Name: Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe
Prep time: 8 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 9 oz Semi-Sweet or Dark Chocolate (60%+ cocoa), chopped; 7.5 oz (15 Tablespoons) Unsalted Butter; 1 teaspoon Instant Espresso Powder (optional); 1 1/2 teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract; 3 Large Eggs; 6 Large Egg Yolks; 189 grams (1 1/2 cups) Powdered/Icing Sugar; 125 grams (1 cup) All-Purpose Flour; 1 Can Oregon Fruit Dark Sweet Cherries, about 4-5 cherries per cake plus extra for garnish; Confectioners Sugar (for dusting); Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving)

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If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that feels indulgent yet is surprisingly easy to make, this Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe is a dream come true. Picture a rich, molten chocolate center oozing out the moment you dig your spoon in, paired perfectly with sweet, juicy cherries that add a burst of fruity freshness. This recipe blends deep, bittersweet chocolate with luscious cherries to create a magical balance of flavors and textures that will have you swooning after the very first bite. Whether you’re impressing guests or treating yourself, this Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe is pure dessert bliss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled surface, filled with small, dark brown chocolate pieces as the base layer, topped with several large chunks of pale yellow butter unevenly placed over the chocolate. The butter pieces show soft, creamy texture and are scattered in different sizes across the top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

There’s a beautiful simplicity to the ingredients in this Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe. Each one plays an essential role in delivering that silky texture, rich chocolate flavor, and the subtle fruity sweetness that makes these cakes so addictive.

Semi-Sweet/Dark Chocolate (9oz): Using chocolate with 60% cocoa or more ensures a deep, rich flavor that’s not overly sweet.
Unsalted Butter (7.5oz): Adds creaminess and helps achieve that smooth molten center.
Instant Espresso Powder (1 tsp, optional): Enhances the chocolate’s depth without adding a coffee taste.
Pure Vanilla Extract (1 1/2 tsp): Gives a warm fragrance and rounds out the flavor profile beautifully.
Large Eggs + Yolks (3 whole eggs + 6 yolks): Provide structure while keeping the cake wonderfully tender and moist.
Powdered Sugar (1 1/2 cups): Sweetens evenly and is easier to fold into the batter for a smooth finish.
All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Just enough to give the cakes a delicate frame without heaviness.
Dark Sweet Cherries (1 can): These juicy gems add bursts of flavor and a beautiful visual contrast against the chocolate.
Confectioners Sugar: Perfect for a light dusting to finish the presentation.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic topping that melts into the warm cake, creating a heavenly combination.

How to Make Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ramekins and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (218°C) and giving your six 8-ounce ramekins a generous coating of butter or non-stick spray. This step is key to making sure your lava cakes lift right out after baking with minimal fuss.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Gently melt your chopped chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave. Stir often to avoid burning and ensure a silky mixture. This forms the rich foundation of your cake’s luscious molten core.

Step 3: Add Flavor Enhancers

Whisk in the instant espresso powder and vanilla extract while the chocolate is still warm. These little additions don’t overwhelm but subtly boost the chocolate’s richness in the final cake.

Step 4: Mix in Eggs and Sugar

Beat in the whole eggs and additional yolks one at a time for maximum creaminess. Stir in the powdered sugar gradually, making sure to keep the batter smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Gently fold in the flour without overmixing. This delicate touch ensures your lava cakes stay soft with a tender crumb around that molten center.

Step 6: Add Cherries and Portion Batter

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared ramekins. Place 4-5 juicy dark sweet cherries on top of each, then lightly press them down so the batter covers the fruit. These cherries add delightful pops of flavor and a lovely texture contrast.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake for approximately 12 minutes, keeping a close eye on them. You want the edges to be set and barely firm while the center jiggles slightly when you gently shake the ramekin. This balance creates the signature molten lava effect.

Step 8: Cool and Unmold

Let your cakes cool for 5 minutes after baking. Use a towel for grip and carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate. If needed, gently loosen the edges with a butter knife or spatula first. Dust with confectioners sugar and serve immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

How to Serve Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a chocolate lava cake on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake is round and dark brown with a slightly rough texture on the outside and is dusted with powdered sugar on top. A piece of the cake is broken off, revealing thick, melted chocolate flowing out from the center, mixed with whole cherries inside the cake. A silver fork holds a piece of the cake with shiny melted chocolate and a cherry on it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While a simple dusting of confectioners sugar and a few fresh cherries make a beautiful garnish, feel free to get playful. Consider adding a drizzle of raspberry coulis or a sprinkle of toasted almonds for extra texture and flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

Classic vanilla ice cream is a no-fail sidekick to molten lava cake, with its cold creaminess contrasting the warm cake perfectly. Fresh berries or a light whipped cream also complement the rich chocolate and cherry pairing wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, serve your chocolate cherry lava cakes on a platter lined with edible flowers or chocolate shavings. You might even hollow out the centers a bit post-bake and fill with cherry jam or a splash of liqueur for a decadent surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheating is simple and just as delicious.

Freezing

You can freeze unbaked cakes in their ramekins by wrapping them well in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freezing for up to one month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking as per the recipe instructions.

Reheating

Warm-up leftover or thawed cakes gently in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as the texture might turn rubbery. The reheated lava cake still delivers a satisfying molten center that will delight.

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of canned?

Absolutely! Fresh cherries work wonderfully and bring a natural brightness, but make sure to pit them before use. Fresh fruit’s water content might slightly alter baking time, so keep an eye on the cakes as they bake.

Is instant espresso powder necessary?

Not at all! The espresso powder simply intensifies the chocolate flavor subtly without adding coffee taste. Feel free to leave it out if you prefer, and your chocolate cherry lava cakes will still be absolutely divine.

How do I know when the lava cakes are done?

Look for set edges that appear firm while the center should still jiggle gently when you nudge the ramekin. This jiggle signals the molten core is gooey and perfect rather than overbaked.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

Yes! You can fill the ramekins and refrigerate them covered for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to whip up a special dessert just when needed.

What can I substitute for powdered sugar?

Powdered sugar provides smooth sweetness and lightness, but you can use superfine sugar or caster sugar as a substitute if needed. Just be sure to sift it well and fold gently to keep the texture delicate.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Cherry Lava Cake Recipe is one of those glorious desserts that feels both special and surprisingly doable any night of the week. Its rich chocolate, juicy cherries, and molten center create a wonderful combination that’s sure to become a favorite in your dessert rotation. Go ahead, give it a try, and prepare to wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to share it with you!