Short Description
Mini chocolate lava Bundt cakes are rich, decadent, and filled with a gooey, molten chocolate center. These individual-sized desserts are perfect for special occasions, date nights, or when you need an indulgent chocolate fix!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and gooey – A fudgy cake exterior with a molten chocolate core.
- Easy to make – Simple ingredients and quick prep.
- Perfect portion size – Individual Bundt cakes for easy serving.
- Customizable – Add extra flavors like espresso, caramel, or liqueur.
- Elegant and indulgent – A restaurant-quality dessert at home.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Cakes:
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Dark chocolate (chopped) or chocolate chips
- Eggs
- Egg yolks
- Granulated sugar
- Vanilla extract
- All-purpose flour
- Cocoa powder
- Salt
For the Lava Center:
- Dark chocolate (small chunks or ganache)
Optional Garnishes:
- Powdered sugar
- Fresh berries
- Whipped cream
- Chocolate sauce or caramel drizzle
Directions
Make the Cake Batter:
- Preheat oven – Set to 400°F (200°C) and grease mini Bundt cake pans.
- Melt chocolate and butter – In a microwave or double boiler, melt butter and chocolate together. Stir until smooth.
- Whisk eggs and sugar – In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, yolks, sugar, and vanilla until light and creamy.
- Combine ingredients – Stir the melted chocolate into the egg mixture.
- Mix dry ingredients – Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold until smooth.
Assemble and Bake:
- Fill Bundt molds – Spoon batter into prepared pans, filling halfway.
- Add lava center – Place a chocolate chunk in the center of each cake and cover with more batter.
- Bake – Bake for 10-12 minutes until the edges are set but the center is slightly soft.
- Cool briefly – Let sit for 2 minutes, then carefully invert onto plates.
- Serve immediately – Dust with powdered sugar and add toppings as desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 mini Bundt cakes
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 12 minutes
- Total time: 22 minutes
Variations
- Espresso chocolate – Add 1 teaspoon espresso powder for a rich flavor.
- Peanut butter lava – Use a peanut butter chocolate center.
- Salted caramel – Fill with caramel and a pinch of sea salt.
- Dairy-free option – Use dairy-free butter and chocolate.
- Gluten-free version – Swap flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze unbaked cakes and bake fresh when needed.
- Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the molten center.
FAQs
Can I use a regular muffin tin instead?
Yes! Just adjust baking time to 9-10 minutes.
How do I know when they’re done?
The edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly.
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?
Yes, but dark chocolate gives a deeper flavor.
What’s the best way to remove cakes from the pan?
Let them cool slightly, then gently tap the pan and invert.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I make a large lava Bundt cake?
Yes, but bake for 15-18 minutes and check for doneness.
How do I get an extra gooey center?
Use frozen chocolate ganache instead of a chocolate chunk.
What toppings pair well with these cakes?
Fresh berries, vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream work beautifully.
Can I add liqueur for extra flavor?
Yes! Add a splash of Baileys, Kahlúa, or Grand Marnier.
How do I keep the lava center from overcooking?
Bake at a high temperature and remove as soon as the edges are set.
Conclusion
Mini chocolate lava Bundt cakes are a decadent, rich dessert with a gooey, irresistible center. Perfect for special occasions or a chocolate lover’s dream, these cakes are easy to make and guaranteed to impress. Try them today for a warm, melty treat!
PrintMini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 mini Bundt cakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, French
Description
These Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes are rich, decadent, and filled with a gooey molten chocolate center. Perfect for a special dessert or romantic treat, these individual-sized cakes are easy to make and irresistibly delicious!
Ingredients
For the Cakes:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 oz semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 large egg yolks
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
For Greasing the Pan:
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
For Serving:
- Powdered sugar (for dusting)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
- Fresh berries (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Brush a mini Bundt cake pan with melted butter and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate & Butter
- In a heatproof bowl, melt butter and chocolate together in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth.
- Let cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, egg yolks, sugar, and vanilla extract until light and frothy.
- Slowly whisk in the melted chocolate mixture.
- Gently fold in flour, cocoa powder, and salt until just combined.
Step 4: Bake the Lava Cakes
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini Bundt pans.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still slightly jiggly.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Let the cakes cool for 1-2 minutes, then carefully invert onto plates.
- Dust with powdered sugar and serve with vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.
Notes
- Extra Gooey Center: Reduce baking time by 1 minute for a more molten center.
- No Bundt Pan? Use ramekins or a muffin tin instead.
- Storage: Best served fresh, but leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated in the microwave for 20 seconds.
- Flavor Twist: Add 1 tsp espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor.