Ingredients
For the Brownie Batter
- 200g dark or milk chocolate
- ½ cup (120g) butter
- ¾ cup (150g) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
For the Lava Center
- ½ cup chocolate chunks or chocolate spread
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Melt Chocolate and Butter
In a bowl:
- Add chocolate and butter
Melt using:
- Microwave (in short intervals)
- Or double boiler
Stir until smooth and glossy.
Step 2: Mix Sugar and Eggs
In another bowl:
- Beat eggs and sugar
Mix until:
- Slightly thick
- Light in color
Add vanilla extract.
Step 3: Combine Mixtures
Slowly pour melted chocolate into egg mixture.
Mix gently until smooth.
Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients
Sift together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
Add to mixture and fold gently.
Do not overmix.
Step 5: Prepare Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish or tray.
Pour most of the batter into the dish.
Step 6: Add Lava Center
Add chocolate chunks or spread in the center.
Cover with remaining batter.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
Bake for 20–25 minutes:
- Edges should be set
- Center should remain soft
Important:
- Do not overbake
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes.
Cut into it while warm:
- Chocolate center should flow
Texture and Flavor
This dessert gives:
- Soft, cakey edges
- Rich, fudgy center
- Melted chocolate lava inside
- Deep chocolate flavor
Tips for Perfect Lava Cake
1. Don’t Overbake
This is the most important step for gooey center.
2. Use Good Chocolate
Better chocolate = better taste.
3. Slightly Undercook Center
It will continue cooking after removing from oven.
4. Serve Warm
Best texture when fresh and warm.
Variations
1. Nutty Version
Add walnuts or almonds.
2. Caramel Lava
Add caramel instead of chocolate center.
3. Coffee Flavor
Add 1 teaspoon coffee powder.
4. White Chocolate Version
Use white chocolate chunks inside.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with:
- Vanilla ice cream 🍨
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce
Storage
- Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheating
- Microwave for 20–30 seconds to restore gooey center
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Overbaking → no lava center
- ❌ Too much flour → dry texture
- ❌ Not greasing pan → sticks
- ❌ Cutting too early → falls apart
Why This Recipe Works
- Butter and chocolate create richness
- Eggs give structure
- Controlled baking keeps center molten
- Chocolate filling enhances gooey texture
Final Thoughts
This gooey chocolate lava brownie cake is one of the most satisfying desserts you can make. It’s rich, indulgent, and incredibly easy.
The moment you cut into it and see the melted chocolate flow, you’ll know it’s perfect. Whether for guests or a personal treat, this dessert never fails to impress.