Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

You can , but I don't recommend it for your first try. Milk chocolate makes the cakes sweeter and less intense—plus it behaves differently when baking. If you must substitute, use a high-quality milk chocolate and reduce the sugar slightly. But trust me, that bittersweet dark chocolate gives the perfect balance against the sweet molten center

Why didn't my center stay molten?

Ah, the heartbreak This usually means one of three things: 1) The oven was too cool—make sure it's fully preheated. 2) You baked them too long (even 1 extra minute can do it). 3) The ramekins were too small—4-6 oz is ideal. Next time, start checking at 10 minutes and pull them when the centers still jiggle slightly.

Can I make chocolate lava cakes ahead of time?

Absolutely, The batter keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 2 days in covered ramekins—just add 1-2 minutes to the bake time since you're starting with cold batter. For longer storage, freeze the filled ramekins (wrap tightly) for up to a month, then bake straight from frozen adding 3-4 extra minutes.

Can I make one big lava cake instead of individuals?

Technically yes, but it's tricky The timing becomes unpredictable—you might get molten spots while other areas overcook. If you must try, use a 6-inch cake pan and start checking at 18 minutes. But honestly? Individual ramekins give you way more control over that perfect molten center in every bite

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe: 30-Minute Molten Magic -

Name: Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe: 30-Minute Molten Magic
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing); 6 oz dark chocolate, chopped; 2 large eggs; 2 large egg yolks; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/4 tsp salt

Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe: 30-Minute Molten Magic

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

A rich chocolate lava cake with a molten center, perfect for a decadent dessert.

Author: RecipeZest
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: French
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
6 oz dark chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter.
Melt butter and chocolate in a double boiler. Stir until smooth.
In a bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and thick.
Fold the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.
Sift in flour and salt, then mix until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the ramekins.
Bake for 12-14 minutes until edges are set but center is still soft.
Let cool for 1 minute, then invert onto plates and serve immediately.

Notes

Use high-quality chocolate for the best flavor.
Do not overbake—the center should remain molten.
Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Find it online: https://recipeszest.com/chocolate-lava-cake-recipe-molten-center/