Decadent Chocolate Lava Cake for Two
A rich and indulgent chocolate lava cake recipe perfect for two, featuring a soft cake exterior with a molten, gooey center. Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients, ideal for romantic evenings or special treats.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 56g), plus extra for greasing
- 4 ounces bittersweet chocolate (about 113g), chopped
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (65g)
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30g), sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: powdered sugar for dusting or fresh berries for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease two 6-ounce ramekins generously with butter, then dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Melt the butter and chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl using 20-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and glossy. Alternatively, melt using a double boiler. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk 2 large eggs and 1/3 cup granulated sugar together until thick, pale, and slightly frothy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to the egg mixture.
- Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg mixture, folding gently with a spatula until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
- Sift in 1/4 cup all-purpose flour and fold gently until no streaks remain. The batter should be thick but pourable.
- Divide the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling about 3/4 full.
- Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set and firm but the center is still soft and slightly jiggly.
- Let the cakes cool for 1 minute. Run a knife around the edges, then invert onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries if desired.
Notes
Use good-quality bittersweet chocolate (60% cocoa or higher) for best flavor. Do not overbake to maintain the molten center. Room temperature eggs help create a light batter. Grease ramekins well and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Check at 10 minutes if your oven runs hot.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake (1 ramek
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 25
- Saturated Fat: 15
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 6
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, molten chocolate cake, dessert for two, easy chocolate dessert, romantic dessert, quick chocolate cake