I have to admit something because I’m not the tidiest baker, so sometimes flour ends up on the floor and sometimes chocolate smears all over my hands, and don’t even get me started on the timer going off too soon, but you know what? That’s part of the fun. And have you ever tried making lava brownies that looked perfect in the picture but turned into a little chaos in your kitchen? Because yup, me too.

The first time I made Lava Brownies, I overfilled the pan, and chocolate oozed over the edges, and I panicked for a second, but then I tasted it, and wow, it was gooey, and I couldn’t believe I almost let a little mess stop me, and that’s the thing.

Sometimes imperfections make the best memories, so if you’re nervous about trying lava brownies, don’t worry and stick with me, grab your spatula, and let’s make some sweet chaos together because you’re going to love every bite, messy edges and all.

Ingredients

1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter
6 oz (170 g) semi-sweet chocolate, chopped
3/4 cup (150 g) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 large egg yolks
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup (30 g) all-purpose flour

ingredients notes

Butter is what makes the brownies soft and rich.
Chocolate is the star; use good-quality chocolate for the best taste.
Eggs help the brownies stay together and make them fluffy.
Sugar gives sweetness, but not too much.
Vanilla adds a nice smell and flavor.
Salt makes the chocolate taste even better.
Flour is just a little, so the brownies stay gooey in the middle.

How to make lava brownies?

Step 1: prepare your oven and pan

First, turn your oven on to 425°F (220°C). This makes it hot and ready for the brownies. Take a small baking dish, about 8×8 inches, and put some butter in it. You can also use a little flour so the brownies don’t stick.

Step 2: melt butter and chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, put the butter and chopped chocolate. Heat it for 30 seconds, then stir. Keep heating in 15-second bursts and stirring until it’s smooth. If you don’t have a microwave, you can melt them in a small pot on very low heat on the stove.

Step 3: mix eggs and sugar

In a bigger bowl, put the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar. Whisk them together until it’s smooth and a little frothy. You can use a fork or a hand whisk. Make sure there are no big chunks of egg left.

Step 4: combine chocolate and egg mixture

Slowly pour the melted chocolate and butter into the egg and sugar mixture. Stir gently with a spatula or spoon. Don’t stir too fast; we don’t want to make the eggs cook from the heat.

Step 5: add vanilla, salt, and flour

Put the vanilla, salt, and flour into the chocolate mixture. Fold gently until everything is combined. The batter should be shiny, thick, and smooth. Don’t overmix because that can make the brownies too tough.

Step 6: pour into the pan

Pour the brownie batter into your prepared pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so every corner has chocolate goodness.

Step 7: bake

Put the pan in the oven and bake for about 12-14 minutes. The edges should look set, but the center will still look soft. That’s what makes the lava flow.

Step 8: cool and serve

Let the brownies cool for about 5 minutes. Then use a spatula to carefully take them out of the pan. Serve warm so you can see the gooey chocolate inside. You can also put a little scoop of ice cream on top; it’s amazing.

kitchen equipment needed

Baking dish (8×8 inches)
Microwave-safe bowl or small pot
Spatula or spoon
Whisk or fork
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife for chopping chocolate

storage options!

Lava brownies are best eaten fresh because the center is gooey. But if you have leftovers, you can put them in an airtight container. Keep them at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days. To enjoy later, warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds so the chocolate is soft again.

variations!

You can make lava brownies with different types of chocolate. Try milk chocolate for a sweeter taste or dark chocolate for a richer flavor. You can add nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. Some people like a sprinkle of sea salt on top to make the chocolate taste even more amazing. You can also make mini lava brownies in a muffin tin for a fun treat.

What to enjoy with Lava Brownies

The first time I made Lava Brownies, I couldn’t decide what to serve alongside them, so I tried a bunch of things, and some worked better than others, like my Chicken Alfredo Zucchini Lasagna that I love and vanilla bean ice cream, and it was a game-changer because the chocolatey lava paired perfectly with the lasagna and vanilla.

I almost danced with excitement because it was that good, so if you’re thinking about what to eat with Lava Brownies, don’t worry, I’ve got the best two ideas for you, because mixing sweet and savory can be amazing, and yes, I know it sounds weird, but sometimes weird works.

tips for making the best lava brownies

Use good-quality chocolate; it makes a big difference.
Don’t overbake; look for a soft center.
Melt the chocolate slowly so it doesn’t burn.
Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients, not a whisk.
Serve warm to enjoy the gooey center.

FAQ

what is this recipe made of?

It’s made of chocolate, butter, sugar, eggs, vanilla, salt, and a little flour.

what does it taste like?

Sweet, chocolaty, rich, and gooey in the middle.

can i make it without eggs?

You can try egg substitutes, but the texture might change.

can i use milk chocolate instead of semi-sweet?

Yes! Milk chocolate makes it sweeter and creamier.

how long should i bake it?

About 12-14 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

can i freeze lava brownies?

Yes, put them in an airtight container. Thaw and warm them before eating.

do i need a special pan?

No, any small baking dish works, about 8×8 inches.

can i add nuts?

Yes, walnuts or pecans are delicious.

how can i make it extra gooey?

Take it out of the oven when the center looks soft and not fully set.

can kids help make this recipe?

Yes! Kids can mix, pour, and spread the batter with help.

can i make mini lava brownies?

Yes, use a muffin tin for small individual brownies.

is this recipe healthy?

It’s a treat, so it’s not healthy every day, but it’s perfect for special occasions.