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Chocolate Lava Pressure Cake - A Rich, Molten Dessert Made Fast

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings

Ingredients

  • Semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped bar chocolate (6 ounces)
  • Unsalted butter (1/2 cup, plus extra for greasing)
  • Granulated sugar (1/2 cup)
  • Light brown sugar (2 tablespoons, packed)
  • Large eggs (2 whole) and egg yolks (2)
  • Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon)
  • All-purpose flour (1/3 cup)
  • Unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tablespoon, plus extra for dusting)
  • Fine sea salt (1/4 teaspoon)
  • Espresso powder (optional, 1/2 teaspoon, for deeper chocolate flavor)
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)
  • Heavy cream or vanilla ice cream (optional, for serving)
  • Water (1 cup for the pressure cooker)

Instructions

  • Prep the ramekins. Grease 4 to 6 heatproof ramekins (6-ounce size works well) with butter. Dust lightly with cocoa powder, tapping out the excess. This helps the cakes release cleanly.
  • Melt chocolate and butter. In a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler, melt the chocolate and butter together until smooth. Stir gently and let it cool for 2–3 minutes so it’s warm but not hot.
  • Whisk the eggs and sugars. In a separate bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, 2 eggs, and 2 yolks until glossy and slightly thick, about 30–45 seconds. Add the vanilla and stir.
  • Combine the mixtures. Slowly pour the warm chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. You want everything fully combined and silky.
  • Add dry ingredients. Sift in the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and espresso powder if using. Fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  • Fill the ramekins. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
  • Set up the pressure cooker. Add 1 cup of water to the pot. Place a trivet inside. Arrange the ramekins on the trivet. If stacking, place a small piece of foil or a rack between layers to keep them level. Loosely tent the tops with foil to prevent water droplets from landing on the batter.
  • Pressure cook. Seal the lid and cook on High Pressure for 7–9 minutes for a molten center. Thicker ramekins or a larger single dish may need up to 10 minutes. The edges should be set, with a soft, jiggly center.
  • Quick release. When the timer ends, perform a quick release. Carefully remove the ramekins with tongs. Rest them for 1–2 minutes; the carryover heat will finish setting the edges without cooking the center.
  • Serve. Run a thin knife around the edges and invert onto plates, or serve directly in the ramekins. Dust with powdered sugar and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of lightly whipped cream.