Name: Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk chocolate chips, (or semi sweet); ½ cup butter; 1 cup powdered sugar; 3 eggs; 1 egg yolk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; 6 Tablespoons flour; caramel sauce, for drizzling; Vanilla ice cream; Smuckers Chocolate Magic Shell ice cream topping, for drizzling; Non-stick Cooking Spray

There’s nothing quite like bringing the magic of your favorite restaurant dessert into your own kitchen, and this Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe delivers every ooey-gooey bite you’ve been dreaming of. Imagine digging your fork into a tender, chocolatey cake only to reveal a river of warm, melty chocolate in the center, topped with cold vanilla ice cream and cascades of glossy fudge. It’s the kind of decadent treat that makes an ordinary night unforgettable, and with a few simple pantry staples, you’ll have that iconic, crowd-pleasing dessert right at your fingertips.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a stunning dessert comes together with everyday ingredients! Each one has a role to play, giving the Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe its trademark richness, gooey texture, and unforgettable chocolate flavor. Let’s take a look at what you’ll need and why.

Milk chocolate chips (or semi-sweet): These create the ultra-smooth, molten center and give that all-important chocolate punch.
Butter: A generous amount of butter is the secret to a tender, rich cake and a perfectly shiny molten core.
Powdered sugar: This sweetens and lightens the batter, helping the finished cakes melt in your mouth.
Eggs and egg yolk: They add moisture and structure, and that single extra yolk amps up the lava-like quality in the center.
Vanilla extract: Just a splash deepens the chocolate flavor and adds irresistible warmth.
Flour: Six tablespoons is all you need—a small amount ensures the cakes set around the edges but stay nice and molten in the middle.
Caramel sauce: Drizzled on the plate, it creates bursts of buttery sweetness with every bite.
Vanilla ice cream: The contrast of hot cake and cold, creamy ice cream is iconic and essential!
Smuckers Chocolate Magic Shell topping: This creates the classic crackly chocolate shell on top—just like at the restaurant.

How to Make Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Equipment

Begin by preheating your oven to a hot 400℉. This temperature gives the cakes that signature crisp exterior while keeping the center beautifully gooey. Grab four oven-safe one-cup bowls or ramekins, coat them well with non-stick spray, and set them on a quarter sheet pan. This way, you don’t have to stress about any overflow catching you off guard.

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine those decadent chocolate chips and the butter. Microwave for 2 minutes, stopping halfway to give everything a quick stir, and then whisk until the mixture is silky smooth and glossy. This is the luscious foundation for your molten core!

Step 3: Mix in Powdered Sugar

Once your chocolate and butter mixture is dreamy and melted, whisk in the powdered sugar. You’ll immediately notice the batter begin to lighten in color and thicken a bit, which means you’re laying the groundwork for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Crack in your 3 eggs plus 1 extra yolk, and add a splash of vanilla extract. Whisk the mixture until it’s luxuriously smooth and fully combined. This step ensures that the batter puffs ever-so-slightly around the molten center—and also adds irresistible richness.

Step 5: Incorporate Flour

Sprinkle in those 6 tablespoons of flour, then stir just until the last streak disappears. Be careful not to overmix; a few gentle turns does the trick, ensuring the final cake has that signature moist and tender bite.

Step 6: Fill, Bake, and Cool

Generously coat your prepared cups with non-stick spray, then evenly divide the batter between them—a mini ice cream scoop works brilliantly for this! Pop the cups on your baking sheet and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. The edges should look set and pulled ever so slightly from the cup, but the center will still jiggle softly. Resist the urge to overbake—gooey magic is what we’re after! Let them rest for 2-3 minutes (just enough time to get your plates ready).

Step 7: Serve with the Works

Invert each cake onto a plate drizzled with caramel sauce, and top them immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Finish with a generous drizzle of chocolate magic shell for that iconic crack-and-melt experience. Dig in while they’re still piping hot!

How to Serve Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe

Garnishes

The finishing touches make all the difference! A scoop of vanilla ice cream is a must for that hot-and-cold sensation. For extra flair, add a whipped cream swirl, a sprinkle of chocolate shavings, or even a few fresh berries to brighten up each plate.

Side Dishes

While the Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe is definitely a showstopper on its own, you can make it a memorable dessert course with a side of espresso or strong coffee for contrast. A tart fruit salad alongside helps cleanse the palate between all that delicious chocolate, making the whole experience even more indulgent.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your creativity shine! Serve the lava cakes in mini cast iron skillets for a rustic touch, or arrange them on individual dessert boards with fun dipping sauces—think raspberry coulis, salted caramel, or even a little peanut butter sauce. For a party, line them up on a platter with lots of spoonfuls ready for sharing family-style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve managed to resist finishing all your molten lava cakes (impressive!), let any leftovers cool completely, then cover and store them in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, though the texture is always best on day one.

Freezing

You’ll be thrilled to know these cakes freeze beautifully! Once cooled, wrap each cake individually in plastic wrap and tuck them inside a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. When you’re ready for a little chocolate bliss, just reheat straight from the freezer—no thawing required.

Reheating

To revive that molten magic, pop a cold or frozen cake (unwrapped) on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 15-second bursts, checking until the center is oozy again. Just don’t overdo it—keep an eye out for that perfect goo!

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! If you prefer a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, substitute dark chocolate chips. The Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe will turn out slightly less sweet but still decadently gooey.

Is it possible to make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance and refrigerate it (covered). Just let it come to room temperature before baking for the best results.

What if I don’t have oven-safe cups or ramekins?

No oven-safe cups? Don’t worry! A muffin tin works in a pinch—just keep in mind that you’ll get about six smaller cakes instead of four large ones. Watch the bake time closely, as they’ll cook a bit quicker.

Why did my cakes stick to the cups?

It’s important to be generous with your non-stick spray or softened butter inside the cups, especially on the edges and bottom. This will help the cakes release easily and stay beautifully intact when inverted.

How do I know when the cakes are perfectly baked?

You’re looking for edges that are set and slightly pulled from the sides, with a center that still looks a bit soft and jiggly. Remember, they’ll continue to cook ever so slightly after coming out of the oven, so pull them early for that signature molten lava flow!

Final Thoughts

Making this Copycat Chili’s Molten Lava Cake Recipe at home is pure dessert joy, whether you’re sharing it on a special occasion or just treating yourself midweek. I hope you’ll give it a try and savor every spoonful of molten chocolate goodness—once you do, I bet it’ll become a go-to favorite for years to come!