Galentine's Chocolate Lava Cake

Name: Galentine's Chocolate Lava Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter; 1 cup (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao); 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Pinch of salt; Vanilla ice cream; Fresh berries; Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I always look forward to Galentine's Day, and this Chocolate Lava Cake has become my go-to dessert for celebrating with friends. The moment you slice into it, warm chocolate flows out, creating an indulgent treat that's perfect for sharing. I love how simple yet impressive this dessert is, and it never fails to impress my friends. Pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream elevates the experience even more, making this cake a hit at our annual gathering. It’s definitely a recipe that brings the warmth of friendship to the table.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-05T18:58:30.287Z

During Galentine's Day, I wanted to create a dessert that felt both luxurious and comforting. After several attempts, I realized that my secret weapon was simply the quality of chocolate I chose. Using a high cocoa content chocolate really makes a difference in the richness of the cake. I also experimented with baking time, finding that twelve minutes gives you the perfect lava consistency.

Another tip that turned out to be crucial was letting the batter rest in the fridge before baking. This step allows the flavors to deepen and the texture to improve, resulting in an unforgettable lava cake. Now each Galentine's Day feels extra special with this decadent creation!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor with decadent molten center
Perfectly portioned for sharing with friends
A simple yet impressive recipe that wows every time

      

Technique Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes

Achieving the perfect molten center in your chocolate lava cake hinges on precise baking time. When you bake the cakes for about 12 minutes, keep an eye on the edges. They should be set while the center remains soft and slightly jiggly. If the center feels too firm, your cakes may be overbaked. Ovens can vary, so I recommend checking a minute or two earlier to ensure that your individual cakes aren't baked longer than necessary.

Chilling the batter before baking is another key step that enhances the flavor. This resting period allows the chocolate to thicken slightly, which contributes to a better texture and a more pronounced chocolate flavor. The batter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days if you want to prepare it ahead of time, making this dessert a practical option for parties.

Ingredient Insights

Using high-quality dark chocolate is crucial for the rich taste of this lava cake. I recommend chocolate that is 70% cacao for a balance of sweetness and intensity. Choosing a chocolate that you enjoy eating on its own will enhance the overall flavor of the cake. If you're looking for a lighter option, you can experiment with semi-sweet chocolate, but it may alter the cake's rich profile.

Don't overlook the role of eggs in this recipe. The combination of whole eggs and additional yolks contributes to the cake's structure and custardy center. If you're looking to make a version with fewer eggs, consider using a flaxseed egg substitute, but be aware that this may change the texture slightly.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Serving these lava cakes with vanilla ice cream is a classic choice, as the cool creaminess beautifully contrasts the warm chocolate. For a twist, you can try serving them with a berry compote or even a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh raspberries or strawberries add a lovely tartness that brightens the bold chocolate flavors.

If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a splash of espresso or a teaspoon of vanilla extract to the chocolate mixture. This can deepen the chocolate notes and make your dessert even more sophisticated. You can also try adding a pinch of sea salt on top before serving to bring out the sweetness of the chocolate.

Ingredients

For the Cake

1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
1 cup (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cacao)
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt

For Serving

Vanilla ice cream
Fresh berries
Powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

Prepare the Ramekins

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and butter four ramekins. Dust them with flour and set aside.

Melt the Chocolate

In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter and dark chocolate together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.

Mix the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until combined. Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture and mix well. Finally, fold in the flour and salt until just combined.

Chill the Mixture

Cover the batter and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step enhances the flavor and texture.

Bake the Cakes

Pour the chilled batter into the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 minutes or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.

Serve

Let the cakes cool for 1 minute before carefully inverting them onto plates. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and fresh berries.

Pro Tips

For best results, use high-quality chocolate and serve the lava cakes immediately after baking for the gooey center.

Make-Ahead Tips

To make your Galentine's celebration as stress-free as possible, you can prepare the batter in advance. Once your mixture is ready, simply cover it tightly and store it in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours. When you're ready to bake, just pour the chilled batter into the ramekins and bake as directed. This allows you to enjoy more time with your friends.

If you have any leftover baked cakes, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes to bring back that gooey center.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your lava cakes don't come out with the desired molten center, it could be due to slight overbaking. If this happens, next time, reduce the baking time by one minute increments. Use a toothpick to test; it should come out with moist crumbs but not fully clean.

Another common issue can be the sticking of cakes to the ramekins. To prevent this, make sure to butter and flour the ramekins thoroughly before filling them with batter. If you accidentally run out of butter, you can use non-stick cooking spray, but remember that the flour dusting is still essential for easy removal.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be doubled for a larger gathering. Just ensure that you have enough ramekins ready; you can also use a muffin tin if you don’t have enough. To adjust cooking time, keep an eye on the larger batch as it might require an extra minute or two in the oven.

If you're making individual servings, you can pour the batter into smaller ramekins, reducing the cooking time. Start checking for doneness around 9-10 minutes for smaller portions to prevent overbaking and losing that luxurious molten center.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to bake.

→ What if I don't have ramekins?

You can use muffin tins or any oven-safe dish, just adjust the baking time accordingly.

→ Can I substitute the dark chocolate?

While dark chocolate enhances the flavor, you can use semi-sweet chocolate if desired. The molten effect will still be delicious!

→ How do I know when the cakes are done?

The edges should be firm, but the center should still jiggle slightly when you take them out of the oven.