Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes Recipe

Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes Recipe Sweet Indulgence

Crafting mini chocolate lava bundt cakes might seem like a culinary mountain to climb, but trust me, it’s simpler than you think.

Sweet magic happens when molten chocolate centers burst through delicate cake walls.

Professional pastry skills aren’t required for this decadent dessert adventure.

Rich cocoa aromas will drift through your kitchen, promising pure indulgence.

Silky chocolate rivers hidden inside tender cake shells create instant dessert drama.

Each bite promises a surprising inner warmth that melts hearts faster than the cake itself.

Grab your apron and let this delightful recipe become your next kitchen triumph.

Tips for Getting the Perfect Molten Center

  • Grease Generously: Use a pastry brush to coat every nook and cranny of the mini Bundt pan with melted butter, then dust with cocoa powder to ensure easy cake removal.
  • Temperature Matters: Ensure oven is fully preheated to 425F (220C) for perfect lava cake texture and even baking.
  • Chocolate Quality Counts: Select high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for rich, intense flavor and smoother melting.
  • Serve Immediately: Enjoy these lava cakes right after baking to experience the ultimate gooey, molten chocolate center that oozes beautifully when cut.
  • Customize Toppings: Garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar, fresh berries, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to elevate the dessert's presentation and taste.

Keep Leftover Lava Cakes Rich and Soft

  • Store leftover lava cakes in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Cool them completely before placing in the container to prevent condensation.
  • Wrap individual cakes tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months without losing their delicious flavor or texture.
  • Warm cakes at 300F for 10-12 minutes. This gentle heat helps restore the gooey chocolate center without overcooking.
  • Heat individual cakes for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Watch carefully to maintain the luscious molten chocolate core.

What Goes Great with Lava Bundt Cakes

  • Complementary Flavor Companions
  • Select a rich, full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that matches the cake's intense chocolate depth, enhancing the dessert's decadent profile with smooth tannins and deep fruity undertones.
  • Drizzle a vibrant raspberry sauce around the lava cake to introduce a tart, bright contrast that cuts through the chocolate's richness and provides a refreshingpalate-cleansing element.
  • Add a scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm lava cake, creating a temperature and texture contrast where the cold, creamy vanilla softens the hot, molten chocolate center.
  • Garnish with a light drizzle of salted caramel sauce, which introduces a sophisticated sweet-salty dimension that amplifies the chocolate's complexity and adds an elegant finishing touch.

Lava Cake Variations to Try Next Time

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Lava Cakes: Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour or gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegan Chocolate Molten Cakes: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, and use dairy-free chocolate and plant-based butter alternatives.
  • Low-Sugar Chocolate Eruption Bundts: Substitute sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia, and use dark chocolate with higher cocoa content for reduced sugar.
  • Nutty Chocolate Core Bundts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor, perfect for nut lovers seeking texture variation.

Mini Chocolate Lava Cake FAQs

  • How does the lava center stay liquid?

The chocolate ganache is placed in the center of the cake batter before baking, creating a molten core that remains soft and gooey when the cake is baked.

  • Can I make these cakes ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and fill the Bundt pan in advance, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just bring to room temperature before placing in the oven.

  • What type of chocolate works best for the lava center?

Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that creates a smooth, liquid center when baked.

  • Is a mini Bundt pan necessary for this recipe?

While a mini Bundt pan creates the classic shape, you can use ramekins or a muffin tin as alternatives if you don’t have a specialty pan.

Why Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes Are Crowd-Pleasers

  • Individual bundt cakes create an elegant, restaurant-style dessert that looks impressive yet requires minimal skill to create.
  • The gooey chocolate center appeals to both children and grown-ups, making it a universally loved treat for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
  • Minimal ingredients and simple steps mean even novice bakers can achieve a decadent, professional-looking dessert without complex techniques.

What to Gather for Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes

Cake Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and soft texture for the cake.
  • Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Large Eggs: Bind ingredients and add moisture to the cake.
  • Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
  • Whole Milk: Adds richness and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the chocolate flavor with warm, sweet notes.
Chocolate Filling:
  • Dark Chocolate: Creates the molten lava center with intense chocolate flavor.
  • Unsalted Butter: Helps create a smooth, melting chocolate filling.
Coating and Garnish:
  • Cocoa Powder: Used for dusting the pan and adds extra chocolate depth.
  • Powdered Sugar: Perfect for a light, decorative finish on the cakes.

How to Bake These Gooey Chocolate Cakes

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

Step 2: Prepare the Bundt Pan

  • Melt butter
  • Brush the mini Bundt cake pan thoroughly with melted butter
  • Dust the pan with cocoa powder to ensure easy cake removal

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Sift these ingredients together in a large mixing bowl to eliminate any lumps and create a smooth mixture.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vegetable oil
  • Vanilla extract

Whisk these ingredients in a separate bowl until well blended and slightly frothy.

Step 5: Create Cake Batter

Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Gently fold until just combined. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light, tender texture.

Step 6: Prepare Chocolate Lava Center

  • Chocolate chips
  • Heavy cream

Melt chocolate chips with cream in a double boiler or microwave, stirring until smooth and glossy.

Step 7: Fill Bundt Pan

  • Spoon half the cake batter into prepared pan
  • Add a dollop of chocolate lava center
  • Cover with remaining cake batter

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Place pan in preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until edges are set but center remains slightly soft.

Step 9: Cool and Serve

Let cakes rest in pan for 5 minutes. Carefully invert onto serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.

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Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes Recipe

Mini Chocolate Lava Bundt Cakes Recipe


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4.5 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Chocolate lovers rejoice with these mini chocolate lava bundt cakes, a delightful dessert that melts hearts and palates. Rich molten centers flow like liquid gold, promising an indulgent experience you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Chocolate Components:

  • 4 ounces (113 grams) semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped
  • ½ cup (115 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ¼ cup (30 grams) all-purpose flour

Sweeteners and Eggs:

  • ½ cup (100 grams) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Components:

  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa powder
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream
  • Fresh berries (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to a toasty 425°F (220°C), ensuring a perfect baking environment for decadent chocolate treats.
  2. Meticulously prepare mini Bundt cake molds by generously coating the interior with melted butter, then delicately dust with cocoa powder to guarantee effortless cake release.
  3. Melt dark chocolate and butter together in a double boiler, stirring gently until the mixture transforms into a glossy, smooth liquid with a luxurious sheen.
  4. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until the combination becomes light, airy, and pale, creating a voluminous base for the cake batter.
  5. Carefully fold flour and a pinch of salt into the egg mixture, blending with smooth, deliberate strokes to maintain the batter’s delicate airiness.
  6. Gradually incorporate the molten chocolate mixture into the batter, creating a rich, uniform consistency that promises intense chocolate flavor.
  7. Divide the silky batter evenly among the prepared mini Bundt molds, filling each approximately three-quarters full to allow room for elegant rising.
  8. Slide the filled molds into the preheated oven and bake for 12-14 minutes, watching for a slightly crisp exterior while maintaining a lusciously soft center.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to rest for 2-3 minutes, enabling them to set and develop their signature molten core.
  10. Gently invert the molds onto serving plates, tapping carefully to release the individual chocolate lava cakes, revealing their decadent, oozing centers.
  11. Optional: Dust with powdered sugar or garnish with fresh berries to enhance the visual and flavor profile of these miniature chocolate delights.

Notes

  • Grease your mini Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cakes release smoothly without breaking.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer, more intense molten center that creates a luxurious chocolate flow when cut.
  • Create perfectly gooey centers by slightly underbaking the cakes, checking doneness around 12-14 minutes to maintain that signature lava cake texture.
  • For gluten-free variation, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free baking blend to make the recipe accessible to more dessert lovers.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 410
  • Sugar: 32 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 5 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Jamie Granger

Jamie Granger

Recipe Developer & Food Writer

Expertise

  • Fusion Cuisine Development
  • Recipe Development and Food Styling
  • Culinary Writing and Content Creation
  • Nutrition and Healthy Cooking​

Education

Culinary Institute of America

  • Degree: Associate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasis on flavor development, classic and contemporary culinary techniques, menu design, and global cuisine preparation; combined with food-service management, communication, and finance training; and immersive hands‑on restaurant operations through paid industry internships.

Jamie Granger turns ingredients into memories. With her recipes, she brings a fusion-forward flair to every creation. 

Her dishes reflect the places she’s explored, the chefs she’s learned from, and the deep connection she has to food as a form of expression. 

At Pass and Provision, Jamie develops recipes that balance flavor, health, and beauty, meals that don’t just satisfy your appetite but speak to your curiosity.

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