Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

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Craving something warm, full of chocolate, and simple to make? This Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake is about to become your new dessert best friend. While it might “look” complicated, I can assure you that it’s not. In less than an hour, you’ll be enjoying bite after bite of this delicious Instant Pot Lava Cake recipe. Make certain to have a glass of milk handy or a delicious cup of coffee, too!

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Why Make Instant Pot Desserts?

The Instant Pot is the perfect tool for making delicious, gooey chocolate lava cake. The Instant Pot makes it easy to get that perfectly moist and tender texture in your cakes, while also ensuring they cook up quickly and evenly.

Plus, Instant Pot desserts are always a hit with both kids and adults alike, so this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It’s a chocolate lovers dream!

Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy dessert to make on weeknights, or simply need something sweet and indulgent to satisfy your cravings, Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake is sure to deliver. And with its rich, chocolatey flavor and ooey-gooey center, you’ll be coming back to this Instant Pot dessert time and time again.

So what are you waiting for? Indulge your sweet tooth with Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake today!

What Is A Lava Cake?

A lava cake, also known as a molten chocolate cake or chocolate fondant, is a decadent dessert that gets its name from the flowing, “lava-like” liquid chocolate center it has when it’s cut open.

Typically made with chocolate and butter, and sometimes other flavorings such as vanilla or liqueur, a lava cake is a rich, indulgent treat that is perfect for special occasions or as a dessert for dinner parties and other gatherings.

Whether you’re looking for a new Instant Pot recipe to try or simply want to enjoy a chocolatey masterpiece, Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake is sure to satisfy your cravings.

Difference Between Granulated And Powdered Sugar?

There are two main types of sugar used in baking and cooking: granulated sugar and powdered sugar.

Granulated sugar is made by processing crystallized sugar cane into large, chunky crystals that are commonly used in baked goods and other sweet treats.

Powdered sugar, also known as confectioner’s sugar or icing sugar, is made by grinding granulated sugar into a fine powder.

Powdered sugar is commonly used in desserts and frostings, or to add sweetness to drinks like smoothies and milkshakes.

Both types of sugar are generally interchangeable when it comes to baking and cooking, though powdered sugar will typically result in sweeter dishes.

Can You Use Ramekins In The Instant Pot?

You sure can! Ramekins are great to use in the Instant Pot because they’re small and simple to place inside. I use glass ramekins because of their size and I like how easily they tend to clean up afterward, too.

Did you know I was recently  featured as an expert in Porch’s Ask the Pros: Expert Advice for Baking at Home. How cool Is that!

Can I Make Chocolate Lava Cake Without Ramekins?

If you’re looking to make Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake without using ramekins, you can also use a small bundt pan or silicone baking cups. You’ll love this simple chocolate lava cake recipe.

What Size Ramekins For Lava Cake?

The size of the ramekins you choose to use will depend on how many Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cakes you want to make. Typically, one small ramekin is enough to serve one person. However, if you’re looking to feed a crowd, it may be best to use larger ramekins or even bundt pans.

Instant Pot Lava Cake Cooking Times

Instant Pot Lava Cake (recipe makes 12 ramekins)

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: about 10 minutes

Total time: about 20 minutes

Ingredients For Instant Pot Lava Cake

Here are the ingredients for your Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cakes:

• 2 Sticks Unsalted Butter or 1/2 cup butter.
• 6 Eggs
• 2 Egg Yolk
• 2 Cups Semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
• 2 tbs Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 Cup Flour
• 2 Cups Powdered Sugar

How To Make Chocolate Lava Cake In The Instant Pot

Here are the steps for making luxurious chocolate lava cake. It make this Instant Pot Lava Cake recipe easy to follow.

Step One: Melt Chocolate Chips and Butter

In a large microwave-safe bowl, mix your chocolate chips and unsalted butter. Warm the ingredients on high in the microwave at 30 second intervals, stirring between each time until you have melted chocolate.

Step Two: Add Sugar To Bowl

To the large bowl, add your powder sugar. Mix well until incorporated.

Step Three: Whisk Eggs And Add

Next, whisk your eggs and egg yolk together. Add the egg mixture, (eggs and egg yolks) to the chocolate mixture.

Step Four: Add Vanilla and Flour

Add the vanilla extract and flour to your lava cake mixture and mix well.

 Step Five: Spray Ramekins

Spray each of your ramekins with cooking spray. Make sure that the inside is completely coated with the spray. 

Step Six: Add Chocolate Batter To Ramekins

Pour the molten chocolate lava cake mixture into ramekins. Pour until the ramekins are almost completely full.

Step Seven: Prepare Instant Pot Lava Cakes For Pressure Cooking

Using a measuring cup add 1 cup of water to your Instant Pot. Place your trivet inside the instant pot. Set 4 chocolate batter-filled ramekins on the trivet. 

Step Eight: Pressure Cook Chocolate Lava Cakes

Close your Instant Pot by twisting the lid and closing the valve. Set your Instant Pot to high pressure for 9 minutes. It should take about five minutes to come to pressure.

Step Nine: Quick Release Pressure

When the timer is complete, do a quick release on the Instant Pot by opening the valve and pulling it towards you.

Be sure to open the valve with a hot pad or towel to protect your hands from the heat. 

Carefully remove ramekins from the Instant Pot with tongs or oven mitts. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step Ten: Repeat the Process

Pour chocolate mixture into another four ramekins and repeat the cooking process to cook another batch of Instant Pot Lava cakes.

Ensure the correct amount of water is in the inner pot.

This recipe makes 12 cakes in total.

Eat and enjoy with a spoon.

Step Eleven: Garnish And Serve

You can eat these chocolate lava cakes straight out of the ramekin. Or you can place upside down on a plate and allow the cake to slide out from the dish.

Serve the lava cakes on their own or shower it with powdered sugar, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, or vanilla ice cream!

Serve immediately for the molten lava effect. Eat and enjoy your hot cake with a spoon. It’s chocolate therapy on a plate.

Will The Chocolate Lava Become Hard As It Cools?

The chocolate won’t officially get harder, but it will become thicker as it cools down. If you’re wanting that liquid chocolate center, you’ll want to eat it while it’s warm. But if you’re wanting more of a pudding texture, this is when you’ll want to let this chocolate lava cake Instant Pot recipe cool all the way.

Instant Pot Lava Cake Variations

You can make several variations of Instant Pot Lava Cake by changing up the ingredients. Some possible variations include:

Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Add 1/2 cup of smooth peanut butter to the bowl before mixing.

Salted Caramel And Chocolate Lava Cake

Add 1/2 cup or a little salted caramel sauce to the bowl before mixing.

Chocolate Nut Instant Pot Lava Cake

Adding chopped nuts to the chocolate lava cake batter.

Tuxedo Chocolate Lava Cakes

Try using different types of chocolate chips or bars, such as white chocolate, dark chocolate, or milk chocolate.

Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake With Peppermint

Trying adding different flavors of extract, such as peppermint for a refreshing minty twist.

Almond Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake

Swap out butter for almond butter to create a rich and nutty flavor.

Do I Need To Cover The Prepared Ramekins With Alu­minum Foil?

No, you do not need to cover the Instant Pot lava cakes with aluminum foil when preparing them in a ramekin. However, if you prefer to cook your cakes in a bundt pan or springform pan, it is recommended that you cover these pans with aluminum foil before adding them to the Instant Pot

Can I Use Cocoa Powder Instead Of Chocolate Chips?

Yes, you can use cocoa powder instead of chocolate chips in this Instant Pot chocolate lava cake recipe.

Replace the 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with 3 tablespoons of unsweetened cocoa powder and reduce the amount of sugar to 1/4 cup. You may need to thin out the mixture a bit using water or milk if it is too dry.

Do Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cakes Need To Be Refrigerated?

No, Instant Pot chocolate lava cakes do not need to be refrigerated, as long as they are eaten within a day or two of being made.

If you are storing them for longer than this time frame, it’s best to refrigerate them in an airtight container. Just wait to sprinkle on any toppings, like powdered sugar or whipped cream, until you are ready to serve.​

How To Reheat Chocolate Lava Cake In The Microwave

To reheat Instant Pot chocolate lava cake in the microwave, simply place a single serving on a plate and heat on high for 10-20 seconds, or until the desired temperature is reached.

To add extra flavor and moisture to your cake, you can also drizzle it with melted butter or a small amount of warm milk before heating.​ It’s one of those delicious recipes the family will love.

Can Molten Lava Cakes Be Frozen?

Yes, Instant Pot chocolate lava cakes can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To freeze your cakes, allow them to cool completely and then wrap each individually in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container or bag.

To reheat your Instant Pot lava cake after freezing, place it on a plate and microwave on high for 30-60 seconds, or until warmed through.

Is Lava Cake Gluten Free?

Yes, Instant Pot lava cake is gluten-free, making it a suitable dessert option for those with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities.

To make sure your cake stays gluten-free, be sure to use all certified gluten-free ingredients in the recipe and check that your Instant Pot is free of any trace amounts of gluten before using it.

What Restaurant Has Lava Cakes?

If you’re interested in comparing your homemade Instant Pot Lava cakes to restaurant lava cakes then try one of these:

• Dominos Lava Cake
• Omaha Steaks Chocolate Lava Cake
• Chilis Chocolate Molten Lava Cake

Can Dogs Eat Chocolate Lava Cake?

While chocolate lava cake can be a delicious and satisfying dessert for humans, it should not be given to dogs due to the presence of chocolate. Chocolate contains a compound called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs and can cause serious health problems if ingested. If you suspect that your dog has eaten chocolate lava cake, contact your vet immediately.

More Instant Pot Cake Recipes

Here are some more Instant Pot cake and cheesecake recipes you will love:

• The Best Instant Pot Cheesecake Recipes
• Instant Pot Orange Cake
• Instant Pot Blueberry Cheesecake
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Cake
• Instant Pot Chocolate Cake
• Flourless Chocolate Cake Instant Pot Recipe
• Instant Pot Apple Spice Cake
• Instant Pot Funnel Cakes
• Instant Pot Angel Toffee Cake
• Instant Pot Turtle Cheesecake Bites
• Instant Pot Creme Brulee Cheesecake
• Instant Pot Carrot Cake Truffles
• Instant Pot Crumble Topping Cheesecake