Skillet Chocolate Cake
Rich, decadent, and perfectly gooey, this Skillet Chocolate Lava Cake is everything you love about restaurant-style molten chocolate cake made easily at home. Baked in one 8-inch skillet, it features crisp edges with a warm, flowing chocolate center that's perfect with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
- 8 oz high-quality dark chocolate (226 g), (60–70% cacao), finely chopped
- ½ cup unsalted butter (113g)
- 2 tbsp Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 tsp espresso powder
- ¾ tsp granulated sugar (150g)
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 large egg yolks room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (63g) or gluten-free flour
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Generously butter an 8-inch oven-safe skillet, making sure the bottom and sides are evenly coated. Set aside.
- Place the chopped chocolate and butter into a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval until completely melted and smooth.
- Alternatively, melt using a double boiler. Allow the mixture to cool for about 5 minutes.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, egg yolks, and vanilla extract.
- Whisk for about one minute until the mixture becomes lighter in color.
- Slowly pour the cooled chocolate mixture into the egg mixture while whisking continuously. Mix until completely smooth.
- Add flour, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold everything together until no dry flour remains. Do not overmix.
- Pour the batter into the prepared skillet. Spread evenly using an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Lightly tap the skillet on the countertop once or twice to remove large air bubbles.
- Bake for 17–21 minutes. The edges should look fully baked while the center still has a gentle jiggle.
- The middle should remain glossy. Do not overbake.
- Remove from the oven. Allow the skillet to rest for exactly 5 minutes. This finishes cooking the edges while keeping the center molten.
- Top with vanilla ice cream, berries, chocolate curls, or whipped cream.
- Serve immediately while the center is warm and flowing.
Notes
Nutritional Information (Approximate Per Serving)
Serving Size: 1 of 6 servings| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 485 |
| Total Fat | 31g |
| Saturated Fat | 18g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 11g |
| Trans Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 152mg |
| Sodium | 220mg |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sugar | 34g |
| Protein | 7g |