Red Velvet Lava Cakes: A Decadent Dessert for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, Red Velvet Lava Cakes are a dessert that never fails to impress. With their rich flavor, beautiful presentation, and gooey chocolate center, they’re sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
Red Velvet Lava Cakes are a perfect choice for romantic dinners, festive celebrations, or when you simply want to impress your guests with a show-stopping treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Visually Stunning: The deep red color of the cake paired with the gooey chocolate center makes these lava cakes look elegant and festive.
- Easy to Make: Despite looking fancy, these cakes are surprisingly simple to prepare with basic ingredients.
- Perfect for Special Occasions: Red Velvet Lava Cakes are ideal for Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or any celebration where you want to serve a romantic and indulgent dessert.
- Customizable: You can switch up the filling, toppings, and presentation to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115g) unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 4 oz (115g) dark chocolate, cut into chunks
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries (optional) for garnish
Step-by-Step Process
- Prepare the Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and dust them lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk melted butter and sugar until combined. Add eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring. Mix well until the batter is smooth and vibrant red.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Fill the Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Push a chunk of dark chocolate into the center of each ramekin and cover it with batter.
- Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center should still be slightly jiggly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the lava cakes cool for 2-3 minutes. Run a knife around the edges of the ramekins and carefully invert them onto serving plates.
- Garnish: Dust the lava cakes with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries, mint leaves, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
Variations
- White Chocolate Filling: Swap out the dark chocolate chunks for white chocolate to create a contrasting creamy center.
- Cream Cheese Filling: For a classic red velvet twist, add a dollop of sweetened cream cheese in the center before baking.
- Nutella Lava Cakes: Replace the chocolate chunks with a spoonful of Nutella for a hazelnut-infused molten center.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for a subtle spicy kick that pairs wonderfully with the chocolate.
FAQs
Can I Make These Lava Cakes in Advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, bring the ramekins to room temperature before placing them in the oven.
What if I Don’t Have Ramekins?
No worries! You can use muffin tins instead. Just make sure to grease them well, and reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
How Do I Know When the Cakes Are Done?
The edges of the lava cakes should be firm and slightly pulled away from the ramekin, while the center should be soft and jiggly.
Can I Use a Different Food Coloring?
Yes, you can use natural food coloring or gel food coloring. Adjust the amount based on the type and brand of food coloring you use.
How to Serve
Red Velvet Lava Cakes are best served warm to enjoy the molten center. Here are a few serving suggestions to elevate your dessert presentation:
- With Ice Cream: Pair the warm lava cake with a scoop of vanilla or cream cheese ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures.
- Fresh Berries: Add a handful of raspberries, strawberries, or blueberries to bring a burst of freshness to the rich cake.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel sauce over the cakes for an extra indulgent touch.
- Whipped Cream: Top the lava cakes with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of chocolate shavings for a classic touch.
Red Velvet Lava Cakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup 120g all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup 150g granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon red food coloring
- 4 oz 115g dark chocolate chunks
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Fresh berries optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter. Dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, combine melted butter and sugar, whisking until smooth.
- Add the eggs, egg yolk, vanilla extract, and red food coloring to the wet mixture. Mix until fully combined.
- Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Push a chunk of dark chocolate into the center of each ramekin and cover it with batter.
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be firm, but the center should remain slightly jiggly.
- Let the cakes cool for 2-3 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and carefully invert them onto serving plates.
- Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries if desired. Serve warm to enjoy the gooey molten center.
