Even us die-hard real foodies love a “cheat” treat every now and then. And if it’s homemade from scratch (and includes chocolate!!) I am game. These molten lava cakes are perfect for Valentine’s Day or any other time of year you’re simply having a craving. Their naturally small size helps keep serving sizes in check, and this little video shows how simple this recipe really is.
4-Ingredient Molten Lava Cakes
Ingredients
- 8 tablespoons butter, 1 stick
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips
- 2 eggs
- 2 egg yolks, discard or use egg whites elsewhere
- 2 tablespoons sugar
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F and line a muffin pan with parchment paper muffin liners.
- Melt butter and chocolate chips together over low heat until smooth. Let cool slightly.
- In a large bowl whisk together the eggs and sugar. Stir in the melted chocolate mixture until well combined.
- Divide among 10 standard muffin cups and bake until cakes are puffed up, but still jiggly in the center - about 6 to 8 minutes. Turn out upside down onto a plate, garnish, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes
Suggested garnishes: Fresh berries, powdered sugar, whipped cream and/or vanilla ice cream
We recommend organic ingredients when feasible.
Nutrition Facts
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Are these actually lava cakes where the middle oozes out with running chocolate, or are they more like a cooked cake? Great idea to make in muffin tins but hoping it will be gooey.
Hi Paula, they are gooey in the middle! :) – Nicole
Do you use salted or unsalted butter?
Hi there. You could use either. Depends on your palette. :)
Pretty! This was a really wonderful article. Thanks for providing these details.
Can you use coconut oil instead of butter?
Hi . They can typically be used interchangeably.
Are these good leftover?
They are.
Could I use silicone muffin cups instead of parchment cups?
Hi. You can.
Good flavor, interesting texture, but I would use 3-4 T of sugar next time.
Can I prepare this ahead of time, before dinner, pour it into the muffin cups, and then bake them after dinner?
You can.
Do you use two eggs PLUS two egg yolks in this recipe?
I used just 2 eggs & they turned out!
Yes.
This looks so yummy and easy! I plan to make them tonight but wasn’t sure if parchment paper liners are the same as paper cupcake liners. Do I need parchment specifically?
The parchment liners really reduce sticking.
I love this kind of simple chocolate dessert! Can’t wait to try the recipe. Thanks!
I made this a few nights ago and it did not turn out right at all. I followed the recipe exactly and mine turned out a gooey mess. Granted, I didn’t mind the gooeyness so much and it tasted like a really gooey brownie to me – but my husband didn’t care for them at all. When they were baked all the oil/fat in the butter was on top – it did not combine well and so they looked really greasy and not very appealing. Will not be making these again.
Do you have the nutritional information for these? i.e. calories…
Hi. We do not provide nutrition information. This post helps explain why: https://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/04/healthy-eating-defined/.
Can foil liners be used instead of parchment?
Yes, foil will likely work but the parchment is great for not sticking.
I’m new to this … What is wrong with stevia?
Hi. Much of the stevia available contains additives and some contain additional artificial sweeteners. Look for pure forms of stevia.
No flour at all?
That’s right – flourless!
I’m definitely going to be making these. So simple. It was well worth the time you and your husband spent making the video, but hope you got to enjoy the rest of Valentine’s Day.
We did – thanks! :)
What kind of sugar did you use and are those just organic chocolate chips?
Thanks
I just used white organic sugar and Enjoy Life brand chocolate chips.
Thank you.
These look so delicious and so easy. I’m a chocolate fiend so I’ll definitely be trying these out soon!
Thank you Lisa! This was easy to make and so yummy.
I’m so glad!
Do these actually have a runny center?
They are gooey all through. :)