Chef John'S Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

Name: Chef John'S Chocolate Lava Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: butter as needed; 2 egg yolks; 2 eggs; 3 tablespoons white sugar; 3 1/2 ounces chopped dark chocolate; 5 tablespoons butter; 4 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 pinch salt; 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract

Servings: persons

1
Generously butter the inside of 4 (5 1/2 ounce) ramekins. Place them in a casserole dish.
2
Whisk together egg yolks, eggs, and sugar in a bowl until light, foamy, and lemon colored.
3
Melt chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each melting, 1 to 3 minutes.
4
Stir melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture until combined.
5
Sift cocoa powder into the mixture; stir to combine.
6
Sift flour and salt into the mixture; stir to combine into a batter.
7
Stir vanilla extract into the batter.
8
Transfer batter to a resealable plastic bag. Snip one corner of the bag with scissors to create a tip.
9
Divide batter evenly between the prepared ramekins; tap gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.
10
Refrigerate 30 minutes.
11
Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).
12
Arrange the ramekins in a casserole dish. Pour enough hot tap water into the casserole dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.
13
Bake in the preheated over for 15-18 minutes. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.
14
Loosen the edges from the ramekin with a knife. Invert each cake onto a plate and dust with powdered sugar.

500

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: butter as needed, 2 egg yolks, 2 eggs, 3 tablespoons white sugar, and more.

Yes, Chef John'S Chocolate Lava Cake falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Chef John'S Chocolate Lava Cake

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions