Description
These Skull Lava Cakes are a hauntingly decadent dessert perfect for Halloween or any gothic-themed celebration. With a rich molten chocolate center, red velvet coloring, and ghostly powdered sugar details, they’re as thrilling to look at as they are to eat. Bake them fresh and serve warm for a dramatic, crowd-pleasing effect.
Ingredients
4 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp red food coloring
2 tbsp powdered sugar (for dusting)
2 tbsp black melted chocolate or edible marker (optional for decoration)
Instructions
1. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the dark chocolate and butter in 20-second bursts, stirring each time, until smooth.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, eggs, and egg yolks until light and frothy.
3. Combine the cooled chocolate mixture with the egg mixture. Stir in red food coloring and vanilla extract.
4. Sift the flour into the mixture and gently fold until just combined.
5. Grease skull-shaped silicone molds and fill each 3/4 of the way with batter. Optional: insert a frozen ganache center.
6. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, until edges are set and centers slightly jiggly.
7. Cool in molds for 2–3 minutes, then unmold onto a wire rack. Let rest for 5 more minutes.
8. Dust with powdered sugar and decorate with spiderwebs using melted chocolate or edible marker.
Notes
Use high-quality chocolate for best results—chips are not recommended due to stabilizers.
Let the cakes rest a few minutes after baking before unmolding to avoid cracks.
To ensure a dramatic lava center, don’t overbake—edges firm, center jiggly is key.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 48mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 175mg