How to Make Chocolate Lava Cake? The Best and Easiest Recipe

If you’re a chocolate lover - and really, who isn’t - you’ve probably dreamed of that fluffy chocolate cake with rich hot fudge oozing from the center. This chocolate molten lava cake is a decadent, irresistible dessert perfect for Valentine’s Day or any romantic evening.

But don’t worry, it’s not as hard as it sounds! With the right tools and a simple chocolate lava cake recipe, you can create this chocolaty masterpiece and nail that gooey center in your own kitchen. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa works best)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 2 large eggs
• 2 egg yolks
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• Pinch of salt
• Cocoa powder
• Optional: Powdered sugar, berries, or vanilla ice cream for serving

Equipment:

• Sous vide immersion circulator
• 4-ounce mason jars or ramekins
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• A fine-mash sieve
• Ziplock bags
• Vacuum sealer

Why Sous Vide for Chocolate Lava Cake?

Chocolate molten lava cake is a dessert hybrid - it’s part chocolate cake and part soufflé, with a gooey, molten chocolate center that sets it apart. Unlike traditional baking methods, which require trial and error to get the timing right, using a sous vide cooker simplifies the process, giving you flawless, melt-in-your-mouth lava cakes with no stress of overcooking. Sous vide may sound intimidating, but it actually has a lot of advantages:

1. Consistency. No more worrying about over- or under-baking. Sous vide ensures the perfect balance between cooked-on-the-outside and gooey-on-the-inside every time.
2. Simplicity. Once you set the temperature, the cooker does all the work. You can even prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate the ramekins so your dessert is always ready.
3. Restaurant-quality results. As long as you stick to the recipe, sous vide cooking can help you easily recreate high-end restaurant-quality molten lava cakes at home.

If you’re new to sous vide, the INKBIRD sous vide cooker is the perfect place to start because it’s user-friendly and highly precise, making it ideal for desserts, ribeye steak, chicken breast, and more.

How to Make Chocolate Molten Lava Cake?

Get your INKBIRD sous vide cooker and all the essentials, and we’re ready to go.

Step 1: Melt the chocolate and butter

Combine the chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals and stir until smooth. If you prefer the sous vide method, just seal the mixture in a bag and place it in water bath at 115°F (46°C) for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Whisk the eggs and sugar

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla until thick and pale, which should take around 3-5 minutes. This adds air for a light, soufflé-like texture. Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture to avoid deflating the eggs.

Step 3: Add flour and salt

Sift the flour and salt into the batter. Mix just until combined — overmixing leads to dense cakes.

Step 4: Prep the sous vide setup and jars

Fill a large pot or container with water. Attach your INKBIRD sous vide cooker and set the temperature to 135°F (57°C). While the water heats up, grease four mason jars or ramekins with butter, and dust them lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Divide the batter evenly among them, leaving a little space at the top. Seal the jars finger-tight to prevent water seepage and submerge them in the preheated water bath. Cook for 1 hour.

Step 5: Chill and serve

After the time is up, remove the jars, let them cool a bit, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours. When ready to serve, reheat in a 140°F (60°C) water bath for 15 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then flip them onto plates. Sprinkle some powdered sugar on top and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Pro Tips for Success

Chocolate matters: Use high-quality dark chocolate for depth of flavor. Semi-sweet works too, but dark chocolate balances the sweetness.

1. Don’t skip the greasing: Properly greasing your ramekins ensures your cakes will slide out effortlessly.
2. Don’t overfill: Leave 1/2 inch of space in the jars — the cakes rise slightly during cooking.
3. Reheating hack: Microwave leftovers for 20 seconds to revive the molten center.
4. Add a twist: Want to mix it up? Add a teaspoon of espresso powder for a mocha kick or a dash of cinnamon for warmth.

Why This Recipe Works for Valentine’s Day

Nothing says “I love you” like a dessert that’s both luxurious and effortless. With sous vide, you can prep these cakes days in advance, leaving you free to focus on candles, wine, and conversation. Pair them with:

• A bold red wine, like Cabernet Sauvignon
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries
• A drizzle of salted caramel

And let’s be real—watching that chocolate lava flow is basically edible romance.

How Many Calories Are in Chocolate Lava Cake?

A standard homemade chocolate lava cake (with the above ingredients) generally contains around 350-400 calories per serving. The calorie count can vary based on the type of chocolate and butter you use, but Valentine’s Day comes once a year! Just treat yourself!