5-Minute Quick Chocolate Lava

Featured in: Simple Sweet Treats

This chocolate lava features a rich, molten center encased in a soft cake, baked quickly in the microwave. Combining butter, cocoa, and a touch of vanilla, it offers deep chocolate flavor in just five minutes. Ideal for sharing, this dessert delivers warmth, gooeyness, and sweetness with minimal effort, perfect for last-minute indulgence or cozy treats. Serve warm with powdered sugar or fresh berries for added delight.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 15:00:00 GMT
Warm, rich 5-Minute Chocolate Lava Cakes, oozing chocolate, perfect for a quick, decadent dessert. Save to Pinterest
Warm, rich 5-Minute Chocolate Lava Cakes, oozing chocolate, perfect for a quick, decadent dessert. | nibbro.com

An irresistibly gooey chocolate lava cake, ready in just minutes, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings without breaking the bank.

I remember surprising my partner with this quick dessert after a long day, and it instantly became our favorite treat.

Ingredients

  • Wet Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 large egg, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Dry Ingredients: 4 tablespoons granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking powder, Pinch of salt
  • Chocolate Center: 2 squares (about 20 g) dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)

Instructions

Step 1:
Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl or large mug (about 20 seconds).
Step 2:
Add the sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract to the melted butter. Whisk until smooth.
Step 3:
Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined and no lumps remain.
Step 4:
Divide the batter evenly between two small microwave-safe ramekins or mugs.
Step 5:
Press one square of chocolate into the center of each ramekin, covering it with batter.
Step 6:
Microwave each ramekin separately on high for 45–60 seconds, or until the edges are set but the center remains slightly soft.
Step 7:
Allow to cool for 1 minute before serving. Enjoy warm for a gooey lava center.
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| nibbro.com

This dessert always brings us together for a cozy moment sharing the warm chocolate lava cake.

Notes

Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar a scoop of vanilla ice cream or fresh berries For a richer flavor use a mix of milk and dark chocolate

Required Tools

Microwave-safe ramekins or mugs Whisk or fork Measuring spoons

Allergen Information

Contains eggs milk (dairy) gluten (wheat) Dark chocolate may contain traces of nuts or soy check packaging for specifics Always verify ingredient labels if you have allergies

Gooey dark chocolate center revealed in this easy 5-Minute Quick Chocolate Lava Cake for two, ideal for date night. Save to Pinterest
Gooey dark chocolate center revealed in this easy 5-Minute Quick Chocolate Lava Cake for two, ideal for date night. | nibbro.com

This quick chocolate lava cake is the perfect last-minute dessert to impress without stress.

Recipe FAQs

How do I ensure the lava center stays gooey?

Microwave the cake just until edges are set but the center appears slightly soft. Avoid overcooking to keep the molten texture.

Can I use a different type of chocolate?

Yes, dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa is recommended, but mixing milk and dark chocolate can enrich the flavor.

What if I don’t have ramekins?

Use any microwave-safe mugs or small bowls to prepare the batter and cook the lava cake.

Is it possible to prepare this dessert ahead of time?

Best enjoyed warm immediately after cooking, but you can prepare the batter in advance and cook just before serving.

How can I enhance the presentation or taste?

Top with powdered sugar, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or fresh berries to add contrast and extra appeal.

5-Minute Quick Chocolate Lava

A quick, luscious chocolate dessert with a gooey center, perfect for satisfying sweet cravings fast.

Prep Time
3 minutes
Cook Time
2 minutes
Total Duration
5 minutes
Created by Evan Brooks


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 2 Portions

Diet Preferences Meatless

What You'll Need

Wet Ingredients

01 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
02 2 tablespoons whole milk
03 1 large egg
04 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Dry Ingredients

01 4 tablespoons granulated sugar
02 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
03 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
04 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
05 Pinch of salt

Chocolate Center

01 2 squares (about 20 g) dark chocolate, minimum 60% cocoa

How-To Steps

Step 01

Melt Butter: Melt the unsalted butter in a microwave-safe bowl or large mug on high for approximately 20 seconds.

Step 02

Combine Wet Ingredients: Whisk the sugar, milk, egg, and vanilla extract into the melted butter until the mixture is smooth and consistent.

Step 03

Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Add the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the wet mixture. Stir gently until fully combined without lumps.

Step 04

Divide Batter: Evenly distribute the batter between two small microwave-safe ramekins or mugs.

Step 05

Insert Chocolate Center: Press one dark chocolate square into the center of each container, then cover with remaining batter.

Step 06

Microwave Cooking: Cook each ramekin separately on high in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds until the edges are set and the center remains soft.

Step 07

Cool and Serve: Let the cakes cool for 1 minute before serving to achieve a warm, gooey center.

Tools You'll Need

  • Microwave-safe ramekins or mugs
  • Whisk or fork
  • Measuring spoons

Allergy Info

For allergen concerns, review each food item and check with your healthcare provider.
  • Contains eggs, milk, gluten (wheat); dark chocolate may contain traces of nuts or soy.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutritional values are for reference and aren't a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Kcal: 270
  • Fats: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 5 g