Salted Caramel Lava Cake is a rich and luxurious treat that combines deep chocolate flavors with gooey salted caramel. This cake is perfect for special occasions or simply indulging in a sweet, satisfying dessert.

Salted Caramel Lava Cake
Why This Salted Caramel Lava Cake Is the Best
– Deep Chocolate Flavor: The cake layers are rich and fudgy, made with high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate.
– Gooey Salted Caramel: A generous drizzle of salted caramel sauce adds a sweet and salty contrast.
– Moist and Tender Texture: The cake remains soft and moist, ensuring every bite is delightful.
– Beautiful Presentation: The glossy caramel dripping down the sides makes this cake visually stunning.
Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, hosting a dinner party, or simply craving a decadent dessert, Salted Caramel Lava Cake is the perfect choice. The combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of salt makes it a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredient Notes
For the Molten Cake:
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness to the batter and keeps the cakes moist.
- Dark Chocolate: Deep, intense chocolate flavor for a gooey, molten center.
- Dark Brown Sugar: Gives warmth and caramel undertones that deepen the chocolate.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the sweet, chocolatey notes.
- Kosher Salt: Balances sweetness and elevates the flavor of both chocolate and caramel.
- Eggs: Create structure and help achieve that molten texture.
- All-Purpose Flour: Just enough to hold the cake together without making it dense.
- Confectioner’s Sugar: A light dusting for presentation and a touch of sweetness.
For the Caramel:
- Granulated Sugar & Water: Cooked together until golden and bubbling to form the base of the caramel.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the caramel silky and smooth.
- Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and gloss to the finished caramel.
- Kosher Salt: Turns it into a salted caramel dream, enhancing every sweet bite.
Tips for Making the Best Salted Caramel Lava Cake
– Use High-Quality Chocolate: For the best flavor, use premium cocoa powder and dark chocolate.
– Bake Until Just Set: Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist and fudgy.
– Cool Before Adding Caramel: Let the cake cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent melting.
– Garnish Elegantly: Sprinkle flaky sea salt or white chocolate shavings for extra texture and visual appeal.
Serving Suggestions
– With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice with a warm drink for a comforting treat.
– With Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
– With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair with vanilla or caramel ice cream for a delightful contrast.
– With a Drizzle of Extra Caramel: Enhance the flavor with an extra drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
A Must Try
Imagine biting into a slice of this Salted Caramel Lava Cake—each bite filled with rich chocolate, gooey caramel, and a hint of salt. Whether you’re sharing it with family and friends or enjoying it on your own, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Gather your ingredients and create this indulgent treat to impress your loved ones and make any occasion special!
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Salted Caramel Lava Cake
Ingredients
For the Molten Cake:
- 1 stick unsalted butter plus more for greasing
- 7 ounces dark chocolate roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup dark brown sugar
- 1 Tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tsp kosher salt
- 3 eggs
- Confectioner's sugar for dusting
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 Tsp kosher salt
Instructions
Make the caramel:
- In a medium saucepan, add the sugar and 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over medium-high, and let it cook undisturbed (you can gently swirl the pan if needed) until the sugar turns a deep amber color—this should take about 6–8 minutes. Remove from heat and carefully stir in the cream and butter until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool completely.
Prepare the molten cake:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and butter four 6-ounce ramekins to prevent sticking.
- In a heatproof bowl over a double boiler, melt the stick of butter with the chocolate, stirring until smooth and fully combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, vanilla, salt, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy—this takes about 2–3 minutes. Slowly add in the melted chocolate mixture while whisking, then gently fold in the flour until just combined.
- Spoon about â…“ cup of the batter into each ramekin. Add a generous tablespoon of the cooled caramel right into the center of each one, then divide the remaining batter evenly over the top to cover the caramel.
- Bake for 13–15 minutes, just until the edges are set and puffed but the centers still look slightly sunken.
- Let the cakes cool for a minute, then carefully invert onto plates. Dust with confectioners’ sugar and serve warm for that perfect molten center!
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Salted Caramel Lava Cake