Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes

These Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgence—rich, fudgy chocolate cupcakes with a molten raspberry chocolate center. The combination of deep cocoa flavor and tart raspberry filling creates a luxurious dessert that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or whenever you need a show-stopping treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Molten Chocolate Center – A gooey, melty chocolate-raspberry filling in every bite.
  • Rich & Decadent – Deep cocoa flavor with a moist and tender crumb.
  • Perfect for Special Occasions – Great for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or fancy desserts.
  • Easy to Make – No complicated techniques required!
  • Customizable – Use different chocolate or fillings for variety.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder (unsweetened)
  • Baking powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Unsalted butter (melted)
  • Granulated sugar
  • Brown sugar
  • Eggs
  • Vanilla extract
  • Buttermilk
  • Hot coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Raspberry Chocolate Lava Filling:

  • Dark chocolate (chopped) or chocolate chips
  • Heavy cream
  • Raspberry jam (seedless)
  • Fresh raspberries (optional)

For Garnish (Optional):

  • Powdered sugar dusting
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Chocolate drizzle
  • Whipped cream

Directions

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Chocolate Filling

  1. Heat Cream – In a small saucepan, warm heavy cream over medium heat until steaming (not boiling).
  2. Melt Chocolate – Pour hot cream over chopped chocolate and stir until smooth.
  3. Add Raspberry Jam – Stir in raspberry jam until fully combined.
  4. Chill – Let the mixture cool in the fridge for 20-30 minutes until slightly firm.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cupcake Batter

  1. Preheat Oven – Set to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients – In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. Mix Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, sugars, eggs, vanilla, and buttermilk.
  4. Combine Wet & Dry – Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until smooth.
  5. Add Hot Coffee – Stir in hot coffee until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Assemble & Bake

  1. Fill Cupcake Liners – Spoon 2 tablespoons of batter into each cupcake liner.
  2. Add Raspberry Chocolate Filling – Drop 1 teaspoon of chilled raspberry chocolate mixture into the center of each.
  3. Cover with Batter – Spoon more cupcake batter on top, filling the liners ¾ full.
  4. Bake – Bake for 16-18 minutes, until the tops are set but still slightly soft in the center.
  5. Cool Slightly – Let cupcakes cool for 5 minutes before serving warm for the best molten effect.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

  1. Dust with Powdered Sugar – Lightly dust the tops for an elegant finish.
  2. Add Fresh Raspberries – Place a raspberry on each cupcake.
  3. Drizzle with Chocolate – Melt additional chocolate and drizzle over the cupcakes.
  4. Serve & Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 12 cupcakes
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Chill Time: 20 minutes

Variations

  • White Chocolate Raspberry Lava Cupcakes – Use white chocolate instead of dark for a creamy center.
  • Nutella Lava Cupcakes – Replace raspberry filling with Nutella.
  • Extra Gooey Center – Add a fresh raspberry in the middle before baking.
  • Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze unbaked, filled cupcakes for up to 2 months; bake straight from frozen.
  • Reheating: Microwave for 10-15 seconds to re-melt the center before serving.

FAQs

Can I make these without coffee?

Yes! Replace with hot water or warm milk.

How do I get the best lava center?

Don’t overbake—remove when the tops are just set but the centers are still soft.

Can I use frozen raspberries?

Yes! Just thaw and mash them before adding to the chocolate mixture.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes! Reheat in the microwave to bring back the molten center.

What’s the best way to melt chocolate for drizzling?

Use a double boiler or microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each.

Can I use a different berry?

Yes! Try strawberries, blackberries, or cherries for a fun twist.

How do I prevent cupcakes from sinking?

Avoid overmixing the batter and don’t open the oven door too early.

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark?

Yes, but the lava center will be slightly sweeter.

What’s the best way to serve these for a special occasion?

Pair with vanilla ice cream and a glass of dessert wine for an elegant dessert!

Can I make mini versions of these?

Yes! Use a mini muffin tin and reduce baking time to 10-12 minutes.

Conclusion

These Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes are the perfect combination of rich, fudgy chocolate and tart raspberry filling. Whether for a romantic dessert, a special occasion, or just a chocolate craving, these cupcakes are guaranteed to impress. Try them today and enjoy a luxurious, molten chocolate treat!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Chill Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, French-Inspired

Description

These Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes are rich, decadent, and filled with a warm, gooey raspberry chocolate center. Perfect for Valentine’s Day, special occasions, or anytime you want a luxurious chocolate treat!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Chocolate Cupcakes:

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk (or 1/2 cup milk + 1/2 teaspoon vinegar)
  • 1/2 cup hot coffee or hot water (enhances chocolate flavor)

For the Raspberry Chocolate Lava Filling:

  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup raspberry jam
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

For Garnish:

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate shavings or drizzle

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Raspberry Chocolate Filling

  1. Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming (not boiling).
  2. Pour over chocolate chips and let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  3. Mix in raspberry jam and vanilla extract until well combined.
  4. Let cool slightly, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes, until thickened but scoopable.

Step 2: Make the Chocolate Cupcakes

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
  4. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
  5. Alternately add dry ingredients and buttermilk, stirring gently.
  6. Finally, mix in hot coffee or water (batter will be thin, but that’s normal!).

Step 3: Bake the Cupcakes

  1. Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter.
  2. Scoop 1 teaspoon of the chilled raspberry chocolate filling into the center.
  3. Cover with more cupcake batter, filling each liner ¾ full.
  4. Bake for 18-20 minutes, until the tops are set (don’t overbake!).
  5. Let cool for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

Step 4: Garnish & Serve

  1. Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh raspberries.
  2. Optionally, drizzle with melted chocolate or add chocolate shavings.
  3. Serve warm for a gooey lava center!

Notes

  • Extra lava? Use frozen chocolate ganache centers instead of jam.
  • Want more raspberry flavor? Add ½ teaspoon raspberry extract to the cupcake batter.
  • Make ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and microwave for 10 seconds to reheat.

Leave a Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star