Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

Molten, rich, and indulgent—Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate lava cake is the perfect showstopper dessert. With its firm outer shell and irresistibly gooey chocolate center, this restaurant-style treat is surprisingly simple to make at home. It’s a flawless choice for romantic dinners, celebrations, or any time you want to impress with minimal effort.

What is Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake?

Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate lava cake is a decadent dessert made with dark chocolate, butter, sugar, flour, and eggs. Baked just long enough to set the outside while keeping the center molten, it combines the best of cake and hot fudge in a single bite. When you cut into it, warm chocolate flows out like lava—hence the name.

Other Gordon Ramsay Recipes

• Gordon Ramsay Biscoff Shake
• Gordon Ramsay Rhubarb Tart
• Gordon Ramsay Cheesecake
• Raspberry and Lemon Cheesecake
• Gordon Ramsay Buttercream Frosting

Reasons to Try Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Rich and gooey chocolate center – Delivers a molten surprise with every bite.
• Quick to prepare – Ready in under 25 minutes from mixing to baking.
• Elegant yet easy – Looks impressive but made with pantry basics.
• Perfect for special occasions – Ideal for romantic dinners or dinner parties.
• Bake-ahead friendly – Make the batter in advance and bake when ready.
• No mixer required – Just a whisk and a bowl get the job done.

Ingredients Needed to Make Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• 100g (3.5 oz) dark chocolate (70%), chopped
• 100g (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 60g (¼ cup) granulated sugar
• 30g (¼ cup) all-purpose flour, sifted
• Pinch of salt
• Butter and cocoa powder, for preparing ramekins

Optional for serving:

• Icing sugar, for dusting
• Fresh berries or mint leaves
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Instructions to Prepare Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Preheat the oven: Set to 200°C (390°F). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust lightly with cocoa powder. Place on a baking tray.
• Melt chocolate and butter: In a heatproof bowl over simmering water, melt the chocolate and butter together. Stir until smooth, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
• Whisk eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar together until pale and slightly thickened.
• Combine chocolate and egg mixture: Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the eggs, whisking constantly to avoid scrambling.
• Add flour and salt: Gently fold in the sifted flour and salt until just combined. Don’t overmix.
• Divide into ramekins: Spoon the batter evenly into the prepared ramekins.
• Bake the cakes: Bake for 10–12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the centers will still look slightly soft. Don’t overbake.
• Rest briefly and serve: Let the cakes rest for 1 minute, then run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates.
• Add toppings and enjoy: Dust with powdered sugar and serve with berries or a scoop of ice cream.

What Goes Well With Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Vanilla bean ice cream – Cold contrast to the warm center.
• Fresh raspberries or strawberries – Adds tartness and freshness.
• Espresso or strong coffee – Cuts through the richness.
• Salted caramel sauce – A luxurious drizzle.
• Whipped cream with orange zest – For a citrusy balance.
• Chopped roasted hazelnuts – Adds crunch and nutty depth.

Key Tips for Making Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Use high-quality dark chocolate – The flavor of the chocolate is key.
• Grease and dust ramekins well – Prevents sticking and ensures a clean release.
• Don’t overbake – The gooey center depends on precise timing.
• Let it rest for 1 minute before unmolding – Prevents breakage.
• Make the batter ahead – Refrigerate and bake just before serving.
• Use room-temperature eggs – Helps create a smooth batter.
• Sift the flour – Prevents lumps in the final texture.

Creative Variations of Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Add a caramel or peanut butter center – Drop a frozen dollop into the batter.
• Spice it up with chili or cinnamon – Adds warmth and intrigue.
• Use white chocolate chunks inside – For a surprise contrast.
• Serve in espresso cups for mini portions – Great for entertaining.
• Add a splash of liqueur – Like Bailey’s, Kahlua, or orange liqueur.
• Top with sea salt flakes – Enhances the chocolate flavor beautifully.

Storage Guidelines for Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Refrigerate unbaked batter – Keep covered in ramekins up to 24 hours.
• Freeze unbaked cakes – Freeze batter-filled ramekins and bake directly from frozen (add 2 extra minutes).
• Store baked cakes for 1 day – Reheat gently to serve warm.

Reheating Tips for Gordon Ramsay Chocolate Lava Cake

• Oven method: Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Reheat for 5–6 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave (only if needed): Heat for 15–20 seconds, watching closely to avoid overcooking the center.
• Do not overheat: You’ll lose the molten core if cooked too long.

Nutrition Value (per cake):

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 18g
• Protein: 6g
• Sodium: 60mg

FAQs

How do you know when a chocolate lava cake is done?

The edges should be firm, but the center will still look slightly soft. A properly baked lava cake has a set exterior and a gooey, molten interior. Bake for 10–12 minutes and check that the tops are just beginning to puff.

Can chocolate lava cakes be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and fill the ramekins ahead of time. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bring to room temperature before baking or add an extra minute to the baking time if baking from cold.

Why did my lava cake not have a molten center?

If your lava cake is fully cooked through, it was likely baked too long or at too high a temperature. Stick closely to the recipe’s timing and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.

Can I freeze chocolate lava cakes?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked lava cakes in ramekins. Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 weeks. Bake from frozen, adding 2–3 minutes to the bake time for the center to remain molten.

Final Words

Gordon Ramsay’s chocolate lava cake is the kind of dessert that looks and tastes far more complicated than it is. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a luxurious, molten-centered cake that’s guaranteed to impress. It’s chocolate heaven on a plate—every time.

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