20 Decadent Lava Cake Recipes Irresistible

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Written By Lorraine Koller

DIY expert, architect, 20+ years in crafting, home improvement, and interior design.

Are you a chocolate lover looking for a dessert that will satisfy your cravings? Look no further! Lava cakes are a classic favorite, and when done right, can be utterly irresistible. In this article, we’ll explore 20 decadent lava cake recipes that will take your taste buds on a wild ride.

From classic flavors like chocolate and peanut butter to more unique combinations like matcha green tea and strawberry cheesecake, there’s something for everyone in this list. Whether you’re a chocolate aficionado or just looking for a new dessert to try, these rich and gooey cakes are sure to hit the spot.

In the following pages, we’ll dive into each of these mouthwatering recipes, sharing tips and tricks for getting them just right. So grab your mixing bowl and get ready to indulge in the most decadent lava cake recipes out there!

Classic Chocolate Lava Cake

Rich, gooey chocolate lava cakes that ooze with every bite – this classic recipe is a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients:

– 2 large eggs
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate, broken into small pieces
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, melt chocolate in the microwave or over low heat. Stir until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, combine eggs and butter. Beat until well combined.
5. Add vanilla extract and melted chocolate to egg mixture. Mix until smooth.
6. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
7. Pour batter into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

White Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cake

Experience the perfect blend of creamy white chocolate and sweet-tart raspberries in this decadent lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup (120g) white chocolate chips
– 1 cup (120g) fresh raspberries

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract; whisk until smooth.
4. Melt white chocolate chips in microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
5. Fold melted white chocolate into batter until well combined.
6. Pour batter into prepared ramekins and top with fresh raspberries.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Salted Caramel Lava Cake

Experience the rich flavors of a classic lava cake with the added depth of salted caramel. This decadent dessert is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 3/4 cup (180g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (60g) packed brown sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1/4 teaspoon flaky sea salt
– 1/4 cup (30g) unsalted caramel sauce, warmed

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups and place them on a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, and sea salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract.
4. Melt butter in the microwave in 10-second increments until smooth.
5. Pour warm caramel sauce into each ramekin, followed by the egg mixture, and then the flour mixture.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool for 1 minute before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Matcha Green Tea Lava Cake

Experience the delightful combination of rich matcha green tea and velvety chocolate in this decadent lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/4 cup (60ml) whole milk
– 1/4 teaspoon matcha green tea powder
– 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
– Salt, to taste
– Melted unsalted butter, for greasing

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, matcha green tea powder, and vanilla extract.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Grease ramekins or small cups with melted butter and divide batter evenly among them.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Peanut Butter Lava Cake

A rich and decadent dessert that will satisfy any peanut butter lover’s cravings, this lava cake is filled with a gooey peanut butter center.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter four 6-ounce ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, and peanut butter until smooth.
4. Add the milk to the egg mixture and whisk until combined.
5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the edges are set and the centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Red Velvet Lava Cake

Experience the rich flavors of a classic red velvet cake in a decadent lava form! This moist and flavorful treat is perfect for special occasions or as a sweet surprise.

Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons red food coloring
– 1/2 cup vegetable oil
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease six 6-ounce ramekins or small cups and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, milk, eggs, red food coloring, and oil until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Servings: 6 individual lava cakes

Espresso Lava Cake

Rich, gooey espresso lava cake filled with a velvety smooth chocolate center. Perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:
• 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• ¼ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
• 2 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon espresso powder (or instant coffee)
• 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter 6 (8-ounce) ramekins and dust with sugar.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, espresso powder, and melted butter.
4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and whisk until just combined.
5. Divide batter among prepared ramekins. Smooth tops and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake

Warm up with a rich and decadent Pumpkin Spice Lava Cake, perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup canned pumpkin puree
– 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 cup heavy cream

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. Add melted butter, eggs, pumpkin puree, and pumpkin pie spice; whisk until smooth.
4. Pour batter into 6 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
5. Place ramekins on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute.
8. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert onto plates.
9. Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Lemon Curd Lava Cake

Experience the perfect blend of tangy lemon curd and gooey chocolate cake with this decadent recipe.

Ingredients:

– 2 large eggs
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (60g) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 3/4 cups (210g) all-purpose flour
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup (240ml) whole milk
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
– 1/4 cup (60g) lemon curd (homemade or store-bought)

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, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, and butter until smooth.
4. Add milk and lemon juice; whisk until well combined.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, whisking until just combined.
6. Pour the batter into prepared ramekins, filling 3/4 of the way.
7. Dollop a spoonful of lemon curd on top of each cake.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
9. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 1 minute before serving.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Cookies and Cream Lava Cake

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this rich and decadent dessert that combines the flavors of chocolate cookies and creamy lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
– 1 cup (250g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
– 1 cup (120g) crushed Oreo cookies

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave or in a double boiler; let cool slightly.
6. Pour the batter into 4 (1/2 cup) ramekins or small cups.
7. Top each cake with a spoonful of melted chocolate and crushed Oreo cookies.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set, but centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Banana Caramel Lava Cake

Moist banana cake filled with a gooey caramel center, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease six 6-inch ramekins and place on a baking sheet.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, combine mashed bananas, butter, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Pour batter into prepared ramekins, filling about 3/4 of the way.
6. Spoon caramel sauce over batter, leaving a 1-inch border around edges.
7. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and let cool in ramekins for 5 minutes before serving dust with confectioners’ sugar.

Tiramisu Lava Cake

Experience the rich flavors of Italy with this decadent Tiramisu Lava Cake, a perfect combination of creamy mascarpone and espresso-soaked ladyfingers.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk, at room temperature
– 2 large eggs, at room temperature
– 2 tablespoons strong brewed espresso or coffee liqueur
– 8 ounces mascarpone cheese
– Powdered sugar, for dusting

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 large bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, espresso or coffee liqueur.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and whisk until smooth.
5. Pour batter into 6 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
7. Let cool in ramekins for 1 minute, then invert onto plates.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Mint Chocolate Lava Cake

Mint Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Experience the perfect blend of refreshing mint and rich chocolate in these decadent lava cakes.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature
– 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
– 1 teaspoon peppermint extract
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips

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, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together sugar, eggs, milk, melted butter, and peppermint extract until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chocolate chips.
6. Divide batter evenly among 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

Strawberry Cheesecake Lava Cake

Experience the ultimate dessert combination with this rich and indulgent Strawberry Cheesecake Lava Cake recipe.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 6 ounces cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup hulled and sliced strawberries
– Confectioners’ sugar, for dusting

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add melted butter and mix until combined.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, beating until just combined.
6. Fold in sliced strawberries.
7. Pour batter into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
9. Let cool in ramekins for 1 minute, then invert onto plates.
10. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Coconut Chocolate Lava Cake

Elevate your dessert game with this rich and decadent Coconut Chocolate Lava Cake, featuring a velvety coconut-flavored center and gooey chocolate sauce.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 4 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
– 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
– Salt, to taste

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 unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
4. Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
5. Gradually mix in flour mixture, then coconut and chocolate chips.
6. Pour batter into prepared ramekins.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Orange Zest Lava Cake

A decadent and flavorful dessert that combines the brightness of orange zest with the gooey richness of a lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon grated orange zest
– 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice
– 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour and sugar.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.
4. Add melted butter, orange zest, orange juice, and salt to the eggs. Whisk until combined.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
6. Pour batter into 4 (6-ounce) ramekins or small cups.
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.
9. Run a knife around the edges to loosen, then invert onto plates.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cake

Rich, velvety chocolate cake filled with a gooey hazelnut center – this treat is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.

Ingredients:

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

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 4 ounces of chocolate in the microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, melted chocolate, butter, and vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
6. Fold in chopped hazelnuts.
7. Pour batter into prepared ramekins, filling three-quarters of the way.
8. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set but centers are still slightly jiggly.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Blueberry Swirl Lava Cake

Moist and decadent, this blueberry swirl lava cake is the perfect treat for any occasion.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
– 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar

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 and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, whisking until smooth.
3. Pour in melted butter and vanilla extract; whisk until combined.
4. Gently fold in blueberries.
5. Divide batter evenly among prepared ramekins.
6. Place ramekins on baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set.
7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Caramel Apple Lava Cake

A rich and decadent dessert that combines the sweetness of caramel with the crunch of fresh apple, all wrapped up in a gooey lava cake.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 teaspoons baking powder
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 1/2 cup whole milk
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2-3 slices of fresh apple (such as Granny Smith), peeled and chopped
– Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter six 6-inch ramekins or small cups.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir until just combined.
5. Fold in chopped apple.
6. Pour batter into prepared ramekins and smooth tops.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until edges are set and centers are still slightly jiggly.
8. Remove from oven and drizzle with caramel sauce.
9. Serve warm, topped with additional caramel sauce if desired.

Cooking Time: 12-15 minutes

Spiced Chai Lava Cake

Elevate your dessert game with this rich and decadent Spiced Chai Lava Cake, infused with the warmth of chai spices.

Ingredients:

– 1 cup (200g) all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar
– 1/4 cup (50g) unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
– 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
– 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk
– 1/4 cup (60ml) strong brewed chai tea
– Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 6-inch (15cm) springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together melted butter, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
4. Gradually pour dry ingredients into wet ingredients, whisking until smooth.
5. Stir in brewed chai tea and salt to taste.
6. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Remove from oven and let cool in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.

Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes

Summary

Get ready to indulge in a world of rich, gooey, and utterly decadent lava cakes! This article presents 20 mouthwatering recipes that will satisfy any sweet tooth. From classic chocolate and white chocolate raspberry to unique flavors like matcha green tea and pumpkin spice, there’s something for everyone. These indulgent treats are perfect for special occasions or simply because you deserve a treat. With such an array of flavors, you’ll never get bored with the same old recipe again. Treat yourself to a taste adventure and discover your new favorite lava cake recipe!

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