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Homemade Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe photo

Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

This Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake is SO EASY! A rich, fudgy dessert ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for any chocolate lover's indulgence.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 14 minutes
Total Time 29 minutes
Course Dessert
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • Silicone ramekins
  • Trivet
  • Mixing Bowls
  • Whisk or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup water for steaming
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter cut into cubes
  • 4 oz semi-sweet chocolate or dark chocolate, chopped
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk egg yolk extra richness
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder enhances chocolate flavor
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Pour 1 cup of water into the bottom of your Instant Pot to generate steam for cooking the cake.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the cubed unsalted butter and chopped semi-sweet chocolate. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth (about 1 minute). Allow to cool slightly.
  • Whisk together the powdered sugar and the melted chocolate mixture until well combined. Add the large egg, egg yolk, pure vanilla extract, and espresso powder. Mix until smooth.
  • Gently fold in the all-purpose flour and salt until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
  • Grease silicone ramekins with butter or cooking spray. Pour the batter evenly into each ramekin, filling about 3/4 full.
  • Place the filled ramekins on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Ensure they are stable and not touching the water.
  • Secure the Instant Pot lid with the steam release valve set to sealing. Select "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" and set the cooking time to 9 minutes.
  • Allow a natural pressure release for 5 minutes, then carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam.
  • Remove the ramekins carefully. Let cool for a minute, run a knife around the edges, invert onto a plate, and serve warm with ice cream or powdered sugar.

Notes

  • Substitute unsalted butter with coconut oil for a lighter version.
  • Use sugar substitutes like erythritol or monk fruit for lower calories.
  • Replace all-purpose flour with almond flour for gluten-free option.
  • Prepare batter ahead and refrigerate for a few hours before cooking.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Keyword Chocolate, Easy, Fudgy, Instant Pot, Lava Cake, Pressure Cooker, Quick