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lava cake topped with ice cream and melted chocolate pouring out of the cake on a white plate.
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5 from 9 votes

Chocolate Lava Cake For One

This single serving Chocolate Lava Cake features a soft, rich chocolate cake with a warm, gooey center. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an easy dessert that feels special.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American, French
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: chocolate cake, chocolate lava cake, lava cake, Moelleux au Chocolat, molten cake, molten lava cake
Servings: 1 serving
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon butter -plus ½ tablespoon more for greasing the ramekin.
  • 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • powdered sugar -optional for topping
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Prep the Ramekin: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously butter a 10-ounce ramekin using 1/2 tablespoon of butter.
  • Melt the Chocolate: In a double boiler or microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and 1 tablespoon of butter. Stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
    Pro Tip: To create a double boiler, fill a small saucepan with about 1 inch of water and bring it to a gentle simmer. Place a heatproof bowl on top of the saucepan, making sure the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. The steam will gently melt the chocolate and butter as you stir.
  • Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg, and vanilla until foamy, about 30 seconds.
  • Add Flour: Whisk in the flour until smooth, about 10 seconds.
  • Combine Mixtures: Stir the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until fully blended.
  • Fill Ramekin: Pour the batter into the ramekin. Place ramekin on a baking sheet.
  • Bake: Bake for 13-15 minutes, until edges are set and the center is still soft. Do not overbake.
  • Cool: Run a knife around the edge and let the cake rest for 3 minutes.
  • Invert: Place a plate over the ramekin, flip it, and hold for 20 seconds to release the cake.
  • Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm.

Notes

  • Read Before Starting: Review the full recipe and Ingredient Notes before beginning.
  • Melt Gently: Use low heat to melt the chocolate. If using a microwave, stir every 15 seconds to prevent scorching.
  • Don’t Overmix: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to keep the cake soft and gooey.
  • Preheat Your Oven: Make sure the oven is fully preheated for even baking and a molten center.
  • Use the Right Ramekin: A 10-ounce ramekin works best for this single serving cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 587kcal | Carbohydrates: 72g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 30g | Saturated Fat: 17g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 0.5g | Cholesterol: 216mg | Sodium: 166mg | Potassium: 256mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 53g | Vitamin A: 642IU | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 4mg

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