Chili’s Molten Lava Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Chili’s Molten Lava Cake is a dream come true for chocolate lovers. The combination of a warm, tender cake and the flowing, gooey chocolate center is pure heaven. What makes this dessert even better is the contrast of the cold vanilla ice cream and the rich chocolate sauce—every bite offers a delightful mix of temperatures and textures. Plus, making it at home is easier than you might think, and you can have this restaurant-quality dessert without leaving the comfort of your kitchen. It’s the perfect way to end any meal with a bang!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Lava Cakes:

• 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate (or bittersweet chocolate)

• ½ cup unsalted butter

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup all-purpose flour

• Pinch of salt

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream (optional, but highly recommended)

• Chocolate sauce (optional, for extra indulgence)

Directions

For the Lava Cakes:

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease and flour 4 individual ramekins (6-ounce size works best), or spray them with non-stick cooking spray.

2. In a heatproof bowl, combine the semi-sweet chocolate and butter. Melt them together by placing the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method), or melt in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each. Once melted, remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until smooth and well-combined.

4. Stir the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture until smooth. Then, fold in the flour and a pinch of salt until fully incorporated. The batter will be thick.

5. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ of the way full. The batter should come just below the top of each ramekin.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes. The edges of the cakes should look firm, while the center will appear soft and slightly jiggly. Be careful not to overbake—this is key to getting the molten center.

7. Cool for a minute: Remove the ramekins from the oven and let them cool for about 1 minute. This helps the cakes set a little bit before serving.

Serving the Lava Cakes:

1. Flip the cakes: Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cake to loosen it. Then, place a plate over the top of each ramekin and flip it over quickly. Gently lift the ramekin off, revealing the molten lava cake.

2. Serve immediately: Top each lava cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate sauce if desired. Serve warm and enjoy the gooey, chocolatey goodness inside!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12-14 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Lava Cake with a Twist: Add a few tablespoons of peanut butter or Nutella into the center of each cake before baking for a delicious surprise filling.

• Mint Lava Cake: Incorporate a few drops of mint extract into the batter for a refreshing, minty chocolate flavor that pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream.

• Fruit-Filled Lava Cake: Add a spoonful of raspberry or strawberry jam in the center before baking to create a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.

• Vegan Version: Substitute eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water) and use dairy-free butter and chocolate to make this recipe vegan.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: These cakes are best served immediately after baking, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.

• Reheating: To reheat, microwave the cakes for 15-20 seconds, just enough to warm them without losing the molten center. If reheating from the fridge, you can also pop them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

Can I make the lava cakes ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it in the ramekins for up to 1 day before baking. When you’re ready to bake, just add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

What if I don’t have ramekins?

If you don’t have individual ramekins, you can use a muffin tin instead. Just ensure to grease and flour the cups well. The cooking time might need slight adjustments, so keep an eye on them.

Can I make these without the molten center?

Yes, if you prefer a more traditional chocolate cake, simply bake them for an extra 2-3 minutes until the center is set. They’ll still be delicious but won’t have the molten lava effect.

How do I know when the cakes are done?

The cakes should have firm edges and a slightly soft, jiggly center. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out with a bit of cake on it, but the center should remain gooey.

Can I freeze these cakes?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked batter. Just pour the batter into greased ramekins, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes, you can use milk chocolate, but it will be a sweeter cake. Semi-sweet chocolate is recommended for a more balanced, rich flavor.

Can I add other fillings to the molten center?

Absolutely! You can add a spoonful of peanut butter, caramel, or fruit jam to the center of the batter before baking to create different flavor profiles.

How can I make the lava cakes more decadent?

For an even more indulgent dessert, serve with whipped cream or top with fresh berries alongside the vanilla ice cream.

What can I do if the cakes stick to the ramekin?

Make sure to grease and flour the ramekins thoroughly before adding the batter. You can also use a non-stick spray designed for baking to ensure the cakes come out easily.

Can I use a microwave to make molten lava cakes?

While it’s possible to make lava cakes in a microwave, the texture and consistency might differ from the oven-baked version. If you’re in a rush, microwave on high for about 1-1.5 minutes per cake, but be careful not to overcook them.

Conclusion

Chili’s Molten Lava Cake is an iconic dessert that combines rich chocolate cake with a gooey, molten center for an indulgent experience. By making it at home, you can enjoy the same warm, chocolatey goodness with a fresh, made-from-scratch twist. Whether you’re preparing it for a special occasion or simply want a decadent treat, this lava cake will impress anyone who takes a bite. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of rich and creamy flavors!

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