Red velvet lava cake is the ultimate indulgence—a dessert that combines the rich, velvety flavor of red velvet cake with a molten, gooey chocolate center. This irresistible treat is perfect for special occasions like Valentine’s Day, anniversaries, or whenever you want to spoil yourself or impress your guests. With its striking red color, delicate texture, and warm, gooey center, it’s a showstopper that’s just as delicious as it is stunning.
The base of the red velvet lava cake is a moist, soft cake with a mild cocoa flavor. What makes red velvet so unique is the slight tang from the buttermilk, which pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cake. The cake’s deep red hue adds an elegant touch, making it an eye-catching dessert. As the cake bakes, the exterior firms up, creating a delicate shell that holds in the molten chocolate center, giving it the signature “lava” effect when you cut into it.
The real magic of red velvet lava cake lies in its filling. Inside, there’s a luscious, gooey center of melted chocolate, which oozes out when you break the cake open. This warm, rich chocolate filling contrasts perfectly with the soft, moist cake, creating an indulgent bite with every spoonful. The combination of the sweet red velvet cake and bittersweet molten chocolate is irresistible, delivering a rich flavor profile that both chocolate lovers and red velvet fans will adore.
To take the red velvet lava cake to the next level, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the warm cake, and a sprinkle of fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries adds a refreshing tartness to balance out the sweetness. For an even more luxurious touch, drizzle with a bit of chocolate sauce or a dusting of powdered sugar.
This dessert is an impressive way to end a meal and is perfect for intimate gatherings or celebrations. Whether you’re sharing it with someone special or treating yourself, red velvet lava cake is a decadent and memorable experience.

Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter plus extra for greasing
- 4 oz white chocolate chopped
- 1 large egg
- 1 large egg yolk
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour sifted
- 1 tablespoon red food coloring
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and grease two ramekins with butter.
- Melt the butter and white chocolate together in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg, egg yolk, and sugar until pale and thick.
- Stir the melted chocolate mixture and vanilla extract into the egg mixture until well combined.
- Fold in the flour, cocoa powder, and red food coloring until the batter is smooth.
- Divide the batter evenly between the prepared ramekins.
- Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12 minutes, just until the edges are set but the center is still soft.
- Let the cakes cool for 1 minute, then carefully invert each onto a plate.
- Serve immediately, optionally with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream.
This cake was so rich and decadent! The red color made it perfect for Valentine’s Day. Will make again!
This took too much time! I prefer quick and easy desserts without all this fuss.
Why is red food coloring even necessary? Just use chocolate! I dunno why folks want it red.
Be careful! Mine overflowed in the oven, what a mess! It still tasted good tho…
Yum! I added some strawberries on top and it was like heaven. Definitely a keeper!
This recipe is amazing! The lava was so gooey and delicious. My guests were totally impressed!
That sounds great, but aren’t lava cakes supposed to be super tricky? I’m always worried about the gooey stuff pouring everywhere.
I tried this recipe too and it turned out so good! I’m glad you enjoyed it! What did you serve it with?
Where’s the chocolate? You only have white chocolate? Disappoint!