Uses semisweet chocolate and a higher oven temperature (450°F / 230°C) for maximum contrast between the crispy shell and the flowing center. Great video tutorial included. Chocolate Lava Cakes have a liquid chocolate center that flows out when you cut in. Restaurant-style lava cakes are easy to make at home. Chocolate Lava Cakes have a signature molten chocolate center that flows like lava when you cut into the cake. It has been popularized by restaurants, but homemade lava cakes are so easy to recreate (watch the video tutorial) and taste even better! This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy. I hope this Chocolate Lava Cake recipe becomes a new favorite Valentine’s Day dessert for you. My kids love this dessert too since there is a fun surprise inside. And who can resist chocolate?