These flourless molten chocolate cakes are so decadent and so simple. They are like THE perfect dessert! Rich and fudgy with warm, gooey centers, crispy edges and crackled tops, these mini cakes are a chocolate lover’s dream!

I love a fuss-free dessert that only looks fancy. This one gets bonus points for being easy to whip up in just 30 minutes. Put this recipe in your back pocket because you’ll be making it again and again. It’s perfect for every occasion and every season!

What makes these cakes so good?

There’s a lot to love about these flourless molten chocolate cakes, that’s for sure! Here’s a few reasons why you’ll love this recipe:

Individually portioned for single servings
Easy to make in 30 minutes or less
Uses just a handful of simple ingredients
Super chocolatey
Naturally gluten free so everyone can enjoy them
Perfect for last minute chocolate cravings and dinner party desserts

Ingredients

This recipe is so easy to make at a moment’s notice. You’ll need just a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry.

Butter
Chocolate
Eggs
Sugar
Cocoa powder
Vanilla

Tips for the best lava cakes

Use the highest quality ingredients you can. Because there are so few ingredients in this recipe, you’ll want to be sure to reach for a good quality chocolate, cocoa powder and vanilla extract. Go for the good stuff!
Use room temperature eggs. This will help the batter incorporate easily. Keep in mind that eggs are easier to separate when they are cold so feel free to separate them ahead of time.
Do not over bake. The warm, molten center of the cakes is what makes this dessert so irresistible. Don’t be tempted to over bake the cakes or they will be dry. I like to add a tablespoon or two of chocolate chips to the bottom of each ramekin for an extra gooey center.

How to make flourless chocolate cakes

These individual chocolate cakes come together in no time. Follow the step-by-step guide below and check the recipe card for ingredients and detailed instructions.

Step 1: Butter 6 mini cocottes or ramekins, coating the bottom and sides. Dust with a little cocoa powder and then tip the container over to let the excess fall out.
Step 2: Melt the butter and chocolate chips until smooth and shiny. Set aside to cool for about 10 minutes.
Step 3: Remove from the heat and add the salt and vanilla. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Add the egg yolks, brown sugar and cocoa powder to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix for 2 minutes until well combined and thickened. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 5: Add the melted chocolate and butter mixture to the egg and sugar mixture. Mix for 20 seconds to combine. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
Step 6: In a separate bowl with a hand mixer, or using a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the egg whites until frothy and thickened. Slowly add the granulated sugar one tablespoon at a time and beat the egg whites until stiff, glossy peaks form.
Step 7: Add half of the egg white mixture to the chocolate mixture and fold with a large spatula until barely combined. Add the remaining egg whites and fold until the batter is fully incorporated and no white streaks remain.
Step 8: Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cocottes and place them on a large baking sheet.
Step 9: Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 12 to 13 minutes or until the tops are puffy and just begin to crack on top.
Step 10: Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes. Grab a spoon and dive right into these warm and gooey cakes!

How to serve flourless chocolate cakes

I love these straight from the oven without any toppings but there’s no shortage of ideas to make them extra fancy.

Top with a sprinkle of cocoa powder
Dust with powdered sugar
Add a scoop of vanilla bean or coffee ice cream
Pile on fresh berries and a dollop of freshly whipped cream

Any way you top them, these flourless molten chocolate cakes are are pure chocolate heaven! I know I say that about a lot of my recipes, but I really mean it friends. Make these. You won’t be sorry. And because they are baked in individual ramekins or coquettes, you don’t even have to feel bad about not sharing.

Happy Baking!

Looking for more chocolate desserts? Try these recipes: