Name: Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2/3 cup white chocolate; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chopped; 2/3 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 3 vanilla beans, seeds only* or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 4 large eggs, room temperature; 4 large egg yolks, room temperature; 4-5 drops pink gel food coloring (optional); 1/2 cup strawberry curd; Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 76 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of a dessert that dazzles both the eyes and the taste buds, then this Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine the moment you cut into a warm, rich chocolate cake only to discover a molten center bursting with luscious strawberry curd—the perfect harmony of sweet, tangy, and creamy. This recipe blends the velvety smoothness of white chocolate with the bright freshness of strawberry, lemon, and vanilla to create a dessert so irresistible, it will quickly become a cherished staple for your special occasions and cozy nights in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each holding different ingredients for a recipe. In the center is a bowl with a smooth pink mixture. Surrounding it are a bowl of bright yellow lemon zest, a small bowl of dark brown liquid, and a bowl of white powder. Nearby are a bowl with four raw eggs, a bowl filled with white chocolate chips, and another bowl containing cubed white butter. A whole lemon and two lemon halves are placed around the bowls, along with several bright red strawberry halves scattered across the surface. A light blue cloth is folded on the left side. The colors are bright and fresh, with the lemon yellows, strawberry reds, and pink mixture standing out nicely against the white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are refreshingly simple yet completely essential, each bringing their own magic to the cake’s flavor, texture, and stunning appearance. From the creamy white chocolate to the vibrant strawberry curd and zesty lemon, everything works together to make these cakes unforgettable.

White chocolate (2/3 cup): Melts into the base, offering a silky sweetness that balances the tartness of strawberries.
Unsalted butter, chopped (1/2 cup): Adds richness and moisture for that perfect tender crumb.
All-purpose flour (2/3 cup): Provides structure to hold your lava cake together while keeping it tender.
Powdered sugar (1/2 cup): Sweetens and contributes to the delicate texture.
Strawberry curd (1/2 cup): The star of the show—a fruity, luscious center that oozes out when you cut in.
Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Adds a fresh citrus brightness that elevates the flavors.
Lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the strawberry’s natural tang with a lively pop.
Vanilla bean seeds (from 3 beans) or vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Imparts warm aromatic depth that rounds out the flavor beautifully.
Large eggs (4, room temperature): Bring moisture and richness, crucial for that fudgy, gooey texture inside.
Large egg yolks (4, room temperature): Boost the lusciousness and give the cakes their tender crumb.
Pink gel food color (4-5 drops, optional): For a stunning, rosy hue that makes these cakes Instagram-worthy.

How to Make Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Ramekins

Start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter six 6-ounce ramekins generously to ensure the cakes release easily after baking. Arrange them on a baking sheet—this will make handling and transferring them to the oven a breeze.

Step 2: Melt White Chocolate and Butter

Combine the white chocolate and chopped butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, then stir. Continue melting in 15-second intervals until the mixture is silky smooth. Stirring well after each interval keeps things from burning and ensures that perfect glossy finish.

Step 3: Mix in the Dry Ingredients and Flavorings

Once your chocolate-butter combo is ready, whisk in the flour, powdered sugar, and strawberry curd. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, the optional pink food color, and vanilla bean seeds or vanilla extract. Each addition layers in flavors and gives the batter its character and color.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Whisk in the eggs and extra yolks until the mixture shines with smoothness. Using a hand mixer at high speed is a clever little shortcut, blending everything seamlessly and aerating the batter slightly for a tender crumb.

Step 5: Bake to Lava Perfection

Divide the batter evenly among your prepared ramekins. Bake for 14-15 minutes until the edges are set but the center still looks slightly soft. This is key to achieving that molten strawberry core. Let them rest for 5 minutes after baking to allow the residual heat to gently finish cooking the centers without drying them out.

Step 6: Unmold and Serve

Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen the cakes, then invert each ramekin onto a plate. Serve immediately, garnished with a dusting of powdered sugar or an extra dollop of strawberry curd for that extra wow factor.

How to Serve Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe

A small pink cake with a smooth texture and slight dome shape sits on a white plate, dusted with a fine layer of white powdered sugar falling from above. The cake has a pale pink bottom edge and a slightly brighter pink top that looks soft and moist. Around the plate are scattered red strawberries and a white rose with pink edges on a light blue cloth. In the background, there are blurred plates each holding similar pink cakes and some yellow and red fruits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple yet striking garnishes are the best. A sprinkle of powdered sugar adds a touch of snowy elegance, while a spoonful of fresh strawberry curd transforms these cakes into a show-stopping dessert. Fresh mint leaves or sliced strawberries also offer a fresh, colorful contrast that brightens each bite.

Side Dishes

Pair your strawberry lava cakes with lightly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The creamy cold elements contrast beautifully with the warm, gooey center for a decadent experience. For a lighter side, a fresh berry salad or lemon sorbet adds a refreshing complement to the rich cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these cakes in mini trifle glasses layered with whipped cream and fresh berries for a stunning deconstructed look. Or, if you’re hosting a group, present them on a platter with assorted miniature garnishes so guests can customize their dessert. Pink or white edible flowers sprinkled around the plate add an elegant, romantic touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, which might be rare, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently to maintain that gooey center without drying out the cakes.

Freezing

These strawberry lava cakes freeze wonderfully. Wrap each cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to a month. Defrost in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, unwrap and place cakes on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 15 seconds, checking between intervals to prevent overcooking. The goal is to warm the cake but keep that luscious center soft and molten, making every bite a joyful surprise.

FAQs

Can I use dark chocolate instead of white chocolate in this Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe?

Absolutely! Using dark chocolate will give you a richer, slightly bitter contrast to the sweet strawberry curd. Just keep in mind the overall flavor profile might shift, but it will still be deliciously indulgent.

Why do the centers of my lava cakes sometimes turn out fully cooked?

This usually happens if they bake for too long. The secret is to remove the cakes when the edges are firm but the centers still look a little soft and underbaked. Letting them rest inside the turned-off oven or on the counter finishes cooking gently.

Can I prepare the batter ahead of time?

You can mix the batter a few hours in advance and keep it in the refrigerator, but make sure to bring it back to room temperature before baking for the best rise and texture.

What can I use as a substitute for strawberry curd?

If you don’t have strawberry curd, raspberry or lemon curd can work wonderfully, offering a different but equally delightful fruity surprise inside your lava cakes.

Is it necessary to use ramekins, or can I use a different mold?

Ramekins are ideal because they evenly distribute heat and help the cakes develop that perfect crust while keeping the centers molten. However, small oven-safe silicone molds can work too, but adjust baking time as needed.

Final Thoughts

If you are searching for a dessert that feels both special and utterly accessible, this Strawberry Lava Cakes Recipe perfectly fits the bill. It’s a fantastic way to impress guests or treat yourself without spending hours in the kitchen. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give it a whirl—you’ll be rewarded with that magical moment of warm, strawberry-studded lava oozing onto your plate. Happy baking and even happier eating!