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Decadent Red Velvet Lava Cakes for Two

red velvet lava cakes for two - featured image

These quick and easy red velvet lava cakes feature a rich, velvety texture with a luscious molten chocolate and cream cheese center, perfect for cozy occasions or romantic evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder (preferably Dutch-processed)
  • 3 tablespoons (45ml) buttermilk (or 3 tbsp milk + 1 tsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease two 6-ounce ramekins generously with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar until combined but not grainy, about 30 seconds. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and slightly frothy.
  3. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and salt.
  4. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture using a spatula. Add the buttermilk and red food coloring last, folding gently until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and chocolate chips until combined but still slightly chunky.
  6. Spoon about half the batter evenly into the bottom of each ramekin. Add a dollop (about 1 tablespoon) of the cream cheese and chocolate mixture in the center. Top with the remaining batter, smoothing the surface gently.
  7. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12-14 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will still look slightly soft and jiggly.
  8. Let the cakes cool for 2-3 minutes. Run a knife around the edges if needed, then invert onto dessert plates or serve straight from ramekins. Optionally dust with powdered sugar or serve with vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs for best rise and texture. Do not overmix the batter to avoid tough cakes. Grease ramekins well and dust with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Watch baking time closely to maintain a molten center. For a gooier center, reduce baking time slightly. Quality cocoa powder and chocolate improve flavor and melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet lava cake, molten cake, chocolate lava cake, easy dessert, romantic dessert, quick dessert, red velvet dessert