Rich, warm, and deeply chocolatey, this Dutch oven lava cake bakes with a soft molten center and a delicate crackled top for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Ingredients
Chocolate Lava Cake
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 8 ounces semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
Optional for Serving
- Vanilla ice cream
- Fresh berries
- Powdered sugar
Instructions
Prepare the Dutch Oven
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Lightly butter the inside of a small Simmer Down Cookware Dutch oven or a 5-quart Dutch oven.
- Dust lightly with cocoa powder to help prevent sticking.
Melt the Chocolate
- In the Dutch oven over low heat, melt the butter and chopped chocolate together, stirring gently until smooth.
- Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
Make the Batter
- Whisk in the sugar until combined.
- Add the eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and glossy.
- Fold in the flour, salt, and cocoa powder just until combined. Do not overmix.
Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared Dutch oven.
- Bake uncovered for 16–20 minutes, until the top develops a delicate crust while the center remains soft and molten.
- Do not overbake — the center should remain gooey.
Finish and Serve
- Allow the cake to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Spoon warm portions directly from the Dutch oven and serve with vanilla ice cream, fresh berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
Enjoy!