Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, this lava cake will be your new favorite treat. It’s warm, gooey, and packed with indulgent flavor, yet it only takes a handful of ingredients and less than 30 minutes to make. Ideal for date nights, dinner parties, or just when you want to treat yourself, Reese Lava Cake is a show-stopping dessert that’s as fun to eat as it is delicious.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
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Unsalted butter
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Eggs
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Egg yolks
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Granulated sugar
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All-purpose flour
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Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (regular or mini)
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Cocoa powder (for dusting ramekins)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
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In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
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In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale and thick.
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Gently fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
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Sift in the flour and stir until just combined.
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Spoon half the batter into the prepared ramekins. Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each. Cover with the remaining batter.
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Bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are firm but the centers are still soft.
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Let cool for 1 minute, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates. Serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 12–14 minutes
Total time: 22–25 minutes
Variations
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Use white chocolate Reese’s for a twist on the flavor.
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Add a sprinkle of sea salt on top for a sweet-salty finish.
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Mix peanut butter chips into the batter for even more peanut flavor.
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Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.
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Try Nutella or caramel candies in the center for a different molten surprise.
Storage/Reheating
These cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. If you need to store them, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 20–30 seconds, but note the center may not stay molten. You can also prepare the batter ahead of time, refrigerate it in ramekins, and bake just before serving.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the cakes in the ramekins, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
Can I freeze lava cakes?
Yes, freeze unbaked cakes in ramekins wrapped tightly. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 extra minutes.
Do I have to use ramekins?
No, you can use a muffin tin, but reduce baking time to about 9–10 minutes.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, but the cake will be sweeter and slightly less rich.
How do I know when the cakes are done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
What should I serve with Reese Lava Cake?
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce pair perfectly.
Can I make this without Reese’s?
Yes, you can substitute with any chocolate candy or peanut butter truffle center.
Why did my lava cakes stick to the ramekins?
Make sure to grease well and dust with cocoa powder to help them release easily.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely—just bake in batches if you don’t have enough ramekins.
Conclusion
Reese Lava Cake is the ultimate chocolate and peanut butter dessert that combines gooey molten centers with rich, fudgy cake. Easy to prepare yet impressive to serve, it’s a recipe that will wow guests or satisfy your sweetest cravings. Enjoy it fresh from the oven with ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finishing touch.
Reese Lava Cake
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A rich molten chocolate cake filled with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups for a gooey, indulgent peanut butter–chocolate surprise. Perfectly fudgy on the outside with a melty center, this dessert is easy yet impressive.
- Author: Catherine
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–14 minutes
- Total Time: 22–25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups (regular or mini)
- Cocoa powder (for dusting ramekins)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins and dust with cocoa powder.
- Melt chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, and sugar until pale and thick.
- Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
- Sift in the flour and stir until just combined.
- Spoon half the batter into ramekins. Place a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter.
- Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are set but centers are soft.
- Cool for 1 minute, run a knife around edges, invert onto plates, and serve immediately.
Notes
Use white chocolate Reese’s for a twist.Add sea salt on top for sweet-salty balance.Mix peanut butter chips into batter for extra flavor.Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing.Nutella or caramel candies can be swapped for Reese’s.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 125mg