A strawberry lava cake is soft and moist, with a gooey strawberry center that comes out when you cut into it. The strawberry taste is strong but not too strong, and the white chocolate makes it all smooth and velvety. This cake is best served warm, which makes the strawberry and white chocolate flavors even better.
Strawberry Lava Cake Ingredients
- White chocolate
- Unsalted butter, chopped
- All-purpose flour
- Powdered sugar
- Strawberry curd
- Lemon zest
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla beans (seeds only) or vanilla extract
- Large eggs, room temperature
- Large egg yolks, room temperature
- Pink gel food color (optional)
How To Make
Step 1: Prepare the Ramekins
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
Lightly grease six 6-ounce ramekins with butter and place them on a baking sheet.
Step 2: Melt White Chocolate & Butter
In a microwavable bowl, combine the white chocolate and butter.
Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
Let the mixture cool slightly while you prepare the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, powdered sugar, and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
Gradually mix the melted chocolate mixture into the dry ingredients.
Stir in the strawberry curd, lemon zest, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Incorporate the Eggs
In another bowl, whisk the eggs and egg yolks together until slightly pale.
Slowly pour the egg mixture into the batter, stirring continuously to prevent scrambling.
If desired, add a few drops of pink gel food coloring to enhance the color.
Step 6: Fill & Bake
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 3/4 full.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly when gently shaken.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Let the cakes rest in the ramekins for 2-3 minutes.
Run a butter knife around the edges to loosen them.
Invert each cake onto a plate and gently lift off the ramekin.
Dust with powdered sugar and top with fresh strawberries or extra strawberry curd.
Serve warm and enjoy the molten strawberry-white chocolate center!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
White Chocolate – Use high-quality white chocolate for the best flavor and smooth texture.
Strawberry Curd – If unavailable, substitute with strawberry jam or homemade strawberry puree.
Lemon Juice & Zest – Balances the sweetness and enhances the strawberry flavor. You can substitute with orange zest if needed.
Pink Food Coloring – Optional but adds a visually appealing pink hue to the cake.
What’s the Difference Between Molten Cake & Lava Cake?
Both molten cake and lava cake have a gooey center, but:
Molten cakes have a denser texture with a warm, semi-molten center.
Lava cakes have a fully liquid, flowing center due to a higher chocolate-to-flour ratio.
This Strawberry White Chocolate Lava Cake is a fusion of both styles, with a gooey yet creamy strawberry-chocolate core!
Variations
Dark Chocolate Version – Swap white chocolate for dark chocolate and replace strawberry curd with raspberry preserves.
Berry Medley Lava Cake – Use a mix of raspberry, blueberry, and strawberry curds for a unique fruity filling.
Nutty Twist – Add chopped almonds or hazelnuts for a crunchy contrast.
Top Tips for Perfect Lava Cakes
✔ Use Room Temperature Eggs – Ensures even mixing and a smooth batter.
✔ Don’t Overbake – The centers should jiggle slightly when removed from the oven.
✔ Grease the Ramekins Well – This prevents sticking and allows for an easy release.
✔ Let Them Rest for 2-3 Minutes – Helps the cakes hold their shape before inverting.
How to Serve
Serve immediately while warm for the perfect molten texture.
Garnish with fresh berries, powdered sugar, or extra strawberry curd.
Pair with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Storage Instructions
❄ To Store – Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
🔥 To Reheat – Microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm up the center again.
⏳ Make Ahead – Prepare batter in advance, refrigerate, and bake just before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cakes in advance?
Yes! You can prepare the batter a few hours in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake fresh when needed.
2. Why didn’t my lava cakes have a molten center?
Overbaking can solidify the centers. Try reducing baking time by 1-2 minutes for a gooier middle.
3. Can I use milk chocolate instead of white chocolate?
Yes, but it will change the flavor profile. White chocolate gives a sweet, creamy taste, while milk chocolate adds more richness.
4. What other curds can I use?
You can use lemon curd, raspberry curd, or even mango curd for different flavor variations.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free 1:1 baking flour for a gluten-free version.
More Strawberry Cakes
Strawberry Lava Cake
Ingredients
- 2/3 cup white chocolate
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2/3 cup all purpose flour
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup strawberry curd
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 4 large egg yolks
- 4 - 5 drops pink gel food color
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F. Lightly grease six 6-ounce ramekins with butter and space on a baking sheet.
- In a microwavable bowl, combine white chocolate and butter. Microwave in 30 second intervals, stirring between, until fully melted and smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, powdered sugar and a pinch of salt. Gradually blend in melted chocolate.
- Mix curd, zest, juice and vanilla into chocolate batter. In another bowl, whisk egg yolks until lightened. Pour yolks into batter and combine well.
- Tint mixture pale pink with a few drops of food coloring if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared ramekins, filling about 3/4 full. Bake 15-20 minutes until set around edges but still softly jiggle in centers.
- Let cakes rest in ramekins for a few minutes. Run a butter knife between each cake and pan, then invert onto plates.
- Top with powdered sugar or additional curd before serving these molten morsels of summer strawberry bliss. Enjoy warm from the oven!