Name: Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 48 min
Cuisine: Dessert
Ingredients: 50 grams Salted butter (plus 10 grams extra for greasing); 100 grams 70% Dark Chocolate; 1 medium Egg + 1 extra egg yolk (room temperature); 100 grams White caster sugar; 50 grams Plain flour; 10 grams Cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting); 50 grams Fresh strawberries (chopped); 300 grams Fresh strawberries; 200 grams Milk chocolate (chopped); Optional decorations: sprinkles, nuts, white chocolate to drizzle

Print Recipe· 3.8 from 4 reviews

If you are a fan of decadent desserts that combine rich chocolate with the fresh burst of fruit, you are going to absolutely adore this Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe. These little cakes are an absolute dream, featuring molten dark chocolate centers that ooze out as you cut into them, perfectly complemented by the natural sweetness and slight tang of fresh strawberries. They are deceptively simple to prepare but look and taste like you’ve spent hours perfecting a gourmet treat. Once you try this Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to for impressing friends or indulging in a secret dessert night.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up of a white bowl filled with thick, dark brown chocolate cream mixed with small bright red pieces of strawberry. The chocolate cream covers the bottom and the sides of the bowl unevenly, while the strawberry pieces are scattered on top and mixed slightly inside the chocolate. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe is simple and accessible, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating that irresistible texture and flavor. From creamy butter to rich dark chocolate and fresh strawberries, these components come together like a dream team for your taste buds.

Salted butter (50 grams plus 10 grams for greasing): Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb while greasing the ramekins prevents sticking.
70% Dark Chocolate (100 grams): Provides deep, intense chocolate flavor that’s essential for the lava center.
Medium egg plus 1 extra egg yolk (room temperature): Eggs give the cake structure and a gooey yet firm consistency.
White caster sugar (100 grams): Sweetens the batter while helping achieve a light, airy texture.
Plain flour (50 grams): Gives the batter just enough body without weighing it down.
Cocoa powder (10 grams plus extra for dusting): Enhances chocolate flavor and helps create that dark, luscious color.
Fresh strawberries (50 grams chopped plus 300 grams whole): Adds juicy freshness and a fruity contrast to the rich chocolate.
Milk chocolate (200 grams, chopped): For dipping strawberries to add an extra layer of sweetness and texture.
Optional decorations: Sprinkles, nuts, or white chocolate drizzle add charm and crunch.

How to Make Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Start by giving your strawberries a good wash and patting them dry—this is key for the chocolate to stick properly. Melt the chopped milk chocolate slowly, either in short microwave bursts or over a simmering pan, stirring frequently for a glossy finish. Hold each strawberry by the stem and dip it into the warm chocolate, allowing the excess to drip off before placing it on a tray lined with greaseproof paper. While still wet, sprinkle some pink sprinkles or drizzle with white chocolate for a pretty, personalized touch. Let them chill in the fridge until firm; these will be the perfect decorative and delicious topping for your lava cakes.

Step 2: Prepare the Ramekins

Melting that extra 10 grams of butter and using a pastry brush to thoroughly coat the inside of your ramekins is essential in preventing sticking. After the first butter layer, pop the ramekins in the fridge for 10 minutes, then repeat the greasing and generously dust with cocoa powder. This cocoa layer not only keeps the cakes from sticking but also adds an extra chocolate richness to the edges. Consistency matters here so use ramekins of similar size for even baking — ideally around 3.5 inches wide and a little over 2 inches deep.

Step 3: Make the Chocolate Batter

Chop up most of your dark chocolate and combine it with the butter in a heatproof bowl. Melt until smooth, then set aside to cool slightly. In another bowl, whisk together the whole egg, extra yolk, and white caster sugar until the mixture is thick, light, and foamy—this step is what will give your cakes that fabulous lift. Gently fold the melted chocolate into this egg mixture, then sift in the flour and cocoa powder, folding until everything is just combined. Finally, fold in the chopped strawberries for pockets of juicy bursts in each bite.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Fill each ramekin halfway with your batter, then nestle a small square of dark chocolate right in the center of each. This secret chocolate piece is what creates that luscious molten core. Spoon the remaining batter over, smoothing the tops. Chill the ramekins in the fridge for 15 minutes to help everything set before baking. Preheat your oven to 180°C fan (or 200°C conventional) and place a baking tray inside to get hot. Transfer the ramekins onto the hot tray and bake for 16 to 18 minutes, until the tops are set but still soft, and the edges pull away slightly.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Allow the cakes to rest for just a couple of minutes before gently running a knife around the edges and turning them out onto plates. Be careful as the ramekins will be hot! Top each cake with the chocolate-covered strawberries you prepared earlier for a beautiful and mouthwatering presentation. This is when the magic really happens—the molten chocolate oozes out, mingling with fresh strawberry flavors in every spoonful.

How to Serve Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe

The image shows two small white ceramic bowls placed on a white marbled surface. Each bowl is filled with a thick, dark brown chocolate mixture that has a smooth and creamy texture. The bowl in the foreground contains a square piece of dark chocolate with a decorative pattern placed on top of the chocolate mix, while small pale pink pieces are visible within the mixture. The bowl in the background also displays the same chocolate mixture with similar pink pieces partially visible on the surface. The lighting highlights the glossiness of the chocolate and the rustic texture of the bowls. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

While the chocolate-covered strawberries are a classic garnish, don’t be afraid to get creative. A dusting of extra cocoa powder or a sprinkle of crushed nuts adds texture, while a drizzle of white chocolate can add a pop of color and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves or edible flowers bring a touch of elegance and freshness to each plate.

Side Dishes

Pairing your lava cakes with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, lightly whipped cream, or even a fruit sorbet can mellow out the rich chocolate and complement the strawberries perfectly. For a slightly more indulgent experience, serve alongside warm caramel sauce or fresh berry compote. These sides add moisture and extra flavor dimension to your dessert spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider serving your Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe on rustic wooden boards for a cozy feel or on crisp white plates that highlight the contrast of colors. Try placing the cakes on a bed of crushed cookies or garnishing the plate with fresh strawberry slices and a sprinkle of powdered sugar. This elevates the presentation and makes enjoying each bite feel special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers, store the lava cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the molten center will lose some of its gooey charm as the chocolate solidifies—so it’s best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

You can freeze the unbaked batter-filled ramekins before baking to prepare ahead of time. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to one month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed. This is a fantastic way to have a stunning dessert ready at a moment’s notice.

Reheating

Reheat leftover lava cakes gently in a preheated oven at 160°C (320°F) for about 10 minutes until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you want to preserve the delicate texture and molten center—oven reheating helps keep the cake moist while softly melting the chocolate inside again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen strawberries for this recipe?

While fresh strawberries are best for the juiciness and texture, you can use frozen strawberries if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid adding excess moisture to the batter, which could affect the cake’s texture.

What is the secret to getting the perfect lava center?

The key lies in baking time and batter consistency. Using a higher percentage dark chocolate and placing a square of chocolate in the middle creates the molten core, while baking just until the edges set but the center is still soft ensures that gooey lava effect.

Can I make this dessert dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute salted butter for a plant-based butter and use dairy-free dark and milk chocolate alternatives. Make sure the dairy-free chocolate melts smoothly to maintain texture and flavor balance in the cake and dipped strawberries.

How do I prevent the lava cakes from sticking to the ramekins?

Generously greasing with melted butter and dusting with cocoa powder is essential to preventing sticking. Also, using ramekins of consistent size helps the cakes cook evenly, making unmolding easier and flawless.

Can this recipe be doubled?

Absolutely! Just be sure to use appropriately sized baking dishes or multiple ramekins, and keep an eye on baking times as they may vary slightly when scaling up the recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe is an absolute treasure for anyone who loves the luxurious combination of dark chocolate and fresh fruit. It’s elegant enough for special occasions but easy enough to make any day feel extraordinary. I can’t wait for you to try it out and watch the magic of molten chocolate paired with juicy strawberries come alive on your plate. You’re going to fall in love with this dessert all over again every single time you make it!