Crunchy Creamy Sweet

menu icon
go to homepage
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
subscribe
search icon
Homepage link
  • All Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About Me
  • Contact
×
You are here: Crunchy Creamy Sweet / Recipes / Instant Pot

Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake For Two

Published: Feb 11, 2019 · Modified: Nov 7, 2019 by Anna 51 Comments · This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Jump to Recipe Print Pin Recipe Comment

Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake For Two - very easy and decadent molten lava cakes cooked in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, ready in less than 20 minutes. The gooey, fudgy center is irresistible!

Side shot of chocolate lava cake with gooey center, strawberry on top, set on white plate.

Valentine's Day is just a few days away! If you are still trying to decide what dessert to get or make to celebrate the holiday of love, may I suggest this surprisingly easy to make Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake? It's rich, delicious, beautiful and ready under 20 minutes!

INSTANT POT CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE

These Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cakes are rich and decadent! You won't believe they were cooked in the pressure cooker. It's another amazing example that you can make a beautiful dessert in your pressure cooker. My Instant Pot Cherry Delight Cheesecake is a proof!

HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR TWO?

  • Start by gathering ingredients. Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. Butter the ramekins and set aside. Measure out flour and powdered sugar, by spooning each into a measuring cup.
  • Add 1 cup of tap water to the IP. Set the trivet (that came with your Instant Pot), inside.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, place butter (cut into squares) and chocolate. Microwave in 15-second intervals, until the butter is melted. Whisk until the chocolate melts with warm butter. The mixture should be glistening and smooth.
  • Add powdered sugar. If your powdered sugar is clumpy, sift it over the chocolate mixture, then whisk in. The mixture should be thick. See photo below, for visual reference.
  • Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla and whisk well. Add flour and salt (for best result, sift right over the chocolate mixture) and gently fold in with a spatula. Do not overmix!
  • Divide the chocolate batter evenly among the ramekins. Place ramekins on trivet in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set valve to "sealing" position. Newer models do it on their own. Make sure the IP is set to cook at HIGH pressure. Press "manual" or "pressure cook" button and set timer to 8 minutes. The IP will beep and start coming to pressure. It took 4 minutes for my Instant Pot to come to pressure.
  • When the timer is done, press "cancel/off" button. Switch the valve to "venting" position to release the pressure.
  • When the pressure pin is down, carefully open the lid away from your face. Carefully, wearing oven mitt, remove ramekin from the IP. Cover each ramekin with a plate, flip over, tap the ramekin and gently remove. The cake should pop right out. Let it cool for a few minutes, dust with powdered sugar and serve.
Overhead shot of chocolate sugar mixture in glass bowl, eggs in another bowl.

INSTANT POT LAVA CAKE FOR TWO

This recipe makes two chocolate lava cakes. It's the perfect dessert for a special occasion to enjoy with your loved one, like anniversary, Valentine's Day, etc. You can easily double it, as long as you have enough ramekins.

CAN I MAKE THESE LAVA CAKES AHEAD OF TIME?

Yes, cooked lava cakes can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store them in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds.

Overhead shot of two ramekins with chocolate cake batter, set on trivet in the Instant Pot.

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST LAVA CAKE IN INSTANT POT:

  • use good chocolate: the better the chocolate, the more delicious the cake will be. While chocolate chips are fine, they are often coated with wax which can affect the taste. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a bar. I used 6 squares to get 2 ounces of chocolate, needed to make this recipe.
  • grease the ramekins: to make sure the cakes come out easily out of the ramekins, you need to butter each ramekin (bottom and sides!).

Would you like to save this recipe?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

CAN YOU USE RAMEKINS IN INSTANT POT?

Yes, you can use ramekins in the Instant Pot. If they are meant to be used in the oven, they can be used in the IP. I used 2 6oz ramekins, like in this set. (<<--- affiliate link)

Side shot of chocolate lava cake with strawberry on top.

CAN I MAKE GLUTEN-FREE LAVA CAKE?

If you have experience with gluten-free baking and have flour that can be substituted in 1:1 ratio, you can easily use it to make this lava cake gluten-free.

Close up shot of lava cake with gooey center, topped with strawberry.

MORE RECIPES:

Instant Pot Cherry Delight Cheesecake

Molten Lava Cakes (baked in the oven)

Chocolate Mousse for Two

Chocolate Mug Cake for Two

To learn more about the Instant Pot, check out my Guide for Beginners. If you experienced the “burn” message while using your IP, check out my Instant Pot Burn Message post to learn how to fix the issue and prevent it in the first place.

If you like this recipe and make it, snap a photo and share it on INSTAGRAM! Tag me @crunchycreamysweet so I can check it out and leave a comment! 

INSTANT POT CHOCOLATE LAVA CAKE FOR TWO RECIPE:

Instant Pot Chocolate Lava Cake For Two recipe

Author: Anna
A very easy and decadent molten lava cakes cooked in the Instant Pot pressure cooker, ready in less than 20 minutes. The gooey, fudgy center is irresistible!
4.71 from 24 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 8 minutes mins
coming to pressure 4 minutes mins
Total Time 13 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 2 servings
Calories 601 kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients
 
 

  • 1 cup water
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 oz. semi-sweet or dark chocolate
  • ½ cup powdered sugar
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 egg yolk
  • ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Make sure the stainless steel insert is in your Instant Pot. Butter the ramekins and set aside. Measure out flour and powdered sugar, by spooning each into a measuring cup. This ensures an accurate amount of flour used. Do not use unbleached flour.
    ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup powdered sugar
  • Add 1 cup of tap water to the IP. Set the trivet (that came with your Instant Pot), inside.
    1 cup water
  • In a medium mixing bowl, place butter (cut into squares) and chocolate. Microwave in 15-second intervals, until the butter is melted. Whisk until the chocolate melts with warm butter. The mixture should be glistening and smooth.
    ¼ cup unsalted butter, 2 oz. semi-sweet or dark chocolate
  • Add powdered sugar. If your powdered sugar is clumpy, sift it over the chocolate mixture, then whisk in. The mixture should be thick.
  • Add egg and egg yolk and vanilla and whisk well. Add flour and salt (for best result, sift right over the chocolate mixture) and gently fold in with a spatula. Do not overmix!
    1 large egg, 1 egg yolk, ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract, ¼ teaspoon salt
  • Divide the chocolate batter evenly among the ramekins. Place ramekins on trivet in the Instant Pot. Close the lid and set valve to "sealing" position. Newer models do it on their own. Make sure the IP is set to cook at HIGH pressure. Press "manual" or "pressure cook" button and set timer to 8 minutes. The IP will beep and start coming to pressure. It took 4 minutes for my Instant Pot to come to pressure.
  • When the timer is done, press the "cancel/off" button. Switch the valve to "venting" position to release the pressure.
  • When the pressure pin is down, carefully open the lid away from your face. Carefully, wearing oven mitt, remove ramekin from the IP. Cover each ramekin with a plate, flip over, tap the ramekin and gently remove. The cake should pop right out. Let it cool for a few minutes, dust with powdered sugar and serve.

Notes

You can easily double it, as long as you have enough ramekins. 
While chocolate chips are fine, they are often coated with wax which can affect the taste. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate in a bar. I used 6 squares to get 2 ounces of chocolate, needed to make this recipe.
 

Nutrition

Calories: 601kcal | Carbohydrates: 57g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 242mg | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 191mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 39g | Vitamin A: 955IU | Calcium: 48mg | Iron: 3.2mg
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment with rating below!

More Instant Pot Recipes

  • Square image of Instant Pot Beef Tips recipe.
    Instant Pot Beef Tips
  • Applesauce next to Instant Pot.
    Instant Pot Applesauce
  • Instant Pot teriyaki chicken on a plate.
    Best Instant Pot Teriyaki Chicken
  • Sliced corned beef on a plate.
    Instant Pot Corned Beef

Comments

    4.71 from 24 votes (1 rating without comment)

    Did you make this recipe? Let me know! Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




  1. Adam says

    February 17, 2019 at 12:11 am

    5 stars
    Decided to make my first dessert in the Instant Pot on Valentine's Day and made these cakes. My wife and I loved it! It's already been requested again. 😀 Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply
  2. Meghan says

    February 17, 2019 at 12:09 am

    5 stars
    Made it as a dessert on Valentine's Day and it was a HUGE hit! The molten center is unreal! Definitely 5 starts!

    Reply
  3. Dana says

    February 17, 2019 at 12:08 am

    5 stars
    I made these for my Hubby and me on Valentine's Day and wow, was it a treat! We loved it!! I cannot wait to make it again!

    Reply
  4. Nancy says

    February 16, 2019 at 11:12 pm

    I wasn’t so lucky. Followed the directions exactly but was not cooked at 8 minutes.

    Reply
  5. Carol says

    February 14, 2019 at 6:45 pm

    How much vanilla?! It’s in the recipe but not in the ingredients.

    Reply
    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      February 14, 2019 at 6:55 pm

      Hi Carol! Thank you for catching that! I added the amount, it should be 1/2 teaspoon. Let me know how you like the cake!

      Reply
    • Annie says

      May 26, 2020 at 1:15 am

      5 stars
      Soo so good! I would make it again. One cake came out of the ramekin beautifully, but the other broke in half. They still tasted awesome. Thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
  6. Kimberly says

    February 13, 2019 at 12:44 am

    5 stars
    That looks SO good and the perfect thing to serve up and enjoy with my hubby once the kiddos are in bed! 🙂

    Reply
    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      February 13, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      Right? They are irresistible!

      Reply
  7. Jacque Hastert says

    February 12, 2019 at 5:57 pm

    5 stars
    I can't wait to make this in my instant pot. Lava cakes have been a favorite of mine for a while, but didn't know you could make them in the IP.

    Reply
    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      February 13, 2019 at 1:38 pm

      You have to try them, Jacque! They are amazing!

      Reply
  8. Jocelyn says

    February 12, 2019 at 2:19 pm

    5 stars
    And just like that I'm craving gooey melted chocolate lava cakes!!! I love all your tips for making these cakes in the IP!

    Reply
    • Anna@CrunchyCreamySweet says

      February 13, 2019 at 1:39 pm

      Thanks, Jocelyn!

      Reply
  9. Toni says

    February 12, 2019 at 12:40 pm

    5 stars
    This would be a great dessert for Valentine's Day!! Looks amazing!

    Reply
  10. Melanie Bauer says

    February 12, 2019 at 6:01 am

    5 stars
    This looks insanely delicious! Craving for this goodness right now, can't wait to try!

    Reply
  11. Allison says

    February 11, 2019 at 4:41 pm

    5 stars
    I love that this can be made in the Instant Pot! It's so simple and delicious!

    Reply
  12. Dee says

    February 11, 2019 at 3:24 pm

    5 stars
    This lava cake looks AMAZING!

    Reply
  13. Julie Blanner says

    February 11, 2019 at 2:32 pm

    5 stars
    This is great! Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  14. Ton says

    February 11, 2019 at 2:26 pm

    5 stars
    This was absolutely amazing!! A gorgeous dessert for any occasion!

    Reply
  15. Allyson Zea says

    February 11, 2019 at 1:50 pm

    5 stars
    Ummmmm, YESSSSSS!!!! Making this THIS week! THANK YOU!

    Reply
  16. Becky Hardin says

    February 11, 2019 at 12:25 pm

    5 stars
    This has to be the perfect Valentine's day dessert ever!!!

    Reply
Newer Comments »
Profile photo of the author of Crunchy Creamy Sweet website.

Hi! I'm Anna!

Thank you for stopping by! Here you will find easy and delicious recipes for busy people. My recipes are made with everyday ingredients and all of them are family-approved!

read more...

Easy Dinners

  • Square image of chicken in teriyaki sauce, rice and broccoli in a white bowl.
    Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls Recipe
  • Asian chicken on rice.
    Easy Sesame Chicken Recipe
  • Square image of creamy garlic chicken in a skillet.
    Creamy Garlic Chicken
  • Lemon garlic chicken in a skillet.
    Creamy Lemon Garlic Chicken Recipe
  • Chicken in mushroom garlic sauce in pan.
    Creamy Mushroom Garlic Chicken
  • Beef noodle casserole in a baking dish.
    Cheesy Beef Noodle Casserole

Popular Recipes

  • Cooked shrimp on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Shrimp
  • Square image of four Russet potatoes on a rack in the Instant Pot pressure cooker.
    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes Recipe
  • Noodles with peanut sauce and green onions in a white bowl with chopsticks.
    Thai Peanut Noodles Recipe
  • Square image of chicken nuggets with parsley on a white plate.
    Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets Recipe
  • Pasta salad with tomatoes and bacon in a glass serving bowl.
    BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
  • Square image of KFC coleslaw in a white bowl with red plaid napkin.
    KFC Coleslaw Copycat Recipe

Featured in

Logos of publications like yahoo, Parade magazine, MSN.

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility Policy

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2025 Crunchy Creamy Sweet All rights reserved.

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.