Indulge in the rich, decadent goodness of a one-pot recipe that delivers a warm, gooey chocolate lava cake in just one skillet! This easy dessert is perfect when you want a restaurant-quality treat with minimal effort.
With its molten center and perfectly baked edges, this cake is a dream for chocolate lovers. Plus, making everything in a single skillet means less cleanup and more time to enjoy every bite.
Why This Chocolate Lava Cake Is a Must-Try
This one-pot chocolate lava cake is all about convenience and indulgence in one dish. No extra bowls, mixers, or special molds—just one skillet and simple ingredients to create a dessert that’s:
- Quick and easy – No complicated techniques, just mix, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for two – A small-batch dessert made just right for sharing.
- Rich and decadent – The ultimate treat for chocolate lovers.
- Minimal cleanup – One skillet does all the work!
The Secret to a Perfect Molten Center
The star of this dessert is its soft, molten center, and achieving this gooey perfection is all about balance. Here’s how to get it right:
- Baking time is key – Overbaking will result in a regular cake texture, so keep an eye on the timer.
- Use high-quality chocolate – Dark or bittersweet chocolate provides the best rich flavor.
- Brown sugar adds depth – A small amount enhances the molten center’s richness.
- Rotate the skillet halfway through baking – Ensures even cooking and a consistent texture.
One Skillet, Less Cleanup
Who says homemade desserts have to be messy? This one-pot recipe is made entirely in one skillet, making it as effortless to clean as it is to prepare.
- Melt butter and chocolate in the skillet – No extra bowls needed.
- Mix the batter directly in the pan – Saves time and dishes.
- Bake in the same skillet – Straight from stovetop to oven for convenience.
Customizing Your Chocolate Lava Cake
Make this one-pot chocolate lava cake your own with these easy customizations:
- For a bolder flavor, add a splash of espresso or coffee.
- Like a sweet-salty contrast? Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
- Prefer a different chocolate? Swap in white or milk chocolate.
- Need it gluten-free? Use almond or oat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
- Extra indulgence? Serve with whipped cream, berries, or vanilla ice cream.
Serving & Storing Tips
This dessert is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, but if you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can store them in an airtight container for later.
- To reheat: Place it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore the molten center.
- For a perfect presentation: Dust with powdered sugar, drizzle with chocolate sauce, or top with a scoop of ice cream.
This one-pot recipe is the ultimate way to enjoy a rich, homemade chocolate lava cake without the extra dishes. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple treat-yourself moment, this easy skillet dessert is guaranteed to impress!
Chocolate Lava Cake for Two One-Pot Dessert Recipe Made Simple
Equipment
- 8-inch oven-safe skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ounce bittersweet chocolate chopped coarse
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder divided
- 5 tablespoons 2 ¼ ounces granulated sugar, divided
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- Pinch of table salt
- ¼ cup 1 ¼ ounces all-purpose flour
- ½ cup boiling water
Instructions
- Preheat and Melt: Adjust oven rack to the middle position and preheat oven to 325°F. In an 8-inch oven-safe skillet, melt butter, chocolate, and 1 tablespoon cocoa powder over low heat, stirring frequently until smooth (about 2 minutes). Remove skillet from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cocoa-Sugar Mixture: In a bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons cocoa powder. Break up any clumps of brown sugar with your fingers.
- Mix Batter: Whisk together milk, egg yolk, vanilla, baking powder, salt, and the remaining ¼ cup granulated sugar into the cooled chocolate mixture. Slowly whisk in flour until just combined. Sprinkle the prepared brown sugar mixture evenly over the batter, covering the entire surface. Pour boiling water over the brown sugar layer.
- Bake: Scrape down the exposed sides of the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake uncovered for about 25 minutes, rotating the skillet halfway through. The cake is done when it begins to pull away from the sides of the skillet and the top is just firm to the touch.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the skillet from the oven and transfer it to a wire rack. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with whipped cream.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.