S’mores Lava Cake is the perfect dessert for anyone with a sweet tooth, especially if you love the combination of chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker. Imagine breaking into a warm, gooey cake, and discovering a molten center of melted chocolate and marshmallow. It’s a treat that will instantly become your favorite indulgence, and it’s surprisingly easy to make. So, let’s dive right into the deliciousness of this decadent recipe!
What is S’mores Lava Cake?
S’mores Lava Cake is a unique twist on the traditional lava cake. Instead of just the molten chocolate center, you get an extra layer of gooey marshmallow in the middle, reminiscent of the classic s’mores treat. When baked, the cake has a rich, fudgy texture on the outside, while the inside remains molten with a perfect blend of chocolate and marshmallow. The graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top add the finishing touch, giving it the crunchy element that makes s’mores so iconic. This dessert is indulgent and comforting, offering a warm, gooey center that’s the perfect combination of sweet and rich.
The Origin of S’mores Lava Cake
The traditional s’mores treat originated in the United States in the early 20th century, especially popular in camping settings. The simple, yet beloved treat of roasted marshmallows, chocolate, and graham crackers has become a symbol of outdoor fun and cozy nights by the fire. The idea of adding this familiar combination to a molten lava cake emerged as a modern twist on a classic dessert. Lava cakes, which are also known as molten chocolate cakes, gained popularity in the 1980s when chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten famously introduced the dish at his New York City restaurant. By merging these two ideas, the s’mores lava cake has become a decadent and indulgent way to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of s’mores in a more sophisticated form.
Ingredients for S’mores Lava Cake
For the Cakes:
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
- 6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- ¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
- Pinch of salt
Filling:
- 4 large marshmallows (or ½ cup mini marshmallows)
For Serving:
- Crushed graham crackers
- Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
- Optional: extra toasted marshmallows or ice cream
Step-by-Step Instructions for S’mores Lava Cake
Preheat & Prep:
- Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Grease 4 ramekins (6 oz size) with butter and dust them lightly with either cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers. This ensures that the cakes don’t stick to the sides and adds flavor.
Melt Chocolate & Butter:
- In a heatproof bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate. You can melt them together in the microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring in between, or use a double boiler for a gentler method.
- Stir until the mixture is smooth and fully melted, then set it aside to cool slightly.
Make the Cake Batter:
- In another large bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture becomes thick and pale, about 2 minutes.
- Once the chocolate-butter mixture has cooled slightly, gently stir it into the egg mixture.
- Fold in the all-purpose flour and salt, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this could affect the texture of the cakes.
Assemble the Cakes:
- Spoon half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared ramekins, filling them about halfway.
- Place one large marshmallow (or a few mini marshmallows) in the center of each ramekin.
- Cover the marshmallow with the remaining batter, ensuring each ramekin is filled about ¾ full.
Bake the Lava Cakes:
- Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly soft. This will ensure that the molten chocolate and marshmallow center remains gooey and indulgent.
Cool & Serve:
- Let the cakes cool for about 1 minute before carefully inverting them onto plates. Be gentle, as the cakes are delicate.
- Serve immediately with a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers on top, drizzled with chocolate syrup or melted chocolate, and, if you wish, extra toasted marshmallows or a scoop of ice cream for added indulgence.
Variations of S’mores Lava Cake
While the classic S’mores Lava Cake is absolutely delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and tailor it to your taste preferences:
- Add Espresso: For a deeper, richer chocolate flavor, add a tablespoon of espresso powder to the batter. It enhances the chocolate’s intensity without overpowering the dessert’s sweetness.
- Use Different Marshmallows: If you prefer a more authentic s’mores flavor, use mini marshmallows instead of large ones. This will give you more gooey goodness in the center.
- Caramelized Marshmallows: For an extra toasted flavor, try caramelizing the marshmallows before adding them to the center. You can do this with a kitchen torch or by placing them under the broiler for a few seconds.
- Nutty Twist: Add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for a crunchy contrast to the soft, gooey texture.
- Vegan or Gluten-Free Options: Replace the eggs with a flaxseed mixture, the butter with a dairy-free alternative, and the flour with a gluten-free variety to make this dessert suitable for those with dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about S’mores Lava Cake
1. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Just bring the batter to room temperature before baking it. This makes it a great dessert to prepare in advance for a dinner party or special occasion.
2. What if I don’t have ramekins?
If you don’t have ramekins, you can use oven-safe cups or muffin tins. Just make sure they are well-greased, and keep in mind that the baking time may vary depending on the size of the containers.
3. Can I freeze S’mores Lava Cakes?
Yes, you can freeze the cakes before baking them. Assemble the cakes in the ramekins, cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to bake, just pop them into the preheated oven and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes if needed.
4. Can I use other chocolate types?
Absolutely! You can use milk chocolate or dark chocolate if you prefer a sweeter or more intense flavor. Just keep in mind that it will affect the overall taste of the lava cake.
5. What should I serve with S’mores Lava Cake?
S’mores Lava Cakes are delicious on their own, but you can elevate them by serving them with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or extra marshmallows toasted to perfection. The choice is yours!
Conclusion
S’mores Lava Cake is the ultimate indulgence — a perfect blend of warm, gooey chocolate, marshmallow, and graham cracker goodness. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself to something sweet, this dessert is guaranteed to impress. Its combination of rich chocolate, soft marshmallow filling, and crunchy graham cracker topping creates an unforgettable flavor experience. Follow this simple recipe for a decadent, molten center cake that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Grab your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious desserts you’ve ever made!
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Decadent S’mores Lava Cake Recipe — Rich Chocolate Centers with Gooey Marshmallow and Graham Cracker Goodness
- Total Time: 27 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
S’mores Lava Cake is a unique twist on the traditional lava cake. Instead of just the molten chocolate center, you get an extra layer of gooey marshmallow in the middle, reminiscent of the classic s’mores treat. When baked, the cake has a rich, fudgy texture on the outside, while the inside remains molten with a perfect blend of chocolate and marshmallow. The graham cracker crumbs sprinkled on top add the finishing touch, giving it the crunchy element that makes s’mores so iconic. This dessert is indulgent and comforting, offering a warm, gooey center that’s the perfect combination of sweet and rich.
Ingredients
For the cakes:
½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter
6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
¼ cup (50 g) granulated sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract
¼ cup (30 g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
For the filling:
4 large marshmallows (or ½ cup mini marshmallows)
For serving:
Crushed graham crackers
Chocolate syrup or melted chocolate
Optional: extra toasted marshmallows or ice cream
Instructions
Preheat & Prep:
Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Grease 4 ramekins (6 oz size) with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder or crushed graham crackers.
Melt chocolate & butter:
In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together (microwave in 20-second bursts or use a double boiler).
Stir until smooth; set aside to cool slightly.
Make the batter:
In another bowl, whisk eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla until thick and pale (about 2 minutes).
Gently stir in the melted chocolate mixture.
Fold in flour and salt just until combined — don’t overmix.
Assemble:
Spoon half the batter evenly into the ramekins.
Place 1 marshmallow (or a few minis) in the center of each.
Cover with remaining batter, filling about ¾ full.
Bake:
Bake for 12–14 minutes, until edges are set but the centers are still slightly soft.
Cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert onto plates.
Serve:
Sprinkle with crushed graham crackers, drizzle chocolate syrup, and top with a toasted marshmallow or ice cream scoop if desired.
Notes
For an extra gooey center, slightly underbake the cakes by a minute or two. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of melted chocolate for the ultimate campfire-style dessert experience.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 lava cake
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: S’mores molten cake, chocolate lava cake with marshmallow, s’mores cake, molten chocolate cake, gooey lava cake
