Molten Red Velvet Cakes are a decadent twist on the classic red velvet cake, featuring a rich, gooey chocolate center that melts upon cutting. These single-serving cakes are baked in ramekins and topped with a luscious cream cheese whipped cream, making them an indulgent treat perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dessert at home.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Cakes

• 2 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder (plus extra for dusting)
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
• 1 egg yolk

For the Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

• 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Directions

1. Prepare the chocolate filling: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine chopped chocolate and heavy cream. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, let stand for 1 minute, and whisk until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for about 2 hours until firm. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead.)
2. Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease four (8-ounce) ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder, tapping out any excess.
3. Make the batter: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk melted butter, granulated sugar, buttermilk, food coloring, vanilla, vinegar, and egg yolk. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, whisking just until blended.
4. Assemble the cakes: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Scoop the chilled chocolate mixture into four balls and place one in the center of each ramekin, pressing lightly.
5. Bake: Place ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 18 minutes or until the center springs back when lightly pressed.
6. Prepare the whipped cream: In a medium bowl, mix cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Add heavy cream and beat with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until soft peaks form (30 seconds to 1 minute).
7. Serve: Remove cakes from the oven, run a knife around the edges to loosen, and invert each onto a serving plate. Dust with powdered sugar and top with cream cheese whipped cream. Serve immediately.

Nutrients

• Calories: 380 kcal per cake
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Sugar: 35g
• Sodium: 180mg

The Allure of Red Velvet Cake

Red velvet cake stands apart from traditional chocolate cake due to its distinct flavor and texture. Unlike standard chocolate cakes that lean heavily on cocoa powder for their taste, red velvet cake incorporates a subtle cocoa essence, balanced by the tanginess of buttermilk and vinegar. The vibrant red color, traditionally achieved with food coloring, adds to its visual appeal and makes it a standout dessert.

Adding a molten chocolate center to this already beloved cake elevates it to another level. The rich, velvety cake exterior provides the perfect contrast to the warm, liquid chocolate filling, making each spoonful a delightful surprise.

Achieving the Perfect Molten Center

The hallmark of any molten cake is its gooey center, and getting it just right requires careful preparation. The key lies in the chilled chocolate filling, which melts during baking to create the signature lava effect. To ensure a perfectly molten core, the chocolate mixture should be firm before being placed into the batter. Chilling it for at least two hours or overnight ensures it retains its shape during baking, only melting once exposed to heat.

The baking time is also crucial. Overbaking will result in a fully set cake with no molten center, while underbaking may leave the outer cake structure too delicate to hold the filling. A baking time of approximately 18 minutes at 400°F creates the ideal balance of a firm cake exterior with a luscious, liquid core.

Why Buttermilk and Vinegar Are Essential

Two essential ingredients in red velvet cake—buttermilk and vinegar—play a crucial role in achieving the cake’s signature flavor and texture. Buttermilk contributes a mild tanginess while keeping the cake moist and tender. The acidity in buttermilk also helps activate the baking soda, which results in a softer crumb.

Vinegar, though used in a small amount, enhances the leavening process by reacting with the baking soda, creating air pockets that give the cake a delicate and fluffy texture. It also enhances the red hue when combined with cocoa powder, ensuring the cake maintains its vibrant color.

Choosing the Right Chocolate for the Filling

The molten chocolate center is the highlight of this dessert, so selecting the right chocolate is essential. Semisweet chocolate offers a rich, balanced flavor without being overly sweet, making it the perfect choice for the filling. For a deeper chocolate taste, dark chocolate with at least 60% cacao content can be used.

Using high-quality chocolate ensures a smooth, luxurious melt. Chopping the chocolate finely before melting it with heavy cream creates a silky ganache-like texture that solidifies when chilled and melts beautifully when baked inside the cakes.

The Magic of Cream Cheese Whipped Cream

Instead of traditional frosting, these molten cakes are topped with a light and airy cream cheese whipped cream. This topping brings a refreshing balance to the rich cake by combining the tanginess of cream cheese with the delicate sweetness of whipped cream.

The key to achieving a smooth and fluffy consistency is to soften the cream cheese before mixing. Beating it with powdered sugar and vanilla before adding the heavy cream ensures that the whipped cream holds its structure while remaining light and airy. The slight tartness of the cream cheese complements the sweetness of the cake, making each bite perfectly balanced.

How to Serve and Present Molten Red Velvet Cakes

Presentation is just as important as taste when it comes to these elegant desserts. To achieve the perfect plating, follow these tips:

• Invert Carefully: Once the cakes are baked, let them cool for a minute before gently running a knife around the edges. Invert them onto serving plates to release them cleanly.
• Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a beautiful finishing touch and enhances the visual appeal.
• Add Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries add a refreshing contrast and a pop of color to the dish.
• Drizzle with Chocolate Sauce: For an extra layer of indulgence, drizzle melted chocolate over the cakes before serving.
• Pair with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or raspberry sorbet enhances the experience, providing a delightful contrast in temperature and flavor.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

While these cakes are best enjoyed fresh, they can be stored and reheated for later enjoyment. Here’s how to keep them tasting their best:

• Refrigeration: Store any leftover cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days.
• Reheating: To restore the molten center, place the cakes in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes until warm. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the filling to overcook and lose its gooey texture.
• Freezing: Unbaked cakes can be frozen for up to two months. To bake from frozen, add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Molten Red Velvet Cakes offer an irresistible combination of flavors, textures, and visual appeal. They are the perfect dessert for special occasions, providing a luxurious experience without requiring overly complicated techniques. The contrast between the warm molten center and the soft, velvety cake makes each bite incredibly satisfying.

These cakes are also a great way to impress guests with minimal effort. They can be prepared in advance, with the chocolate filling made the night before and the batter mixed just before baking. The individual serving size makes them ideal for dinner parties, ensuring each guest receives their own beautifully plated dessert.

Conclusion

Molten Red Velvet Cakes are a stunning and indulgent dessert that brings together the best elements of red velvet cake and molten chocolate lava cakes. Their rich, gooey center, combined with the soft, velvety cake exterior, makes them an unforgettable treat. Topped with a luscious cream cheese whipped cream, these cakes strike the perfect balance of sweetness, tanginess, and indulgence.

Perfect for special occasions or whenever you want to enjoy a luxurious dessert at home, these cakes are sure to impress with their bold color, intense flavor, and satisfying molten center. Once you try them, they will quickly become a go-to recipe for celebrations and romantic evenings alike. Give them a try, and experience the magic of this elegant red velvet dessert.