Molten Chocolate Lava Brownies are a rich, decadent dessert that combines the fudgy texture of a brownie with a gooey, molten chocolate center. These indulgent treats are perfect for chocolate lovers and can be served warm with ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra special touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Decadent – A perfect balance between a fudgy brownie and a molten chocolate cake.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this an approachable dessert.
- Impressive Presentation – The flowing chocolate center creates a visually stunning and indulgent experience.
- Perfect for Special Occasions – Ideal for dinner parties, date nights, or celebrations.
- Customizable – You can enhance the flavor with different fillings like caramel, peanut butter, or fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dark chocolate
- Unsalted butter
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease ramekins or a muffin tin.
- Melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
- Whisk the eggs and sugar in a separate bowl until light and fluffy.
- Combine wet ingredients by slowly adding the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture while stirring continuously.
- Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt, folding gently until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains soft.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 1-2 minutes before carefully running a knife around the edges to loosen.
- Invert onto a plate and serve immediately with ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 individual brownies
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Salted Caramel Lava Brownies: Add a teaspoon of caramel sauce in the center of the batter before baking.
- Peanut Butter Lava Brownies: Swirl in peanut butter for a nutty twist.
- Raspberry Chocolate Lava Brownies: Place a fresh raspberry or raspberry jam in the center before baking.
- Spiced Chocolate Lava Brownies: Add a pinch of cinnamon or chili powder for a warm, spicy flavor.
- White Chocolate Lava Brownies: Substitute dark chocolate with white chocolate for a unique variation.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheating: To restore the molten center, warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds before serving.
FAQs
How do I know when the brownies are done?
The edges should be set, but the center should remain soft and slightly jiggly. Overbaking will result in a fully set brownie without the molten center.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but milk chocolate is sweeter and may affect the overall richness of the dessert. Reduce the sugar slightly if using milk chocolate.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
Why did my lava brownies not have a molten center?
They may have been overbaked. Reduce the baking time slightly or check your oven temperature to ensure accuracy.
Can I make these in a muffin tin instead of ramekins?
Yes, a muffin tin works well, but be sure to grease it properly for easy removal.
What is the best way to serve molten chocolate lava brownies?
They are best served warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Can I freeze molten chocolate lava brownies?
Yes, you can freeze them after baking. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes.
How do I make the brownies gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour.
Can I add extra chocolate inside for more lava?
Yes, placing a piece of chocolate in the center of the batter before baking can enhance the molten effect.
What if I don’t have ramekins?
You can use a well-greased muffin tin or even oven-safe cups as an alternative.
Conclusion
Molten Chocolate Lava Brownies are the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. With their rich, fudgy texture and irresistible molten center, they offer a luxurious treat that is surprisingly easy to make. Whether you enjoy them plain or with a scoop of ice cream, these brownies are sure to impress.
Print
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Molten Chocolate Lava Brownie is an indulgent, rich dessert featuring a fudgy brownie with a molten chocolate center that oozes with every bite.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup chocolate ganache
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease ramekins or muffin tins.
- Melt butter and chocolate together until smooth.
- Whisk in sugar, eggs, and vanilla.
- Stir in flour, salt, and cocoa powder.
- Pour batter into ramekins, filling halfway, then spoon a tablespoon of chocolate ganache in the center.
- Cover with more batter and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Let cool slightly before serving warm.
Notes
- Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American