Ever wanted to wow everyone with a dessert that's both drool-worthy and kind of good for you? Meet your new best friend: homemade chocolate lava cakes with that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth center. These cakes aren't just packed with chocolatey goodness, but they've got some healthy twists, too. So you can enjoy them without feeling too guilty! Make this chocolate lava cake recipe today!
Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe with a Healthy Twist
Who says you can't enjoy a decadent dessert and stick to your health goals? After all, it's all about balance!
If you're a chocolate lover looking to indulge without the guilt, you're in luck! Today, I am going all out to share with you the ultimate chocolate lava cake recipe.
This isn't just any dessert; it's bursting with rich cocoa flavor and a gooey molten center that will make you want to lick your plate clean.
But don't just take my word for it - let's dive into the delicious details!
Ingredients needed:
Making this chocolate molten lava cake is surprisingly easy and requires just a few simple ingredients.
Here’s a bit more about what I used:
- Coconut Oil: This healthy fat is a great alternative to butter! Adding it to the chocolate chips helps create a smooth and creamy texture when you melt it.
- Chocolate Chips: The star of the show! I used 60% dark chocolate chips because they are rich in antioxidants and have less added sugar compared to milk chocolate. However, feel free to use whatever type of chocolate you prefer. I used Hu Kitchen chocolate chips to keep this recipe paleo!
- Eggs: You'll need both whole eggs AND egg yolks for this recipe. The extra yolks add richness and help achieve that perfect molten center. Plus, eggs add moisture and help bind the ingredients together for the perfect cake consistency.
- Coconut Sugar: This unrefined sugar is a great alternative to regular white sugar. It adds a touch of sweetness without being overly processed.
- Almond Flour: For this recipe, I used almond flour instead of traditional all-purpose flour. Not only is it gluten-free, but it also adds a nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of vanilla extract adds a subtle depth of flavor to the cake.
- Salt: A pinch of salt helps enhance all the flavors and balances out the sweetness. There's just something about chocolate and salt that makes them the perfect match!
Kitchen tools required
Here’s a bit more information about what I used to make these chocolate lava cakes...
- 8-ounce ramekins (you'll need four of them)
- Parchment paper
- Small mixing bowl
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
For measuring, you will need a ⅓ cup, ¼ cup, and a ½ teaspoon.
How to make a chocolate lava cake
Start out by cranking your oven up to 425°F, and make sure to grease the ramekins really well.
Note: I like to pop a small round piece of parchment paper at the bottom of each ramekin to make the cakes come out easily.
Grab a small bowl and add some chocolate chips and a bit of coconut oil. Heat it in the microwave in 30-second bursts until it's all melted and smooth.
Then, pour the melted chocolate into a bigger bowl. Crack two whole eggs and add one extra yolk for good measure. Whisk that together, then mix in some coconut sugar and a splash of vanilla for that sweet, sweet flavor.
Next up, stir in almond flour and a pinch of salt to bring it all together.
Divide this batter evenly among the ramekins. Place them in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes.
Note: You're looking for a jiggly top but not raw.
Give them a minute to cool off a bit. Then, grab a knife and run it around the edges to loosen up the cakes. Place a small plate on top of each ramekin, then, with oven mitts or a towel (safety first!), flip the cake onto the plate. Wait for about 30 seconds before lifting off the ramekin.
Finish off by dusting with powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and some raspberries for that chef's kiss.
And there you have it!
Recipe Tips
Below are some common questions about chocolate lava cake. If you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, leave a comment at the bottom of this post!
What can I use instead of ramekins for lava cake?
Ramekins are the traditional dish used to make lava cakes, but you can also use small oven-safe bowls or even a muffin tin. Just be sure to grease them well and adjust the baking time accordingly.
Why do my lava cakes stick to the ramekin?
Make sure to grease your ramekins really well with butter or oil and try using parchment paper at the bottom. Don't forget to run a knife around the edges before flipping.
How do I know when my lava cake is done?
You want to make sure the top of the cakes are jiggly but not raw. If you insert a toothpick, it should come out mostly clean with some moist crumbs attached.
Can I make this chocolate lava cake recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep them up to a day in advance. Just cover them with plastic wrap and store them in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
Can I freeze chocolate lava cakes?
Yes, you can freeze them before or after baking. Just make sure they are tightly wrapped and properly stored in an airtight container. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature before serving.
Storing leftovers
If you somehow manage to have leftovers (I know, it's hard to resist eating them all at once!), you can store the cakes in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Just reheat in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before you eat them. Trust me, they are just as delicious reheated!
You don't want to reheat them too long as it will overcook the molten center.
If you liked this recipe, you’ll want to try these!
Here are some of my favorite chocolate recipes you should make next. Enjoy!
- Brown Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Chocolate Protein Mug Cake
- Healthy Chocolate Fudge Recipe
- Paleo Chocolate Pecan Pie
- Healthy Chocolate Sheet Cake
Recipe by Erin Morrissey and Photos by The Mindful Hapa
If you tried this recipe or any other recipes on my blog, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Follow @erinliveswhole on Instagram and tag me in any of the recipes you make so I can repost them!
Healthy Chocolate Lava Cakes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 425F and grease 4 8oz ramekins well. I also placed a small round piece of parchment paper in the bottom of each to ensure easy release.
- In a small bowl, add chocolate chips and coconut oil. Melt in 30 seconds increments until fully melted.
- Pour into larger bowl and whisk in two eggs and one egg yolk. Then whisk in coconut sugar and vanilla.
- Stir in almond flour and salt.
- Divide evenly into 4 ramekins.
- Bake for 12 minutes or until top is jiggly but not wet looking. Let rest one minute.
- Use a knife to run around the edge of the ramekin. Add a small plate on top of the ramekin and using oven mitts or a towel, flip cake upside down. Let rest 30 seconds before removing the ramekin.
- Top with powdered sugar, vanilla ice cream, and raspberries.
Nutrition
Notes
- Grease Ramekins Well and Use Parchment: Make sure to grease your ramekins really generously and add a small round piece of parchment paper at the bottom of each one. This is the key to getting those gorgeous cakes to release cleanly without sticking.
- The Top Should Jiggle, Not Look Wet: You're looking for a top that's set and jiggly, not raw-looking — this is your signal that the outside is baked through while the gooey molten center is still perfect. Overbaking means no lava!
- Prep Ahead for Stress-Free Entertaining: You can assemble these in their ramekins up to a day in advance and keep them covered in the fridge. Just pop them straight into the oven when you're ready, which makes them totally doable for a dinner party.
