Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake (Gooey Chocolate)
Chili’s Molten Chocolate Lava Cake is the ultimate restaurant dessert – a warm chocolate cake with a gooey center, crowned with ice cream and a crackly chocolate shell. This copycat recipe brings that show-stopping treat to your kitchen, and the molten middle is easier to nail than you think.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Warm cake with a gooey molten center
- That signature ice cream and chocolate shell finish
- Restaurant-worthy dessert in under 30 minutes
- Make-ahead friendly for entertaining
Copycat Chili's Molten Lava Cake
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 425F and grease four ramekins.
- Microwave the chocolate chips and butter in 30-second bursts, stirring, until smooth.
- Whisk in the powdered sugar, then the eggs and yolks, vanilla, and finally the flour until just combined.
- Divide among the ramekins and bake 13-14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle.
- Cool 1 minute, invert onto plates, and top with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate shell. Serve warm.
Notes
Tips for the Best Chili’s Lava Cake
- Underbake slightly – the centers should still jiggle when you pull them
- Grease the ramekins well so the cakes release cleanly
- Bake just before serving for the gooiest center
- Use good-quality chocolate for the richest flavor
Storage & Reheating
You can fill the ramekins and refrigerate up to a day ahead, then bake just before serving (add a minute since they start cold). Baked cakes are best enjoyed warm and fresh.
Variations to Try
- Add a square of chocolate in the center for an extra molten core
- Use a chocolate magic shell for the authentic crackly topping
- Dust with powdered sugar and fresh raspberries
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the molten center?
Underbake the cakes slightly – the edges should be set but the middle still jiggly. Overbaking turns the center into regular cake.
Can I make lava cakes ahead?
Yes. Fill the ramekins and refrigerate up to a day, then bake just before serving, adding about a minute to the time.
What chocolate is best?
A good semisweet chocolate gives the richest, most balanced flavor for that classic lava cake taste.
