Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake
This warm, gooey chocolate dessert brings the restaurant favorite to your kitchen. With simple ingredients and melty chocolate, it bakes in under 20 minutes, ready to top with ice cream, caramel, and chocolate shell for true drama at home.
4
cakes
Ingredients
Lava Cake Batter
- 1 cup (170 g) milk chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter cut into pieces
- 1 cup (120 g) powdered sugar
- 1/4 tsp (1 g) salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 tsp (5 ml) vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup (32 g) all-purpose flour
For Serving
- caramel sauce for drizzle
- vanilla ice cream
- magic shell chocolate topping
Equipment
- Ramekins
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Oven
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Generously spray 4 ramekins (6-ounce) with nonstick spray and set on a baking sheet.
- Add milk chocolate chips and butter to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until melted and smooth (about 1–1 1/2 minutes total).
- Immediately whisk in powdered sugar and salt until blended and no lumps remain. Mixture will thicken.
- Add eggs, egg yolk, and vanilla extract. Whisk gently until smooth and glossy.
- Sprinkle flour on top and fold in gently with a spatula just until no dry patches remain.
- Spoon batter into prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
- Bake in preheated oven for 13–15 minutes, until the sides are set and the center still jiggles when you nudge the ramekin.
- Cool cakes just 2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges, then invert onto serving plates.
- Drizzle caramel onto plates for swoosh effect, place cake on top, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and finish with a drizzle of chocolate shell.
Notes
Batter can be made ahead and stored in greased ramekins, covered, in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking. Baked cakes can be reheated in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes; center may not be molten but will still taste wonderful. Feel free to swap in dark or semi-sweet chips or add a chocolate square or peanut butter cup in the center before baking.
Nutrition
Calories: 510kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 29g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 170mg | Sodium: 172mg | Potassium: 200mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 46g | Vitamin A: 600IU | Calcium: 100mg | Iron: 2mg