Red Velvet Lava Cake Recipe

Craving something rich, romantic, and slightly dramatic? This Red Velvet Lava Cake recipe is your perfect match. With its vibrant red color and velvety texture that melts in your mouth, each bite delivers a burst of warm, gooey chocolate from the center. Ideal for special nights, anniversaries, or just a personal treat, it’s a showstopper that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. The best part? It’s ready in under 30 minutes with basic ingredients!

This is one of my favorite desserts for special occasions—Valentine Shortbread Cookies or Christmas Trifle always feel extra special and indulgent.

Ingredients for Red Velvet Lava Cake 

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup white chocolate chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp red gel food coloring

Optional Toppings

• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla ice cream

Equipment

• 4 ramekins (6 oz each)
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk or hand mixer
• Rubber spatula
• Baking sheet
• Cooling rack

How to Make Red Velvet Lava Cake 

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Lightly butter the inside of each ramekin and dust with cocoa powder. Place ramekins on a baking tray.

Step 2: Melt the butter and white chocolate in a microwave-safe bowl or over a double boiler. Stir until smooth. Let it cool slightly.

Step 3: Whisk eggs and sugar in a separate bowl for about 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy. Mix in vanilla extract and red food coloring. Combine the cooled chocolate mixture with the egg mixture.

Step 4: Sift in cocoa powder, flour, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold the batter until just combined. Avoid overmixing.

Step 5: Divide the batter evenly into the ramekins. Bake for 12–14 minutes. The edges should be firm while the center stays molten.

Step 6: Cool for 1–2 minutes. Run a knife around the edges and invert onto serving plates. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Looking for more tasty cake recipe ideas? Try popular favorites such as Red Velvet Waffles, Cheesecake, and other comfort food classics.

Storage Tips

Fridge: Store leftover cakes (unmolded) in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Reheat: Microwave for 15–20 seconds to reheat.

Pro Tips for The Best Red Velvet Lava Cake 

1. Don’t overbake: Lava cakes should have firm edges but a soft, slightly jiggly center for the perfect molten texture.

2. Prep your ramekins well: Grease them with butter and dust with cocoa powder so the cakes release cleanly and keep their shape.

3. Use room-temperature ingredients: This helps the batter mix smoothly and bake evenly.

4. Choose gel food coloring: Gel maintains a rich red color without thinning the batter like liquid color does.

5. Rest the batter briefly: Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes before baking to improve texture and rise.

6. Serve warm: Enjoy the cakes right away so the center stays lava-like and gooey.

Nutrition 

• Calories: 375 kcal
• Fat: 26g
• Carbs: 30g
• Sugar: 21g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

More Cake Recipes You’ll Love

• Eggnog Pound Cake
• Vanilla Glaze Pound Cake
• Paula Deen Pound Cake
• Pineapple Pound Cake

FAQs

Q: Can I replace white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate?

A: Yes, but it will alter both the flavor and the red hue of the cake.

Can I use a muffin tin if I don’t have ramekins?

A: Absolutely! Use foil or paper cupcake liners and reduce bake time by 1–2 minutes. Try our Banana Bread Muffins recipe. 

Q: Can I freeze the batter?

A: Yes! Pour into ramekins, cover, and freeze. Thaw overnight before baking.

Q: Is vinegar required in red velvet cake?

A: Not always for lava cakes, but a drop can enhance flavor balance if desired.

Conclusion

This Red Velvet Lava Cake proves you don’t need to be a pastry chef to create an elegant, restaurant-worthy dessert. Its luscious texture and molten center make every bite unforgettable. Whether you’re planning a celebration or treating yourself to a cozy dessert night, this recipe is a must-try. Bake it, break it, and enjoy the chocolatey magic! I love red velvet lava cake. Red Velvet Pancakes are one of my favorite cakes, so I think this No-Bake Chocolate Eclair Cake  would be perfect to make for breakfast anytime.

If you make this recipe, I’d love it if you could leave a star rating ★ below. Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram so I can see your creation!