Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake: Molten, Decadent, and Irresistible

Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake is a dessert lover’s dream. The outer cake is soft and slightly crisp, while the center hides a flowing, molten caramel core. Rich chocolate paired with buttery caramel creates the ultimate indulgence.

Perfect for date nights, holiday dinners, or anytime you need a luxurious dessert without complicated techniques. This recipe is surprisingly simple but looks and tastes like a professional bakery creation.

Why This Recipe Works

• Molten Center: A brief baking time keeps the caramel flowing while the chocolate cake sets.
• Balanced Sweetness: Dark chocolate adds richness, and caramel adds sweet, buttery notes.
• Simple Ingredients: Pantry staples transform into a restaurant-style dessert.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Optional: powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream for serving

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-oz ramekins and dust lightly with cocoa powder.
2. Melt butter and dark chocolate together in a double boiler or microwave until smooth.
3. Whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar in a separate bowl until pale and thick.
4. Fold melted chocolate mixture into eggs gently.
5. Sift in flour and salt; fold until just combined.
6. Divide batter equally into ramekins. Spoon 1 tbsp caramel into the center of each.
7. Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are set but centers are slightly jiggly.
8. Let cakes cool 2 minutes, then invert onto plates. Serve immediately with powdered sugar or ice cream.

Tips

• Timing: Do not overbake; molten center is key.
• Chocolate Quality: Use high-quality dark chocolate for best flavor.
• Make Ahead: Batter can be prepared ahead and stored in ramekins in fridge; bake fresh before serving.

Variations

• Salted Caramel: Sprinkle sea salt over caramel for a flavor contrast.
• Peanut Butter Lava: Swap caramel with peanut butter for nutty richness.
• Mini Lava Cakes: Use silicone molds for bite-sized treats.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
• Garnish with fresh berries for color and freshness.
• Perfect for date nights, dinner parties, or special occasions.

Chocolate Caramel Lava Cake

Decadent chocolate cake with a molten caramel center, perfect for date nights or special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 14 minutes mins

Total Time 29 minutes mins

Servings: 4 people

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American, Bakery

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cake

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 oz dark chocolate
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 2 eggs large
• 2 egg yolks large
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/3 cup caramel sauce

Equipment

• Ramekins
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Double boiler or microwave-safe bowl

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease ramekins and dust with cocoa powder.
2. Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth.
3. Whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale.
4. Fold chocolate into eggs.
5. Sift in flour and salt, fold gently.
6. Divide batter into ramekins, add caramel in the center.
7. Bake 12–14 minutes until edges are set but centers jiggle.
8. Cool 2 minutes, invert, serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately for molten center.