๐Ÿฅ„ Homestyle recipes, tested & loved
๐Ÿฅ˜Recipes by Nani
Dessert

Copycat Chili's Molten Lava Cake

A decadent chocolate cake with a warm, gooey center that tastes just like the restaurant original.

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท July 19, 2026
Copycat Chili's Molten Lava Cake
recipesbynani.com
Prep
10 minutes
Cook
14 minutes
Total
24 minutes
Serves
4

There is nothing quite like cutting into a warm chocolate cake to find a river of melted chocolate waiting for you inside. This dessert is a favorite for special occasions or when you just need a serious chocolate fix.

My best tip for success is to watch your oven closely. Since every oven heats a little differently, start checking for doneness at the ten minute mark so the edges stay firm while the center remains molten.

๐Ÿงบ Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces semi sweet chocolate, chopped
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 large egg yolks
  • 6 tablespoons all purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch of salt
  • Vanilla ice cream for serving
  • Chocolate syrup for drizzling

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and grease four ramekins generously with butter.

  2. 2

    Melt the butter and chopped chocolate together in a microwave safe bowl using short bursts until smooth.

  3. 3

    Whisk in the powdered sugar until combined, then add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time.

  4. 4

    Stir in the flour, vanilla, and salt until the batter is just smooth.

  5. 5

    Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.

  6. 6

    Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the sides are set but the center still looks slightly soft.

  7. 7

    Let the cakes cool for one minute before running a knife around the edges and inverting them onto dessert plates.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of chocolate syrup.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

These cakes are best enjoyed warm straight out of the oven. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge and microwave them for about 20 seconds to get the center gooey again. Do not overbake them or the center will lose that signature molten texture.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like