Name: Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 11 min
Total time: 21 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter (56g); 100g semi-sweet chocolate, chopped; 1 large egg; 1-2 tbsp granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference); Pinch of salt; 1/4 tsp vanilla extract; 2 tbsp all-purpose flour; 1-2 tsp red gel food coloring (adjust for desired color intensity); Butter to coat the ramekins

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you have a sweet tooth and love a bit of drama on your dessert plate, then this Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe is exactly what your kitchen needs. Picture this: a rich, velvety cake bursting with warm, molten chocolate at the center, wrapped in that signature red hue that’s both romantic and festive. It’s an intimate dessert designed for sharing or simply indulging all by yourself, offering deep chocolate flavor with a subtle hint of vanilla, all wrapped in a tender crumb. Whether it’s a special occasion or a spontaneous treat, these lava cakes deliver a deliciously gooey experience you’ll want to recreate again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl sits on a white marbled texture surface, filled halfway with a dark brown, smooth chocolate batter that has a glossy finish. Inside the bowl, a white silicone spatula with a wooden handle is dipped into the batter, partially covered with the thick mixture. The edges of the bowl have slight traces of batter, and the bowl’s round shape is clearly visible from the top view. The background shows subtle marbling patterns in light grey and white tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, relying on just a handful of essential ingredients that each play an important role. From the luscious butter and semi-sweet chocolate that bring richness, to the red gel food coloring that adds that unmistakable festive charm, every component contributes perfectly to the taste, texture, and visual appeal of these cakes.

Butter (1/4 cup, 56g): Vital for both richness and to grease your ramekins for easy release.
Semi-sweet chocolate (100g, chopped): Melts into a smooth, velvety center that defines the molten cake experience.
Large egg (1): Adds structure and helps create that light, frothy batter texture when whipped well.
Granulated sugar (1-2 tbsp): Provides the right amount of sweetness—adjust to taste for your perfect balance.
Pinch of salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing the sweetness and deep chocolate notes.
Vanilla extract (1/4 tsp): Adds warmth and depth to the overall flavor profile.
All-purpose flour (2 tbsp): Creates just enough structure while keeping the cake tender and allowing the molten center.
Red gel food color (1-2 tsp): This little magic ingredient gives the cakes their iconic red velvet appeal.
Butter for ramekins: To generously coat your ramekins so the cakes pop out perfectly.

How to Make Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ramekins and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to a blazing 450 degrees Fahrenheit for a perfectly timed bake. While it warms up, butter your ramekins generously. This step is crucial because it ensures that the lava cakes release smoothly, maintaining their beautiful shape when you serve them.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Chocolate

Combine the chopped semi-sweet chocolate and butter in a heat-safe bowl. Microwave them in short bursts of 20 seconds, stirring in between until completely melted and silky smooth. This luscious chocolate-butter combo forms the molten core that you simply can’t resist.

Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture

In a separate bowl, add your egg, sugar, salt, and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer, whisk this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes, or until it’s light, frothy, and almost triples in volume. This aeration is what makes your cake light and tender despite its rich center.

Step 4: Combine Chocolate and Egg Mixtures

Gently pour the warm chocolate and butter mixture into your frothy egg base. Whisk carefully to combine everything without losing the airiness you worked so hard to create.

Step 5: Fold in the Flour

Now, sift in the all-purpose flour and use a rubber spatula to fold it in gently. Keeping the folds delicate prevents the batter from deflating and helps your cakes stay soft with that gooey core.

Step 6: Add Red Food Coloring

Introduce the red gel food coloring into the batter, folding it in softly until you reach the shade that makes your heart sing. This step is what turns the chocolate cake into a rich red velvet delight, making it just as stunning as it is delicious.

Step 7: Bake the Cakes

Divide the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins and pop them into your oven. Bake for about 10 to 11 minutes. The edges should be set, while the center retains a little jiggle and shine—a telltale sign that molten lava magic awaits you when you cut in.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cakes to cool for a minute or two in their ramekins—this gives them just enough time to set up without losing that luscious molten center. Then carefully turn them out onto dessert plates, dust a little powdered sugar on top if you like, and get ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe

A small round red velvet lava cake with a deep red crust and a shiny, thick, flowing red center is placed on a white plate with scalloped edges. The cake is cut open, revealing its soft, gooey inside that spreads slightly onto the plate, creating red streaks. The top of the cake is dusted lightly with powdered sugar, adding a white contrast to the rich red. In the background, there is a second similar cake on another white plate, slightly blurred, both resting on a soft white cloth with a subtle checkered pattern. Small sliced strawberries are scattered around the plates on the white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Elegant yet simple garnishes can elevate this dessert to a whole new level. A light dusting of powdered sugar is classic, but fresh raspberries, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprig of mint add bright contrasts in flavor and color. If you want to be indulgent, drizzle a bit of warm white chocolate or a spoonful of cream cheese frosting to highlight the red velvet vibe perfectly.

Side Dishes

Though these cakes stand strong on their own, pairing them with a cool scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream creates a heavenly temperature contrast and adds a creamy texture that complements the molten centers beautifully. Alternatively, fresh berries or a vibrant berry coulis bring a refreshing tartness that balances out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist on presentation, serve your Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe in mason jars or mini cast-iron skillets for a rustic feel. You could even add edible gold leaf or pop them on a fancy tiered dessert tray if sharing at a gathering. The key is to make the moment special and visually enticing—after all, we eat first with our eyes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (which rarely happens!), store the cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep in mind the molten magic might set more firmly once chilled.

Freezing

You can freeze the batter or fully baked cakes for convenience. For batter, divide into ramekins and cover tightly with plastic wrap, then freeze up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh. For baked cakes, wrap individual servings tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.

Reheating

To revive the molten effect after refrigeration or freezing, warm the cakes gently in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 to 7 minutes or microwave in short bursts. This brings back the molten center while keeping the exterior soft and warm.

FAQs

Can I make Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe without food coloring?

Absolutely! While the red color is a signature aspect of red velvet, you can skip the food coloring if you prefer a traditional chocolate molten cake. The flavor will still be delicious, just with a more classic look.

What type of chocolate works best?

Using semi-sweet chocolate provides a nice balance of rich flavor and sweetness that complements the red velvet cake well. You can experiment with bittersweet or even milk chocolate if you want a different flavor profile.

How do I know when the cakes are done baking?

Look for edges that are set and firm but with a center that still jiggles slightly when gently shaken. This wobble indicates the molten lava center is perfectly gooey and ready to be enjoyed.

Can I double this recipe for more servings?

Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in additional ramekins. Keep the same baking temperature and time, but watch closely as ovens vary.

What if I don’t have an electric mixer?

You can still whip the egg mixture by hand. It will take a bit more elbow grease, but whisk vigorously until you achieve a light and frothy texture that rises in volume. Hand whisking helps create the tender crumb necessary for the perfect lava cake.

Final Thoughts

This Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes For Two Recipe is pure magic in dessert form: simple ingredients, quick prep, and that breathtaking molten center that steals the show every time. It’s perfect for cozy nights in, celebrations, or whenever you simply need a little extra sweetness in your life. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy red velvet and chocolate, all in one incredible bite.