Easy Single Serve Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe Perfect for Quick Desserts
A quick and easy single serve chocolate lava cake with a rich, molten center, perfect for solo indulgence or busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-14 minutes
- Total Time: 17-19 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 3 tablespoons (24 grams) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 ounces (56 grams) dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a microwave, skip this step.
- Grease a 6-ounce microwave-safe ramekin or small oven-safe dish thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray.
- Melt the dark chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, or use a double boiler until smooth and glossy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, sugar, and vanilla extract until pale and slightly frothy, about 1-2 minutes.
- Slowly add the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly to combine.
- Sift in the cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. Fold these dry ingredients carefully into the wet mixture just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared ramekin, filling about 3/4 of the way.
- Bake in the oven for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but center is still soft and jiggly. For microwave, heat on high for 50-60 seconds, watching carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 1-2 minutes to allow the molten center to settle.
- Optionally, run a knife around the edges and invert onto a plate, or serve straight from the ramekin with powdered sugar or vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Do not overmix the batter to avoid a dense cake. Use room temperature eggs for best texture. Watch baking time carefully to keep the center molten. Grease ramekin well to prevent sticking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free chocolate. For gluten-free, substitute flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend. Microwave method is faster but texture differs slightly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake (6-ounce rame
- Calories: 375
- Sugar: 25
- Sodium: 90
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 38
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 5
Keywords: chocolate lava cake, single serve dessert, quick chocolate cake, molten chocolate cake, easy dessert, microwave lava cake