Giant salted caramel lava cake

This Giant Salted Caramel Lava Cake features rich chocolate and a gooey salted caramel center, perfect for special occasions. Easy to make, it combines sweet and salty flavors for an indulgent dessert experience.

11 Jan 2026
Cook time 65 min
Prep time 10 min

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter
1/3 cup dry cocoa powder
2 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose white wheat flour
1.50 cups sugar
2 tbsp baking soda
3 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1 tsp salt
Giant salted caramel lava cake

Giant salted caramel lava cake is the perfect dessert for those who love a combination of sweet and salty flavors with a rich, gooey center. This indulgent cake is ideal for special occasions, family gatherings, or simply treating yourself to something extraordinary. The following recipe will guide you through the steps to create a delectable cake that will impress any crowd.

Instructions:

2. Melt Butter and Combine Cocoa:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the cocoa powder until the mixture is smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt until well combined.
4. Add Wet Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs.
- Add the buttermilk, heavy whipping cream, vanilla extract, and the cooled cocoa mixture to the eggs. Mix until well blended.
5. Combine Everything:
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing continuously until the batter is smooth and well combined. Be careful not to overmix.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 55-65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay – this is a lava cake, after all!).
7. Cool and Serve:
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a serving plate.
- Let it cool a bit further to ensure the lava-like center holds when you cut into it.
8. Optional: Add Salted Caramel and Garnish:
- If desired, drizzle warm salted caramel sauce over the top of the cake just before serving.
- Feel free to garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt for an extra touch of flavor contrast.
9. Enjoy:
- Slice into the cake and enjoy the luscious, molten center. Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

This giant salted caramel lava cake is sure to be a showstopper at any event. The combination of a rich, chocolatey exterior with a molten caramel center creates a dessert experience like no other. Follow these tips and steps carefully, and you will be rewarded with an unforgettable treat that will have everyone coming back for more. Enjoy your culinary masterpiece!

Giant salted caramel lava cake FAQ:

What baking pan size is recommended for this lava cake?

For this Giant Salted Caramel Lava Cake, a 10-inch round cake pan is recommended. This size allows the cake to rise properly while ensuring the center remains gooey.

How do I know when the lava cake is done baking?

Bake the cake for approximately 55-65 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs. The center should still be soft for that lava effect.

Can I substitute the heavy whipping cream in the recipe?

Yes, you can substitute heavy whipping cream with whole milk or a non-dairy alternative like coconut cream. However, the texture and richness may vary slightly.

How should I store any leftover lava cake?

Store any leftover lava cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

What should I do if my lava cake doesn't have a molten center?

If your lava cake doesn’t have a molten center, it’s likely overbaked. To ensure a gooey center, reduce baking time and check for doneness a few minutes earlier next time.

Tips:

- Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before you begin mixing. This will help to create a smooth and even batter.

- Use high-quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract for the best flavor.

- When mixing the batter, avoid overmixing to ensure the cake remains tender.

- Prepare the cake pan by greasing it well and dusting it with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.

- To achieve the perfect lava effect, bake the cake just until the edges are set but the center is still wobbly.

- Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before serving to let the lava center set slightly, but serve while it is still warm.

Nutrition per serving

12 Servings
Calories 340kcal
Protein 7g
Carbohydrates 50g
Fiber 2.46g
Sugar 27g
Fat 13g

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