Craving a decadent dessert that comes together in a flash? These 5-ingredient molten chocolate lava cakes deliver ooey-gooey centers without hours of prep or a sink full of dishes. Perfect for date night, surprise guests, or a midnight chocolate fix, each mini cake is rich, indulgent, and surprisingly simple.
Whether you stick to the classic dark chocolate version or kick things up a notch with caramel, fruit, nut or spice twists, you’ll be in lava-cake heaven in under 20 minutes. Grab your ramekins and let’s get melting!
1. Classic Dark Chocolate Lava Cake
Ingredients (serves 2)
– 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Why You’ll Love It
There’s a reason this original recipe never gets old. The bittersweet chocolate and butter melt into a silky ganache, while the eggs and flour bake up a tender cake exterior. One bite and you’ll be hooked on that molten center.
2. Salted Caramel Flourless Lava Cake
Ingredients (serves 2)
– 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp salted caramel sauce
What Makes It Special
No flour required—this version yields an ultra-silky, flourless texture. Swirl in salted caramel sauce right before baking for a sweet-and-salty ripple that pairs perfectly with vanilla ice cream.
3. Raspberry-Infused Lava Cake
Ingredients (serves 2)
– 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1 tbsp freeze-dried raspberry powder
Fresh and Fruity Twist
A sprinkle of tangy raspberry powder turns classic lava cakes into a bright, sophisticated treat. The fruit’s natural acidity cuts through the richness for a perfectly balanced bite.
4. Peanut Butter Surprise Lava Cake
Ingredients (serves 2)
– 4 oz semisweet chocolate, chopped
– 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
Nutty Decadence
Stir peanut butter into the center of each ramekin before baking. As the cake bakes, a molten peanut-butter core forms, delivering a sweet-and-salty surprise when you dig in.
5. Mexican Spice Lava Cake
Ingredients (serves 2)
– 4 oz dark chocolate, chopped
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 2 large eggs
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/4 tsp chili powder
A Hint of Heat
Give your lava cakes a kick by adding chili powder to the batter. The subtle heat amplifies chocolate’s depth and creates an irresistible flavor combination that’ll have guests asking for more.