Molten Lava Cakes (optional GF/DF)
You’re 12 Minutes Away from Chocolate Cake That Tastes Like a Dream…
(...And it can be made gluten, dairy and refined sugar free!)
Ok so let’s get real…You want dessert, but you either 1. Have eaten all the chocolate bars in your house or 2. You don’t buy chocolate bars because if you do, point number 1 happens. I hear you, and fear not, I have solved your dilemma!
This recipe can be made gluten and dairy free, as well as refined sugar free and has no fancy ingredients. It’s just a little something post-dinner, to cure that craving. You know the one…where you need something chocolatey, soft on the outside, gooey in the middle, rich enough to make you forget everything else and just enjoy!
That cake exists. And it takes less than 15 minutes.
Introducing: The melt in the middle chocolate lava cake.
(No eggs, no chocolate bars no fancy ingredients - just pantry basics.)
Prep time: 10 mins
Bake time: 10-12mins
What You’ll Need:
3 tbsp melted butter (melted coconut oil for DF)
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1/3 cup light brown sugar (or coconut sugar if you’re avoiding refined sugar)
1/8 tsp salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp whole milk (plant milk if you’re DF)
1 large egg (egg alternative for vegan: 1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 tbsp water, mixed and rested 5 mins)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour (or GF flour if GF)
Yep. That’s it. No melting, no tempering, no mess.
How to Make Them:
Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). Grease 2 ramekins or muffin molds, and dust them with cocoa powder like you're fancy.
In a bowl, whisk oil and cocoa until smooth. Add sugar, salt, vanilla, and plant milk. Stir like you mean it.
Add the egg. Stir again.
Gently fold in the flour. Don’t overthink it.
Divide the thick, glossy batter into your ramekins.
Bake for 10–12 minutes—edges should be set, but the middle? Still jiggly.
Wait 60 seconds. (Hardest part.) Run a knife along the edges and flip them onto plates.
Optional flex: Drop a spoonful of nut butter or chocolate spread in the center before baking. Instant goo upgrade.
Why This Recipe Works:
No random ingredients.
No complicated techniques.
No guilt.
Just rich, fudgy, gooey cake - with ingredients that don’t require a trip to the shop.
You’ll feel like you’re eating in a fancy restaurant, yet you’re in the comfort of your joggers at home!
Tried the recipe? Tag me on Instagram @standinginthemap - I’d love to see your results!
