Gordon Ramsay’s Molten Lava Cake: A Chocolate Dream for Your Family!

Name: Gordon Ramsay's Molten Lava Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 14 min
Total time: 29 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 6 oz (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa); 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter; 3 large eggs; 3 large egg yolks; 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar; 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour; 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional); 1 tbsp espresso powder (optional); Pinch of salt; Butter and cocoa powder (for greasing ramekins)

Posted on February 23, 2026

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This Gordon Ramsay’s Molten Lava Cake comes together in about 30 minutes and is baked to perfection, making it a quick and easy dessert that your family will love! Switch up the chocolate types or add your favorite flavors to suit your taste, or use it as a ‘clean-out-the-fridge’ option if you’ve got leftover chocolate or eggs hanging around!

Ingredients for Gordon Ramsay’s Molten Lava Cake

Gather these simple yet delightful ingredients for an astonishingly decadent dessert:

6 oz (170g) high-quality dark chocolate (60-70% cocoa): Choose the best chocolate you can, trust me, it’ll make a huge difference in flavor!
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter: Real butter is a must for that rich, creamy texture. Margarine just doesn’t cut it here.
3 large eggs: These guys add the perfect fluffiness to the cake.
3 large egg yolks: Adding yolks ensures that ooey-gooey center we all crave.
1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness to balance the bitterness of the dark chocolate.
1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour: This helps hold everything together without taking away from that luscious center.
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional): Adds a warm flavor that complements the chocolate beautifully.
1 tbsp espresso powder (optional): This is a little secret weapon! Espresso brings out the chocolate flavor remarkably.
Pinch of salt: Just a couple pinches here will enhance the sweetness and balance it out.
Butter and cocoa powder (for greasing ramekins): These are crucial for keeping the cakes from sticking.

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Preheat the Oven

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat is crucial for that perfect molten center!

2. Prep Your Ramekins

Grab your ramekins and generously butter them up. Next, dust the insides with cocoa powder to prevent the cakes from sticking. Make sure to coat them well, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!

3. Melt the Chocolate and Butter Together

In a medium bowl, gently melt the chocolate and butter together. You can do this over a double boiler or pop it in the microwave for about 30-second intervals, stirring frequently, until it’s nice and smooth and all melted together. It’s gonna smell so good, you’ll feel like a professional chef already!

4. Whisk Those Eggs!

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, sugar, vanilla, espresso powder (if using), and a pinch of salt until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This typically takes about 3-5 minutes. It’s all about that airy, spirited texture that makes for a luxurious dessert!

5. Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixture

Gently fold your melted chocolate mixture into your egg mixture. You’ll want to do this carefully, so you don’t deflate all that lovely air you’ve whisked into it. Next, sift in the flour and fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing, this isn’t bread; we’re going for a delicate texture!

6. Divide the Batter

Now, divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. If you want, you can chill the batter in the fridge for about 10 minutes, this step is optional but helps to create a firmer outer shell!

7. Bake It Up!

Place the ramekins in your preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set, but the centers are still slightly jiggly. You won’t want to overbake these, keep an eye on them! The smell will be intoxicating; your family will be scrambling to the kitchen!

8. Serve and Indulge

Once done, let them cool for about 1-2 minutes. You can serve them in the ramekins or invert onto plates for a more polished look. Serve them warm and maybe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for that ultimate indulgence. It’s heavenly!

Why I Love This Recipe

This is my go-to recipe when I’m looking to impress guests or just craving a sweet treat. There’s nothing quite like watching the molten chocolate flow out, trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser! I’m a real sucker for desserts that feel fancy but are actually quick and easy to whip up at home. Plus, the best part is how versatile it is, you can incorporate whatever ingredients you have on hand in your pantry!

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Gordon Ramsay Potato Cakes, my Gordon Ramsay Steak with Peppercorn Sauce, or my Gordon Ramsay Salsa Verde!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick & Easy

This recipe is a fantastic treat that comes together in under 30 minutes. You just melt, mix, and bake, simple as that! Perfect for unexpected guests or when that chocolate craving hits after dinner.

Comfort Food

These Molten Lava Cakes are loaded with tons of flavor and made for indulgence. They encapsulate everything that is right about dessert, rich, chocolatey, and oh-so satisfying. It’s the ultimate comfort food, especially on chilly nights or after a long day!

Crowd-Pleaser

Not to brag, but everyone I’ve served this to absolutely loves it. It’s perfect for family gatherings, dinner parties, or simply when you want to treat yourself. Get ready for compliments!

Customizable

You can easily switch up the flavors here. Consider adding some orange zest, or if you’re feeling adventurous, a tablespoon of chili powder for that extra kick! You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prep the batter a few hours ahead of time or even the night before. Just cover them tightly and store in the fridge. Bake them right before you need them for that freshly made feel!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Molten Lava Cake

I like to serve these little treasures warm, allowing that rich chocolate center to ooze out as you cut into them. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side is a must, it melts and combines with the molten chocolate, creating a phenomenal flavor explosion! You can also drizzle with caramel or sprinkle some sea salt for an elevated taste.

1 Storage

If by some miracle you have leftovers, you can store them in the refrigerator (in the ramekins) for about 2-3 days. Just make sure to cover them with plastic wrap so they don’t dry out.

2 Reheating Instructions

To reheat, your best bet is in the microwave, just warm them for 10-15 seconds until they are just warm enough that the center is soft again. Keep an eye on them, and don’t overdo it, or you’ll lose that fantastic gooey center!

3 Freezer Friendly?

Yes! These cakes are freezer friendly! Just wrap them tightly after they’ve cooled completely and pop them in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, let them thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm them up in the oven for the best results!

Final Thoughts

Making Gordon Ramsay’s Molten Lava Cake is a little piece of heaven on a plate. No one will believe you made it at home in just about 30 minutes! It’s truly an impressive dessert that’s so easy to make, proving that you don’t have to be a top chef to create restaurant-quality dishes in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a try, you won’t be disappointed. Trust me, this is one you’ll come back for again and again!

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