Quick Chocolate Hazelnut Lava Cake

Okay, picture this: you’re craving something chocolatey but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Enter my quick chocolate hazelnut lava cake—basically the superhero of desserts that comes to the rescue in under 30 minutes! Imagine biting into a rich, fudgy cake that oozes warm, nutty chocolate straight out of the oven. The smell alone is enough to make you weak at the knees, like a cozy hug made of cocoa and toasted hazelnuts. And the best part? You don’t have to be a pastry pro to nail it. I’ve got all the tricks to make sure that molten center is perfectly gooey every single time. Ready to impress yourself (and maybe a lucky someone)? Let’s dive in!

Quick Facts

• Yield: Serves 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients

For the Main Dish:

• 6 oz bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup hazelnut spread (like Nutella)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

For the Sauce / Garnish (optional):

• Chopped toasted hazelnuts
• Powdered sugar for dusting
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

How I Make It

Step 1:

First up, preheat your oven to 425°F. Grease four 6-ounce ramekins generously with butter or non-stick spray—this helps the cakes pop right out when they’re done. Then melt the bittersweet chocolate and butter together in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until silky smooth.

Step 2:

Whisk the powdered sugar, eggs, and egg yolks in another bowl until well combined and slightly thickened. Pour this into the chocolate mixture and stir well. Add in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt to bring everything together.

Step 3:

Gently fold in the flour just until the batter looks smooth—don’t overmix or the cake won’t be tender. Now comes the fun part: scoop about half the batter into your ramekins, then drop in a big spoonful of hazelnut spread right in the center. Top with the remaining batter, making sure the hazelnut center stays covered.

Step 4:

Bake these beauties for exactly 12 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the edges should be set and the top slightly puffed, but the middle will still be soft and jiggly. That’s your molten center waiting!

Step 5:

Let the cakes rest for 1-2 minutes, then carefully run a thin knife around each ramekin to loosen. Invert onto dessert plates—they should slide right out in one perfect cupcake-shaped mound with that ooey-gooey core ready to spill.

Step 6:

Sprinkle with chopped toasted hazelnuts and a dusting of powdered sugar for a touch of crunch and pretty presentation. I love serving these with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to cut through the richness.

Variations & Tips

• Substitute the hazelnut spread with peanut butter or almond butter for a different twist.
• If you don’t have ramekins, use an oven-safe muffin tin and adjust baking time slightly (watch closely!).
• Overbaking is the enemy here—if they’re too firm, you lose that lava effect, so start checking a minute early.
• For extra texture, toss in some chopped toasted hazelnuts right into the batter.
• Use high-quality chocolate for the richest flavor and smoothest texture.
• Make sure to grease ramekins well, or line them with parchment rounds for easy release.

How I Like to Serve It

This quick chocolate hazelnut lava cake shines as a romantic date-night dessert, but it’s just as perfect for a last-minute dinner party sweet. When the weather cools down, I adore pairing it with warm spiced coffee or maple latte to bring out the nutty notes. Chocolate lovers, trust me, you’ll want to make this your go-to anytime you need a decadent, cozy treat!

Notes

• Store any leftovers (if you can resist!) covered in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.
• You can use store-bought hazelnut spread or homemade if you prefer less sugar and more pure nut flavor.

Closing: Honestly, this quick lava cake recipe has saved many chocolate emergencies in my house—it’s fast, foolproof, and always feels like a little celebration in every bite.