Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, where the warmth of chili meets the decadence of molten chocolate.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-03T14:50:30.633Z

This Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake combines the richness of chocolate with a hint of spice, creating a unique dessert experience that will impress your guests. The molten center oozes out when you cut into it, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with a kick of chili heat
  • Decadent molten center that flows with each bite
  • Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself

A Unique Twist on Classic Dessert

Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake offers a delightful twist on the classic chocolate lava cake. The combination of rich dark chocolate and a hint of chili not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds an unexpected warmth that elevates this dessert to new heights. While traditional molten cakes are already decadent, the added spice creates a memorable experience that will leave your guests talking long after the last bite.

The allure of a gooey chocolate center is already hard to resist, but when you introduce the subtle heat of chili, you transform a simple dessert into an exciting culinary adventure. This cake is perfect for those who enjoy a little kick in their sweets, making it an ideal choice for chocolate lovers looking to try something new.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself after a long day, Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is the perfect dessert. Its impressive presentation and rich flavors are sure to wow your guests, making it an excellent choice for romantic dinners or festive gatherings. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast, balancing the warmth of the chili with the cool creaminess of the ice cream.

You can also customize this dessert to suit different tastes. For those who prefer less heat, simply reduce the amount of chili powder, or experiment with different types of chili to find the right balance for your palate. This versatility ensures that everyone can enjoy a slice of this indulgent cake.

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect molten center, it is crucial not to overbake the cakes. Keep a close eye on them as they bake, and remember that the centers should remain soft and slightly jiggly when you take them out of the oven. Allowing the cakes to rest for just a minute before inverting them helps set the structure while still retaining the gooey center you desire.

Additionally, greasing and flouring the ramekins is key to ensuring that your cakes release smoothly. If you want to add an extra touch of flavor, consider infusing the butter with spices or adding a pinch of cinnamon to the batter, which pairs beautifully with the chocolate and chili.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create your Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake:

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your delicious Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease four ramekins with butter, then dust with flour.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and dark chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until well combined. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.

Add Dry Ingredients

Fold in the flour, chili powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.

Fill Ramekins

Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute.

Serve

Carefully invert the ramekins onto dessert plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake!

Serving Suggestions

Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake can be served warm, making it an excellent dessert for cozy evenings. For an extra special touch, drizzle some chocolate sauce or caramel over the top before serving. This not only adds visual appeal but also enhances the overall flavor profile, making each bite even more indulgent.

When pairing drinks with this dessert, consider serving a rich red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the chocolate beautifully. Alternatively, a spicy hot chocolate or a robust coffee can enhance the warm flavors of the cake, creating a harmonious dining experience.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which is unlikely!), store the cooled cakes in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to two days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat them in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to revive the molten center. Avoid overcooking in the microwave, as this can affect the texture and gooeyness of the cake.

For longer storage, consider freezing the unbaked batter in the ramekins. When you're ready to bake, simply take them out of the freezer, let them thaw for about 30 minutes, and bake as instructed. This allows you to enjoy freshly baked lava cakes anytime you crave a decadent treat.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these lava cakes in advance?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I substitute for dark chocolate?

You can use semi-sweet chocolate, but the flavor will be slightly different.

→ How do I know when the cakes are done?

The edges should be firm, while the center should still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the ramekin.

→ Can I freeze the lava cakes?

Yes, you can freeze the unbaked batter in the ramekins. Just increase the baking time if baking from frozen.

Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, where the warmth of chili meets the decadence of molten chocolate.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 4 servings

What You'll Need

Ingredients

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup dark chocolate chips
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 2 large egg yolks
  5. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  6. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt
  9. Powdered sugar for dusting
  10. Vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease four ramekins with butter, then dust with flour.

Step 02

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter and dark chocolate chips. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is smooth and melted.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until well combined. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture until smooth.

Step 04

Fold in the flour, chili powder, and salt until just combined. Do not overmix.

Step 05

Evenly distribute the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.

Step 06

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. Remove from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute.

Step 07

Carefully invert the ramekins onto dessert plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g