This Molten Lava Cake for Two is the ultimate chocolate fix rich, fudgy, and filled with that warm, gooey center that feels straight out of a fancy restaurant. The best part? It’s surprisingly simple and ready in about 20 minutes, making it perfect for date night, Galentine’s dessert, or a cozy “treat yourself” moment. With just a few pantry staples and two ramekins, you’ll get perfectly set edges and a soft middle that spills chocolate when you cut in. If you’re searching for an easy lava cake recipe or a romantic dessert for two, this one delivers every time.
table of contents
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 11–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 2
Ingredients List
- ½ cup dark chocolate, chopped (about 3 oz) (or baking chips)
- 2½ tbsp butter
- 1 whole egg, room temperature
- 1 egg yolk, room temperature
- 3 tbsp granulated sugar (plus extra for ramekins)
- ¼ tsp vanilla extract
- ⅛ tsp salt
- 2½ tbsp all-purpose flour
- Optional toppings: powdered sugar, berries, ice cream
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- 2 (5-oz) ramekins
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or hand mixer
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Rubber spatula
- Sharp knife (for loosening cakes)
- Baking sheet (optional, for easy handling)
Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (204°C).
- Prep ramekins: Grease 2 ramekins with butter/shortening. Add 1 tsp sugar to each and rotate to coat the sides (this helps release + adds a delicate crust). Tap out extra. ✨
- Melt chocolate + butter: Microwave together 30 seconds at 50% power, stir, then heat 15 more seconds if needed. Stir until smooth and glossy. 🍫
- Whisk eggs: In a bowl, beat whole egg + yolk + sugar + vanilla + salt until lighter in color (about 30–60 seconds).
- Combine: Pour in melted chocolate and mix until smooth. Add flour and mix just until combined (don’t overmix).
- Bake: Divide batter between ramekins. Bake 11–12 minutes until the top looks set but the center still jiggles slightly. 🔥
- Rest: Let stand 1–2 minutes. Run a knife around edges.
- Invert: Place a plate on top, flip carefully, wait 20 seconds, tap the ramekin, then lift straight up.
- Serve: Dust with powdered sugar and add berries/ice cream. Serve warm for the best lava flow 😍
Pro Tips
- Don’t overbake: The jiggle in the center = lava. If fully firm, it won’t flow.
- Room-temp egg hack: Place eggs in warm water 5 minutes (still in shell).
- Make ahead: Pour batter into ramekins and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake straight from fridge, adding 1 extra minute if needed.
- Chocolate choice: Dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor; semi-sweet works if you like it slightly sweeter.
Nutrition Table
| Serving Size | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sugar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 cake | 553 | 9g | 46g | 37g | 5g | 29g |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Molten Lava Cake for Two
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Grease two ramekins and coat with sugar; tap out excess.
- Melt chocolate and butter in the microwave (30 seconds at 50% power, stir, then 15 seconds more if needed). Stir until smooth.
- Whisk whole egg, egg yolk, sugar, vanilla, and salt until pale.
- Mix in melted chocolate. Add flour and mix just until combined.
- Divide batter into ramekins. Bake 11–12 minutes until tops are set but centers still jiggle slightly.
- Rest 1–2 minutes. Run a knife around edges, invert onto plates, and lift ramekins off.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve warm with berries or ice cream.
Nutrition
Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Conclusion
This Molten Lava Cake for Two is the quickest way to make a bakery-style dessert at home—rich chocolate flavor, gooey center, and ready in 20 minutes. Serve warm and watch that lava flow.