Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Introduction

These Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes are a decadent treat with a rich, chocolatey center that flows with every bite. Perfect for special occasions or anytime you want an impressive dessert that’s surprisingly easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring
• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Step 2: Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt in a bowl.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, combine the sugar and oil, then add the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla extract; mix until smooth.
4. Step 4: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture and incorporate the red food coloring evenly.
5. Step 5: To make the ganache, heat the heavy cream until warm and pour it over the dark chocolate chips; stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
6. Step 6: Fill each cupcake liner halfway with batter, add a spoonful of ganache in the center, then top with more batter to cover.
7. Step 7: Bake for 15–18 minutes until the edges are set but the centers still jiggle slightly when moved.
8. Step 8: Allow the cupcakes to cool before serving to let the molten center set slightly.

Tips & Variations

• Use a toothpick to carefully place the ganache center if you want cleaner portions inside each cupcake.
• For a cream cheese frosting twist, top the cooled cupcakes with a dollop of sweetened cream cheese frosting.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, substitute with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar.

Storage

Store the cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to revive the molten center before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these cupcakes without red food coloring?

Yes, you can omit the red food coloring for a chocolate version, but the red velvet color and signature look will be missing.

How do I know when the cupcakes are done?

The edges should be set and firm while the centers still jiggle slightly when you gently shake the pan. This ensures the molten center remains gooey.

Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

• Author: Hugo
• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 12 cupcakes 1x

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Description

These Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes combine the classic vibrant red velvet flavor with a gooey molten chocolate center, perfect for a decadent treat that melts in your mouth. The cupcakes are moist and tender, with a luscious dark chocolate ganache baked right inside for an indulgent surprise.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cupcakes

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons red food coloring

Ganache Filling

• ½ cup dark chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a cupcake pan with paper liners to prepare for baking.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and cocoa.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, mix the granulated sugar and vegetable oil. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the buttermilk and vanilla extract, beating the mixture until smooth and homogenous.
4. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Food Coloring: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending gently to combine. Stir in the red food coloring until the batter is uniformly vibrant red in color.
5. Prepare the Ganache: In a small saucepan, gently heat the heavy cream until warm but not boiling. Pour the warm cream over the dark chocolate chips in a bowl and stir until the chocolate is fully melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
6. Assemble Cupcakes: Spoon batter halfway into each cupcake liner, then add a spoonful of the chocolate ganache in the center. Cover the ganache with more batter to fill each liner about two-thirds full, sealing the molten center within.
7. Bake: Bake the cupcakes in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes. The cupcakes should have set edges but the centers should still jiggle slightly to ensure the molten lava consistency inside.
8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before serving to enjoy the gooey molten core at its best.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for better incorporation into the batter.
• Do not overbake; the center should remain molten for the signature lava effect.
• You can adjust the red food coloring amount for a deeper or lighter color.
• For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use dairy-free chocolate chips.
• Make sure the ganache is slightly cooled before adding to prevent melting the batter layers prematurely.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Red Velvet Cupcakes, Molten Lava Cupcakes, Chocolate Ganache, Dessert, Baked Treats, Valentines Day Treat