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Olympic Peanut Butter Lava Cakes

A molten center, rich chocolate, and a surprise peanut butter heart make these individual lava cakes the perfect fast dessert for any occasion.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Servings: 4 cakes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Cake Base
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter Use high-quality unsalted butter for a clean, rich flavor.
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips Choose chocolate labeled 60–70% cacao for balanced sweetness.
  • 1 cup powdered sugar Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  • 2 large eggs Room temperature eggs work best.
  • 2 large egg yolks Adds richness and structure.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Enhances flavor.
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour Gently fold in to avoid overmixing.
  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter Smooth, spreadable peanut butter works best.
  • Pinch salt Balances the sweetness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter, then lightly dust with flour, tapping out excess.
  2. Combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 20–30 second bursts, stirring between bursts until completely smooth.
  3. Whisk powdered sugar into the cooled chocolate until evenly incorporated and glossy.
  4. Add the eggs and egg yolks one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  5. Gently fold in all-purpose flour until just combined.
  6. Pour half the batter into the prepared ramekins. Add a spoonful of creamy peanut butter into the center of each. Cover with the remaining batter.
Baking
  1. Bake for 12–14 minutes. Check for firm edges and a center that still looks soft.
  2. Let the cakes cool in the ramekins for 1 minute before inverting onto plates.

Notes

Serve warm, garnished with powdered sugar or ice cream. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the fridge. May be frozen for up to a month.