Molten Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cakes
Individual rich chocolate cakes with a gooey raspberry center that oozes out when cut, perfect for a special occasion dessert. This French-inspired recipe, ready in about 29 minutes, layers bittersweet chocolate, unsalted butter, granulated sugar into a dessert worth slowing down for — great for weekend baking, holiday tables, or any time you want a sweet payoff at the end of a meal. Each serving lands at about 390 calories and feeds 6, so it slots into a weekend bake or a special-occasion dessert tray. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 6 oz, chopped bittersweet chocolate
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 12 whole raspberries fresh raspberries
- 2 tbsp for dusting powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- for dusting ramekins unsweetened cocoa powder
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Equipment for this recipe
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Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Generously butter six 6-ounce ramekins and dust the inside with unsweetened cocoa powder, tapping out excess.
- Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 6 oz chopped bittersweet chocolate with 1/2 cup unsalted butter in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and shiny.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk 3 large eggs with 3/4 cup granulated sugar until thick and pale, about 2 minutes.
- Step 4: Slowly pour the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking to combine, then fold in 1 tsp vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Sift 1/2 cup all-purpose flour over the batter and gently fold until just combined.
- Step 6: Divide half of the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, place 2 whole fresh raspberries in the center of each, then cover with remaining batter.
- Step 7: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the center is still soft and slightly jiggly.
- Step 8: Remove from oven and let cool for 2 minutes, then carefully invert each cake onto a plate. Dust with 2 tbsp powdered sugar before serving immediately to enjoy the molten raspberry center.









