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Red Velvet Molten Lava Cakes with Cream Cheese Center

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These red velvet molten lava cakes feature a rich cocoa and vanilla cake with a gooey, tangy cream cheese center. Quick to make and perfect for any occasion, they deliver a show-stopping dessert with nostalgic comfort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for filling)
  • Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
  • Fresh berries, for garnish (optional)
  • Chocolate shavings or curls (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract. Beat until smooth and creamy. Scoop six small balls (about 1 tablespoon each) onto a plate and freeze for 15 minutes.
  2. Grease 6 ramekins (6 oz each) thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until well blended. Add eggs and mix until smooth and slightly fluffy.
  4. Stir in buttermilk, vanilla extract, vinegar, and red food coloring.
  5. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter into the bottom of each ramekin. Place a frozen cream cheese ball in the center, then cover with remaining batter until ramekin is 3/4 full.
  7. Place ramekins on a baking tray and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes, until edges are set and center jiggles slightly.
  8. Let cakes rest for 1 minute, then run a thin knife around the edge and invert onto plates. Dust with powdered sugar and garnish as desired.

Notes

For best results, use gel food coloring for vibrant color and brick-style cream cheese for a gooey center. Freeze the cream cheese balls before baking to ensure a molten effect. Cakes can be made gluten-free or dairy-free with simple swaps. Serve warm for maximum gooeyness. Refrigerate unbaked cakes for up to 4 hours before baking, or freeze baked cakes for up to one month.

Nutrition

Keywords: red velvet, molten lava cake, cream cheese center, easy dessert, chocolate, Valentine's Day, birthday, quick dessert, family favorite, gooey cake

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/red-velvet-molten-lava-cakes-recipe-easy-cream-cheese-filled-dessert/