Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Craving a rich, gooey dessert that’s loaded with peanut butter and chocolate? This Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake is the ultimate indulgence, with a molten peanut butter center that oozes out with every bite!

Imagine a warm, decadent chocolate cake with a gooey, molten peanut butter center, topped with a drizzle of chocolate. The combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and indulgent.

This lava cake is perfect for any peanut butter lover. It’s the ultimate dessert for special occasions, or whenever you want to treat yourself to something truly decadent and satisfying!

Ready to dive into this peanut butter heaven? Let’s bake up this Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake and enjoy a dessert that’s as indulgent as it is irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Irresistible Center: The molten peanut butter filling is smooth, creamy, and warm, making each bite a true indulgence.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dessert is perfect for a last-minute treat or when you’re craving something special.
• No-Fail Recipe: The simple ingredients and easy method make it foolproof, so you can impress your guests with minimal stress.
• Perfect for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a romantic dinner or a fun family gathering, this molten lava cake is sure to be the highlight of any occasion.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Servings:
This recipe makes 4 individual cakes, perfect for sharing with friends or family.

Difficulty:
This recipe is easy enough for beginners, but it’s sure to impress anyone who loves a rich dessert with a gooey center.

Required Kitchen Tools

Before you start making your molten peanut butter lava cakes, gather these essential tools:

• Ramekins: You’ll need 4 ramekins (about 6 oz) to bake the cakes.
• Microwave-safe Bowl: For melting the chocolate and butter.
• Hand Mixer or Whisk: To blend the cake batter smoothly.
• Baking Tray: To place your ramekins on for even baking.
• Spatula: For easy mixing and scraping.

Ingredients for Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake

These ingredients come together to create a dessert that’s simple yet indulgent. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 70% Cocoa Dark Chocolate: 8 oz, chopped
• Unsalted Butter: 14 tbsp, sliced
• Large Eggs: 3, room temperature
• Powdered Sugar: 1 1/2 cups (160g)
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup + 2 tbsp (80g)
• Creamy Peanut Butter: 1 cup (250g)
• Chopped Peanut Butter Cups: For topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Melt the Chocolate and Butter

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Then, take your chopped dark chocolate and sliced butter and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. Be careful not to overheat the mixture. Set it aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare the Cake Batter

In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs and powdered sugar until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly frothy. This will help create a light texture for the cake. Gradually add the melted chocolate-butter mixture and continue mixing until everything is well incorporated. Finally, fold in the all-purpose flour. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

3. Fill the Ramekins

Grease your ramekins lightly with butter or cooking spray to ensure the cakes come out easily. Spoon a small amount of batter into the bottom of each ramekin. Then, place a tablespoon of creamy peanut butter in the center of each one. Cover the peanut butter with the remaining batter, ensuring it’s sealed inside.

4. Bake the Lava Cakes

Place the filled ramekins on a baking tray and bake in the preheated oven for about 12 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will remain soft and gooey. Keep an eye on them to ensure you don’t overbake them—this is crucial for that molten center!

How to Serve Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Once your cakes are out of the oven, allow them to cool for about 2 minutes before carefully running a knife around the edges of each ramekin. This will help loosen the cakes. Then, carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate. Give it a gentle tap if needed to release the cake. When you cut into it, you’ll be rewarded with the rich, gooey peanut butter center that flows out like lava!

Serving Suggestions:

• Top with Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla or chocolate ice cream makes a perfect pairing with the warm molten cake.
• Garnish with Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream will add a creamy contrast to the rich, molten center.
• Sprinkle with Chopped Peanuts: For an added crunch, sprinkle some crushed peanuts on top to enhance the peanut flavor.

Storing Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake

• Leftovers: While molten lava cakes are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days at room temperature. Simply reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds before serving.
• Freezing: If you want to make these ahead of time, you can freeze the unbaked cakes. To do so, prepare the cakes in the ramekins, but don’t bake them. Instead, cover the ramekins tightly with plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to bake them, just pop them directly into the oven (no need to thaw) and bake for about 15 minutes.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the cakes to ensure the centers remain molten. Overbaking can result in a firm center rather than the gooey lava effect.
• Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your eggs and butter are at room temperature to help everything mix smoothly.
• Experiment with Fillings: You can also swap out peanut butter for other fillings like Nutella or even a combination of chocolate and caramel for a fun twist.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	350
Protein	6g
Carbs	35g
Fat	22g
Fiber	2g
Sugar	18g

FAQ

1. Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cakes in advance and freeze them before baking. Just cover them with plastic wrap and freeze. When you’re ready to bake, place them directly in the oven from the freezer and bake for an extra 3-5 minutes.

2. How do I know when the cakes are done?
The edges of the cakes should be set, but the center will remain soft and gooey. Be sure to check after 12 minutes, and if they need more time, bake for 1-2 minutes more.

3. Can I use a different type of nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Yes! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter, cashew butter, or even Nutella for a different twist. Just make sure the texture is similar to creamy peanut butter.

4. How should I store leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring back the molten center.

5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and the recipe will work just as well.

Conclusion

Molten Peanut Butter Lava Cake is the perfect indulgent dessert for any occasion. With its rich chocolate exterior and gooey peanut butter center, this dessert is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s so simple to make yet feels like a special treat every time!