Chocolate Guinness Lava Cakes Recipe

Introduction

These Chocolate Guinness Lava Cakes are rich, fudgy, and perfectly indulgent with a gooey molten center. Enhanced by the deep, malty flavor of Guinness stout, they make a show-stopping dessert for any special occasion or cozy night in.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (28 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 (11-oz.) bottle Guinness stout
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus more for tin
• 2 tbsp plus 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g), divided
• 9 oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the whipped cream by whipping the heavy cream with the confectioners’ sugar until soft peaks form. Gently fold in the sour cream and refrigerate until serving.
2. Step 2: In a small saucepan, bring the Guinness stout to a boil over medium-high heat. Continue boiling until it reduces to about 1/4 cup, then remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Step 3: In a heatproof bowl, combine the butter and semisweet chocolate. Set over a pot of simmering water and stir until melted and smooth. Remove from heat.
4. Step 4: Whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and vanilla extract in a large bowl until pale and thick.
5. Step 5: Slowly whisk the melted chocolate mixture and the cooled Guinness reduction into the egg mixture until fully combined.
6. Step 6: In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and the remaining 3/4 cup granulated sugar. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
7. Step 7: Butter six individual ramekins and sprinkle with cocoa powder. Divide the batter evenly among them.
8. Step 8: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for 12–14 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers remain soft and gooey.
9. Step 9: Let the cakes cool for 2 minutes, then carefully invert each onto a plate. Serve warm with the prepared whipped cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use good quality semisweet chocolate for the richest flavor and a smooth texture.
• For a boozy twist, add a tablespoon of Irish cream liqueur to the batter along with the Guinness reduction.
• If you don’t have ramekins, small ovenproof mugs or custard cups will work as well.
• You can prepare the batter in advance and keep it refrigerated; bake just before serving for fresh lava cakes.

Storage

These lava cakes are best served fresh out of the oven. If needed, refrigerate baked cakes uncovered for up to 1 day and warm gently in a microwave for 20–30 seconds before serving. Unbaked batter can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours; bake as directed when ready.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beer instead of Guinness?

Guinness provides a unique deep, malty flavor that complements the chocolate. You can experiment with other stouts or porters, but avoid light beers as they won’t give the same richness.

How do I know when the lava cakes are done?

The edges should be set and slightly firm, while the center remains soft and jiggles slightly when moved. Overbaking will cause them to lose their gooey center.

Chocolate Guinness Lava Cakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 97 reviews

• Author: Mariam
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 individual cakes 1x

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Description

Indulge in these decadent Chocolate Guinness Lava Cakes, featuring a rich, fudgy center with a hint of stout. Perfectly paired with a luscious whipped cream spiked with sour cream, these individual cakes offer an elegant dessert experience with a delightful balance of textures and flavors.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Whipped Cream

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup (28 g) confectioners’ sugar
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Cakes

• 1 (11-oz) bottle Guinness stout
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into cubes, plus more for tin
• 2 tbsp plus 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150 g), divided
• 9 oz semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 3 large eggs
• 3 large egg yolks
• 3/4 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 6 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp kosher salt

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Instructions

1. Prepare Whipped Cream: In a chilled bowl, combine the heavy cream, confectioners’ sugar, and sour cream. Whip the mixture with an electric mixer until it forms soft peaks. Set aside in the refrigerator to keep cool and let the flavors meld while you prepare the cakes.
2. Reduce Guinness: Pour the Guinness stout into a saucepan and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce by about half, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes. This intensifies the stout’s flavor and forms a syrupy consistency needed for the batter.
3. Melt Butter and Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl set over simmering water (double boiler), combine the butter, granulated sugar (2 tablespoons), and chopped semisweet chocolate. Stir gently until smooth and fully melted. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
4. Mix Eggs and Vanilla: In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until well combined and slightly frothy.
5. Combine Mixtures: Slowly pour the eggs into the chocolate mixture, stirring continuously to avoid curdling. Then add the Guinness reduction and mix until everything is cohesively combined.
6. Add Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, cocoa powder, and kosher salt. Gently fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just incorporated. Be careful not to overmix to ensure a tender cake texture.
7. Prepare Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Butter your individual ramekin tins generously and sprinkle with a little granulated sugar (from the remaining 3/4 cup) to prevent sticking.
8. Fill and Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Place them on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes until the edges are set but the center is soft and gooey, characteristic of a lava cake.
9. Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the cakes to cool in the ramekins for a couple of minutes. Run a knife around the edges and carefully invert onto serving plates. Serve immediately with a generous dollop of the prepared whipped cream for a perfect balance of richness and freshness.

Notes

• Use high-quality semisweet chocolate for the best depth of flavor.
• Ramekins should be well-buttered and sugared to ensure easy release of the cakes.
• Serve these cakes warm to enjoy the molten center at its best.
• You can prepare the whipped cream earlier and keep it refrigerated until serving.
• Ensure not to overbake; lava cakes should have a gooey center.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Irish

Keywords: Chocolate lava cake, Guinness dessert, molten chocolate cake, Irish dessert, individual cakes, rich chocolate cake