Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Heavenly Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet raspberry chocolate melts into a decadent surprise that promises pure indulgence.

Molten centers create magic inside these delightful little treats.

Rich cocoa powder blends seamlessly with fresh raspberries for an unexpected twist.

Chocolate lovers understand the pure bliss of unexpected flavor combinations.

Each bite reveals a luscious center that bursts with fruity complexity.

Baking these cupcakes becomes an adventure of culinary creativity.

You’ll want to impress everyone with this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Grab a fork and prepare for an unforgettable taste experience.

Why Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes Are a Hit

  • No advanced baking skills required, making this recipe accessible for home cooks of all levels.
  • Create a restaurant-worthy dessert that looks and tastes sophisticated, guaranteed to wow your partner.
  • Combine kid-approved chocolate with fruity raspberry for a crowd-pleasing treat that delights both children and adults.

What You Need for Raspberry Lava Cupcakes

Chocolate Mixture:
  • Heavy Cream: A rich dairy base that helps create a smooth, creamy ganache for the lava filling.
  • Chocolate Chips: Melts into a rich, velvety chocolate sauce that forms the gooey center of the cupcakes. Dark or semi-sweet chocolate works best for a deep flavor.
Fruit and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Raspberry Jam: Adds a sweet-tart fruity dimension to the chocolate filling. Choose a high-quality, seedless jam for a smooth texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its warm, aromatic notes. Pure vanilla extract provides the best taste.
Chilling Component:
  • Refrigeration Time: Allows the chocolate mixture to set and develop the perfect lava-like consistency. Ensures the filling will be scoopable and have the right texture for the cupcakes.

Steps for Gooey Raspberry Lava Centers

Step 1: Create Luscious Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat until steaming. Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir gently until the mixture becomes silky smooth. Mix in raspberry jam and vanilla extract until fully incorporated. Allow the ganache to cool slightly, then refrigerate for 20-30 minutes until it reaches a thick but scoopable consistency.

Step 2: Prepare Cupcake Batter

  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt
  • Large eggs
  • Vegetable oil
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Combine dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together wet ingredients until well blended. Slowly fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light and tender.

Step 3: Fill Cupcake Liners

Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners. Fill each liner about 2/3 full with batter. Use a small spoon to create a well in the center of each cupcake.

Step 4: Add Chocolate Ganache Center

Scoop a small amount of chilled ganache into the center of each cupcake. The ganache will create a molten chocolate core when baked.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out clean. The center should still look slightly soft.

Step 6: Create Raspberry Drizzle

  • Fresh raspberries
  • Powdered sugar

Crush raspberries and mix with powdered sugar to create a vibrant drizzle.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let cupcakes cool for 5-10 minutes. Drizzle with raspberry sauce and dust with additional powdered sugar if desired. Serve warm for the ultimate lava cake experience.

Tips for Baking Cupcakes with Melting Centers

  • Cream Temperature Control: Warm the cream gently to extract maximum flavor without scorching, watching for steaming but avoiding boiling.
  • Chocolate Melting Mastery: Allow chocolate chips to sit in hot cream for exactly 2 minutes to create a silky, lump-free ganache with perfect consistency.
  • Flavor Boost Technique: Add raspberry jam and vanilla extract carefully to enhance the chocolate's richness and create a complex taste profile.
  • Chilling Strategy: Refrigerate the ganache for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to achieve a spreadable texture that's not too firm or runny.
  • Texture Perfection Tip: Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and prevent separation in your chocolate raspberry filling.

How to Store and Serve Lava Cupcakes

  • Store leftover cupcakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping them fresh and moist.
  • Allow cupcakes to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften the chocolate and restore their gooey texture.
  • Warm individual cupcakes for 10-15 seconds on medium power, watching carefully to prevent overheating and maintain their lava-like center.
  • Wrap each cupcake separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag, where they'll keep well for up to 1 month for longer storage.

Foods and Drinks to Enjoy with Lava Cupcakes

  • Pair these decadent raspberry chocolate lava cupcakes with a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or a sweet Port wine. The rich, fruity notes complement the chocolate's intensity and raspberry's tartness.
  • Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. The cool, smooth texture balances the warm, gooey chocolate center perfectly.
  • Sprinkle toasted almond slivers or chopped pistachios on top for added texture. These nuts provide a delightful crunch and earthy undertone that elevates the dessert's complexity.
  • Accompany with a smooth espresso or a rich cappuccino. The coffee's robust flavor cuts through the sweetness and enhances the chocolate's depth.

Raspberry Lava Cupcake Flavor Variations

  • Vegan Chocolate Raspberry Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut cream, use dairy-free chocolate chips, and swap raspberry jam with chia seed raspberry compote for a plant-based version.
  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Berry Treat: Use gluten-free flour blend, replace wheat-based ingredients with almond or coconut flour, and ensure all chocolate is certified gluten-free.
  • Low-Sugar Berry Chocolate Cupcakes: Substitute regular chocolate chips with sugar-free dark chocolate, use stevia-sweetened raspberry preserves, and reduce overall sugar content while maintaining rich flavor.
  • Keto-Friendly Chocolate Raspberry Mini Cakes: Replace sugar with erythritol, use high-fat cream, select dark chocolate with minimal carbs, and incorporate almond flour for a low-carbohydrate alternative.

Lava Cupcake FAQ Help

  • What makes the ganache filling special?

The combination of rich chocolate chips and cream creates a silky, indulgent ganache that melts beautifully inside the cupcakes, while raspberry jam adds a tangy, fruity twist.

  • Can I use different types of chocolate for the ganache?

Yes, you can experiment with dark, milk, or semi-sweet chocolate chips depending on your preference. Each type will bring a unique flavor profile to the ganache.

  • How do I ensure a smooth ganache texture?

Always let the hot cream sit with chocolate chips for 2 minutes before stirring, and stir gently until completely smooth. This technique helps prevent lumps and creates a perfectly creamy consistency.

  • Is the raspberry jam necessary for the recipe?

While optional, the raspberry jam adds a bright, fruity dimension that complements the chocolate wonderfully. If you’re not a fan of raspberry, you could substitute with another fruit jam like strawberry or cherry.

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Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes Recipe


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4.7 from 11 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 12 1x

Description

Indulgent raspberry chocolate lava cupcakes melt hearts with their rich, gooey centers and tangy berry notes. Dark chocolate and fresh raspberries create a luxurious dessert experience that will delight your senses and sweeten any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients (Flour and Chocolate Base):

  • ¾ cup (180 milliliters) all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup (50 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 2 large eggs

Sweeteners and Liquid Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup (150 grams) granulated sugar
  • ½ cup (100 grams) brown sugar
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) hot coffee or hot water
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
  • ¼ cup (60 milliliters) raspberry jam
  • Fresh raspberries
  • Powdered sugar
  • Chocolate shavings or drizzle

Instructions

  1. Gently warm the cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, watching carefully to prevent boiling, until it reaches a steaming point.
  2. Remove from heat and pour the cream directly over the chocolate chips, allowing the mixture to rest undisturbed for two minutes.
  3. Whisk the cream and chocolate together until a silky, uniform ganache forms, ensuring no lumps remain.
  4. Incorporate the raspberry jam and vanilla extract, stirring thoroughly to create a harmonious flavor profile.
  5. Transfer the ganache to a container and place in the refrigerator, allowing it to cool and set for 20-30 minutes until it reaches a spreadable, scoop-like consistency.
  6. Periodically check the ganache, gently stirring to maintain an even texture and prevent hardening around the edges.

Notes

  • Chill the ganache thoroughly to achieve the perfect lava-like consistency for filling the cupcakes.
  • Use high-quality dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content for a rich, intense chocolate flavor that complements the raspberry.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend to make the cupcakes celiac-friendly.
  • Enhance the raspberry notes by adding a splash of Chambord liqueur to the ganache or using fresh raspberries as a garnish for extra fruity brightness.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 12
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 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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