven; let cool in rame for 1 minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Mint Chocolate Lava Cake

Mint Chocolate Lava Cake
Experience the perfect blend of refreshing mint and rich chocolate in this decadent lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark chocolate chips (at least 60% cocoa)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 tablespoons peppermint extract
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate chips in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. Whisk together eggs, melted butter, peppermint extract, and vanilla extract.
5. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling about 3/4 of the way full.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Almond Joy Lava Cake

Almond Joy Lava Cake
A rich and decadent treat that combines the flavors of almond and coconut with a gooey chocolate center.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon almond extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup flaked coconut
– 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, almond extract, and heavy cream.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until combined.
5. Fold in flaked coconut and chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into 9-inch springform pan.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until edges are set and center is still slightly jiggly.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Strawberry Cheesecake Lava Cake

Strawberry Cheesecake Lava Cake
Treat your taste buds to a sweet and tangy combination of fresh strawberries, creamy cheesecake, and warm lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
– 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and eggs.
3. Add melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into prepared ramekins, filling about 3/4 of the way full.
5. Top each with sliced strawberries and a dollop of cheesecake mixture (see below).
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set, but centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cheesecake Mixture:

1. In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
2. Add flour; whisk until combined.

Cookies and Cream Lava Cake

Cookies and Cream Lava Cake
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and decadent dessert, featuring a gooey cookies and cream center surrounded by a moist cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality white chocolate chips
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 4 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup crushed Oreo cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Melt white chocolate chips in a double boiler or in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval until smooth.
4. Whisk together melted white chocolate, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
5. Fold in crushed Oreo cookies.
6. Pour batter into prepared ramekins.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before inverting onto plates.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Summary

Indulge in the rich, gooey goodness of lava cakes with these decadent recipes. From classic chocolate to creative flavor combinations like peanut butter and matcha green tea, there’s something for everyone. Try your hand at making salted caramel, red velvet, or pumpkin spice lava cakes, or go bold with Nutella-stuffed, tiramisu, or mint chocolate varieties. Each recipe yields a perfectly ooey-gooey center, ensuring every bite is a delight. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for a sweet treat, these 18 mouthwatering lava cake recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

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