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A vegan lava cake sits on a plate with chocolate coming out. There are fresh raspberries on top and beside it. Another plate is barely visible in the background.
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Vegan Choco Lava Cake

Make this Molten Lava Cake with a gooey center for your next gorgeous dessert. These choco lava cakes can also be made gluten-free and vegan!
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Diet Vegan
Prep Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 501kcal

Ingredients

Chocolate Center

  • ½ cup plant-based creamer (or full-fat coconut milk)
  • ¾ cup dairy-free semisweet chocolate chips

Preparing Ramekins

Lava Cake

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour (substitute gluten-free baking flour)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • cup cocoa powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • cup vegetable oil
  • ¾ cup cold water
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Toppings: powdered sugar, fresh raspberries, chocolate syrup, or coconut whipped cream. and/or fresh raspberries

Instructions

For the Chocolate Center:

  • To make the ganache center, place creamer in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat for one minute. Add chocolate chips, stirring to ensure all are coated. Then cover with a plate and set aside for up to 3 minutes. The chocolate chips should be melted. If not, heat in 30-second increments until the chocolate is melted. Stir until creamy and smooth.
    A hand holds a bowl of chopped chocolate, pouring it into a bowl with heated vegan creamer.
  • Cover the melted chocolate and refrigerate (or freeze) until firm enough to handle, at least 30 minutes to an hour. When ready, make 6 chocolate balls. Place the shaped chocolate balls in the fridge while you make the cakes.
    Chocolate ganache balls sit on a white plate next to a bowl of chocolate with a cookie dispenser in it

For Preparing Ramekins:

  • When the ganache is set and you've prepared the chocolate balls, proceed to this step. Preheat oven to 350°F/175°C.
  • Grease 6 ramekins with coconut oil then top with cocoa powder. Tilt the ramekin back and forth to spread cocoa powder across all edges. Tap over the sink to remove any excess. Place these on a baking sheet and set aside.

For the Lava Cake:

  • In a mixing bowl stir together flour, sugar, cocoa, salt, and baking soda.
  • In a smaller bowl combine the vegetable oil, water, and vinegar. Stir to combine.
  • Pour the water mixture into the flour mixture. Stir until combined.
    A hand holds a glass measuring cup full of liquid ingredients and is pouring it into a bowl with a flour and cocoa powder mixture.
  • Spoon half of the batter equally amongst the prepared ramekins. Place one of the chilled chocolate balls in each dish and cover with the remaining chocolate batter.
    Looking down on three ramekins with batter and chocolate balls in each.
  • Place the baking sheet with filled ramekins in the heated oven and bake for 20 minutes or so, until the tops are just set. Let cool 2 to 3 minutes.
  • When the ramekins are cool enough to handle, run a knife around the inside edge to release the cake from the ramekin. Turn the ramekin over onto a dessert plate, and dust with powdered sugar. Top with your favorite fresh berries, like raspberries. I suggest serving these immediately, but they do well the next day, too.
  • To store, let the cakes come to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. They can be frozen in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 75g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Sodium: 380mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 45g | Calcium: 43mg | Iron: 4mg