Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, where gooey chocolate meets a hint of heat for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Emily

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-03T15:42:29.500Z

This Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake combines the decadence of rich chocolate with the unexpected warmth of chili. Perfect for impressing guests or indulging yourself, this dessert is sure to be a favorite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Rich chocolate flavor paired with a spicy kick
  • Gooey molten center that oozes with every bite
  • Impressive presentation for special occasions

A Perfect Balance of Flavors

Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is a dessert that beautifully marries the deep, rich notes of dark chocolate with the subtle warmth of chili powder. This unexpected combination elevates a classic dessert into something truly special. The heat from the chili enhances the chocolate, creating a layered flavor experience that dances on your palate. Each bite offers a delightful contrast, making it a memorable treat for those who appreciate bold flavors.

The addition of chili not only adds a kick but also complements the sweetness of the cake, making it less cloying and more sophisticated. The molten center provides a luxurious texture that oozes warmth and richness, inviting you to indulge. This cake is perfect for those who crave something different, pushing the boundaries of traditional dessert flavors.

Impressive for Any Occasion

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake is sure to impress. Its elegant presentation with a dusting of powdered sugar and a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes it a showstopper. Guests will be delighted when they cut into the cake and reveal the gooey, molten center, adding an element of surprise to your dessert menu.

This recipe is not only visually stunning but also relatively simple to prepare. With just a few ingredients and minimal steps, you can create a restaurant-quality dessert in the comfort of your home. It’s the perfect way to conclude an intimate dinner or to celebrate milestones with family and friends.

Tips for Success

To achieve the perfect molten lava cake, timing is crucial. Keep a close eye on the baking process; the ideal texture should be firm around the edges but still slightly soft in the center. If you bake them for too long, the molten center will solidify, so set a timer and check them a minute or two before the recommended time.

Additionally, ensure that your ramekins are well-greased and dusted with flour to prevent the cakes from sticking. If you want to prepare the batter in advance, you can refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before filling your ramekins and placing them in the oven.

Ingredients

Ingredients

For the Lava Cake

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving

  • Powdered sugar for dusting
  • Vanilla ice cream (optional)
  • Fresh berries (optional)

Make sure to gather all ingredients before starting the recipe for a seamless cooking experience.

Instructions

Instructions

Prepare the Ramekins

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease six ramekins with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Melt Chocolate and Butter

In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate. Melt over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

Mix the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Gradually fold in the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the flour, chili powder, and salt.

Fill the Ramekins

Evenly divide the batter among the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.

Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center remains soft.

Serve

Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries if desired.

Enjoy your homemade Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake warm for the best molten effect!

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the experience of your Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy texture and cool temperature of the ice cream contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey cake, creating a delightful balance that will leave your taste buds dancing. Fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, add a burst of freshness and a touch of acidity that can cut through the richness of the chocolate.

You can also experiment with other toppings, such as whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce, to personalize your dessert further. The combination of flavors and textures allows for endless creativity, ensuring that each serving can be a unique experience.

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them properly is key to preserving their deliciousness. Allow the cakes to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you're ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds to restore that molten center.

For longer storage, you can freeze the unbaked batter in the ramekins. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and they can be frozen for up to a month. When you're ready to bake them, there's no need to thaw—just adjust the baking time by a couple of minutes, and you'll have fresh molten cakes at your fingertips.

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Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it in the ramekins. Just increase the baking time slightly if baking straight from the fridge.

→ What type of chocolate should I use?

Use high-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor. A cocoa content of 60-70% is recommended.

→ How can I ensure a gooey center?

Be careful not to overbake the cakes. The edges should be set, but the center should still look slightly undercooked.

→ Can I substitute the eggs?

For a vegan version, you can try using flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer, but results may vary.

Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Indulge in the rich and spicy flavors of Chili Chocolate Molten Lava Cake, where gooey chocolate meets a hint of heat for an unforgettable dessert experience.

Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Duration15 minutes
Overall Time35 minutes

Created by: Emily

Recipe Type: Baking & Desserts

Skill Level: Intermediate

Final Quantity: 6 servings

What You'll Need

For the Lava Cake

  1. 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  2. 1 cup dark chocolate, finely chopped
  3. 2 large eggs
  4. 2 large egg yolks
  5. 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  6. 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  7. 1 teaspoon chili powder
  8. 1/4 teaspoon salt

For Serving

  1. Powdered sugar for dusting
  2. Vanilla ice cream (optional)
  3. Fresh berries (optional)

How-To Steps

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease six ramekins with butter and dust with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 02

In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and chopped dark chocolate. Melt over a double boiler or in the microwave, stirring until smooth.

Step 03

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until thick and pale. Gradually fold in the melted chocolate mixture, followed by the flour, chili powder, and salt.

Step 04

Evenly divide the batter among the prepared ramekins, filling them about 3/4 full.

Step 05

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center remains soft.

Step 06

Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream and fresh berries if desired.

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal
  • Total Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 195mg
  • Sodium: 85mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 24g
  • Protein: 6g