There’s something magical about a dessert that oozes with chocolatey goodness at the first bite. This lava cake is a decadent treat that’s simple to make but feels incredibly special—perfect for a cozy Valentine’s Day celebration. With just five ingredients, this recipe proves you don’t need complicated techniques to create something indulgent.

Pair it with your favorite toppings like whipped cream, berries, or caramel for a truly luxurious dessert. Whether you’re baking for your partner, family, or treating yourself, this recipe is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients

100g milk chocolate

100g semi-sweet chocolate

200g unsalted butter

4 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup flour

Butter (for greasing ramekins)

Steps

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grease 4 large or 6 small ramekins generously with butter.
In a bain-marie (a heatproof bowl over simmering water), melt the milk chocolate, semi-sweet chocolate, and butter together. Stir occasionally until smooth.
In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar for 1-2 minutes until combined.
Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs while whisking continuously to prevent cooking the eggs.
Add the flour to the mixture and whisk by hand until fully combined.
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins, leaving a little room at the top.
Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 5 minutes, or until the tops are set but the centers remain jiggly.
Let the cakes rest for 1-2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges to loosen them. Flip each ramekin onto a plate and carefully lift it off.
Decorate your lava cakes with powdered sugar, fresh berries, whipped cream, or caramel for a romantic finishing touch.

Tips for Success

Choose quality chocolate: Since this recipe is all about simplicity, the quality of your chocolate will make all the difference. Use a chocolate you love eating on its own for the richest flavor.

Grease generously: To make sure your lava cakes release smoothly, coat the ramekins well with butter. You can even dust them with cocoa powder for extra insurance and a professional finish.

Timing is key: Lava cakes are all about their molten centers. Bake for just 5 minutes to achieve the perfect balance—set tops and gooey middles. If you’re unsure, check the cakes at the 5-minute mark and adjust slightly for your oven.

Serve warm: These cakes are best enjoyed fresh out of the oven. Prep your toppings ahead of time so you can serve them immediately.

With just five ingredients, this recipe lets each element shine. The buttery richness, the sweetness of the chocolate, and the airy texture all come together for a dessert that’s as decadent as it is simple. For Valentine’s Day, the simplicity of this recipe is its charm—less time in the kitchen means more time spent with your loved one. Serve these lava cakes warm, and let the molten center do all the talking.

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