Description
If you’re looking for a dessert that brings the ultimate indulgence, your search ends here. The Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake delivers warm, rich chocolate encasing a molten core, infused with the deep, bold flavour of espresso. When you slice into it, the centre flows out like a river of luscious chocolate — it’s dramatic, decadent, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe elevates the classic lava cake by adding a hint of espresso, which intensifies the chocolate flavour and adds a subtle coffee backing note.
Ingredients
For the cakes:
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing ramekins
6 oz (170 g) dark or semisweet chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 tbsp instant espresso powder (or strong instant coffee)
½ tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
Optional garnishes:
Powdered sugar
Fresh berries
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
1. Prep the Ramekins
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Butter 4 (6-ounce) ramekins thoroughly and dust with cocoa powder (this helps the cakes release easily).
Set on a baking sheet.
2. Melt Chocolate & Butter
In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate and butter.
Melt gently over a saucepan of simmering water (double boiler method) or in 20-second microwave bursts, stirring until smooth.
Stir in the espresso powder and vanilla. Let cool slightly.
3. Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, yolks, and sugar until thick and pale (about 2 minutes).
Gently fold in the melted chocolate mixture.
Sift in flour and salt, folding just until combined — don’t overmix.
4. Bake
Divide batter evenly among the ramekins (about ¾ full).
Bake 11–13 minutes, until edges are set but centers are still soft.
Let cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates.
5. Serve
Dust with powdered sugar, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and serve immediately while warm and molten inside.
Notes
This Chocolate Espresso Lava Cake is a rich and indulgent dessert with a gooey, molten center. For an extra decadent touch, serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dusting of cocoa powder, or a sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the chocolate and espresso flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American/European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 350
Keywords: Espresso Lava Cake, Molten Chocolate Espresso Cake, Chocolate Coffee Lava Cake, Gooey Espresso Chocolate Dessert