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Decadent Red Velvet Lava Cakes for Two

red velvet lava cakes - featured image

These decadent red velvet lava cakes feature a molten, velvety chocolate-red center with a subtle tang of cream cheese, perfect for a romantic dessert for two. Quick and easy to make, they deliver rich flavor and a gooey center that feels like a warm hug.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 tablespoons (57g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
  • 1 large egg, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup (42g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tablespoon gel-based red food coloring
  • Pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons (45g) cream cheese, softened
  • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease two 6-ounce ramekins generously with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder.
  2. Make the cream cheese filling: Beat together softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Prepare the cake batter: Whisk melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add the egg and vanilla extract, whisking until fully combined.
  4. Sift in flour, cocoa powder, and salt. Gently fold with a spatula until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
  5. Stir in the gel-based red food coloring until the batter is a vibrant, even red.
  6. Spoon about 3 tablespoons of batter into each ramekin, spreading evenly. Place 1 tablespoon of cream cheese filling in the center of each. Top with remaining batter to cover the filling. Tap ramekins lightly to settle the batter.
  7. Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The edges should be set and slightly puffed, but the center should remain soft and jiggly.
  8. Let the cakes rest for 3 to 5 minutes after baking. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto plates or serve directly from ramekins with optional vanilla ice cream or fresh berries.

Notes

Do not overmix the batter to keep cakes light and fluffy. Use gel-based food coloring for vibrant color without altering texture. Watch oven closely starting at 12 minutes to avoid overbaking. Batter can be prepared ahead and refrigerated; add 1-2 minutes to baking time if chilled. For dairy-free version, substitute butter and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet lava cake, molten cake, romantic dessert, easy dessert, cream cheese filling, chocolate dessert, lava cake for two