Magical Molten Chocolate Lava Cake
A single-pan molten chocolate lava cake that transforms into a fluffy cake top and bubbling, gooey fudge base—dramatic, delicious, and made from pantry staples.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 1 cake (serves about 4)
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
1 cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup granulated sugar
½ cup cocoa powder, divided
2 teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup unsalted butter, melted (plus more for greasing)
⅔ cup milk
1 cup dark brown sugar
1½ cups hot water
Ice cream, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease an 8×8-inch (or 9-inch round) baking pan and place it on a cookie sheet.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, ¼ cup cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir in melted butter and milk until smooth. Pour batter into pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix remaining ¼ cup cocoa with dark brown sugar. Sprinkle evenly over batter.
- Slowly pour hot water over the top without mixing. Immediately transfer to oven.
- Bake for 30 minutes, until top looks dry and cake is slightly jiggly with bubbling edges.
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes. Scoop into bowls and serve warm with ice cream.
Notes
- Swap dark brown sugar for light brown for milder molasses flavor.
- Add vanilla or espresso powder for deeper chocolate taste.
- Use non-dairy milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
- Stir in chopped nuts or raspberries before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of cake
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 45 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 64 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg
