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Pioneer Woman Chocolate Lava Cake

Pioneer Woman Chocolate Lava Cake - recipe card
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This decadent chocolate lava cake in a mug has a fudgy, gooey molten center that contrasts beautifully with its tender, cakey edges. Inspired by classic lava cakes, this version is made in a single mug for a quick, satisfying dessert. Rich, dark, and intensely chocolatey, it’s perfect for a cozy night in.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 large chocolate truffle or 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, chopped (for the center)

Instructions

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, and fine sea salt. This dry mixture ensures an even distribution of the leavening and flavoring agents, preventing lumps of cocoa in the final cake.
  2. Add the whole milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Whisk until the batter is smooth and no dry streaks remain. Be careful not to overmix, as that can develop gluten and result in a tougher cake.
  3. Lightly coat a 12-ounce microwave-safe mug with nonstick cooking spray or a small amount of butter. This will help the cake release from the mug after cooking.
  4. Pour the batter into the prepared mug. Smooth the top with a small spatula or spoon.
  5. Gently push the chocolate truffle or chopped chocolate into the center of the batter until it is just covered. This is the secret to the molten lava effect.
  6. Microwave the mug on high power for 60 to 90 seconds. The cake is done when the edges look set and firm, but the center still appears slightly wet and shiny. Cooking times can vary based on microwave wattage.
  7. Allow the cake to rest in the microwave for 1 minute after cooking. This residual heat continues to cook the center while the edges set, ensuring a gooey lava flow.
  8. Carefully remove the mug from the microwave (it will be hot) and let it cool for another minute. Then, enjoy directly from the mug, or invert onto a plate for a more elegant presentation. Serve immediately to experience the full molten center.

Notes

Storage: This dessert is best enjoyed immediately. Reheating: If you have leftovers (unlikely!), you can microwave for 10-15 seconds to warm it up, but the center may not be molten anymore. Freezing is not recommended.

Nutrition

Keywords: chocolate lava cake, microwave lava cake, mug cake, molten chocolate cake, single serving dessert, quick dessert, easy chocolate cake, gooey chocolate, 5-minute dessert, mug dessert

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-chocolate-lava-cake/