Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
Make Lava Cake as Lava Cupcakes with your favorite cake mix! Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe are a delightful treat that will impress your guests at any occasion. These cupcakes feature a rich chocolate ganache center that oozes out when you take a bite. Perfect for celebrations, date nights, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this dessert is sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: With just a box of cake mix and some simple ingredients, you can whip up these cupcakes in no time.
- Decadent Flavor: The combination of red velvet cake and molten chocolate ganache creates a rich and indulgent experience.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, or casual gathering, these cupcakes are a crowd-pleaser.
- Versatile Dessert: You can customize the toppings and garnishes to suit your preferences or the occasion.
- Impressive Presentation: The vibrant color and gooey center make for an eye-catching dessert that will wow your guests.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline your baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Muffin tin
- Cupcake liners
- Medium-sized bowl
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
- Cookie scoop (optional)
- Microwave or stovetop for heating
Importance of Each Tool
- Muffin tin: Essential for shaping the cupcakes perfectly and ensuring even baking.
- Cupcake liners: Prevent sticking and make it easy to serve your delicious cupcakes.
- Medium-sized bowl: Ideal for mixing the ganache without splatter.
- Cookie scoop: Helps portion out the chocolate ganache uniformly for perfect filling.

Ingredients
Make Lava Cake as Lava Cupcakes with your favorite cake mix! Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes are the perfect easy dessert – cupcakes filled with ganache!
For the Cake Batter
- 1 approximately 15 ounce box red velvet cake mix (plus ingredients called for to make the cake (eggs, water, and oil))
For the Ganache Filling
- 8 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
For Garnish
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
How to Make Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Ganache Filling
- Chop or break up baking chocolate and place it in a medium-sized bowl.
- Heat heavy cream over low heat until it just simmers (or in the microwave for about 45 seconds).
- Pour hot cream over chocolate. Stir until melted and smooth. If it’s having trouble melting, place it in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
- Chill chocolate mixture until hardened, at least 2 hours.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat oven to 350 °F.
- Line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
Step 3: Mix Cake Batter
- Prepare cake batter according to box directions.
- Fill each liner about 1/2 full of batter to avoid overflow during baking.
Step 4: Add Ganache Filling
- Remove chocolate ganache from the refrigerator.
- Scoop out tablespoon-sized balls of ganache (a cookie scoop works great) and place one ball in the center of each cupcake batter.
Step 5: Bake the Cupcakes
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the side of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Cool for just a few minutes in the pans before removing them.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
- When ready to serve, remove cupcakes from pans and peel off liners.
- Turn cupcakes upside down on a plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar.
- These are best served warm; if they cool off, heat them briefly in the microwave to warm them up again.
Now you have an easy-to-follow guide on how to create delicious Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes! Enjoy this delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion!
How to Serve Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
Serving Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes is all about enhancing their rich, chocolatey goodness. These delightful treats can be enjoyed in various ways to impress your guests and elevate your dessert experience.
Pair with Fresh Fruits
- Strawberries: Their sweetness complements the rich chocolate flavor.
- Raspberries: Tartness balances the sweetness, making for a delightful contrast.
Add a Scoop of Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic choice that melts beautifully over warm cupcakes.
- Cream Cheese Ice Cream: Adds a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with red velvet.
Drizzle with Sauces
- Chocolate Sauce: An extra layer of chocolate bliss that enhances each bite.
- Caramel Sauce: Sweetness adds depth and richness to the dessert.
Garnish with Whipped Cream
- Homemade Whipped Cream: Lightens the dessert with its airy texture.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Consider adding vanilla or almond extract for a twist.
How to Perfect Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
To ensure your Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes turn out perfectly, follow these helpful tips. They will help you achieve that gooey center and delightful flavor every time.
- Use room temperature ingredients: Allow eggs and other ingredients to sit at room temperature, which helps create a smoother batter.
- Don’t overfill the liners: Fill only halfway to prevent overflowing during baking and maintain the lava effect.
- Monitor baking time closely: Check for doneness using a toothpick, but remember it should come out clean from the sides, not the center.
- Chill ganache properly: Make sure your chocolate ganache is firm before scooping; this ensures it stays intact during baking.
- Serve warm: For the best experience, serve these cupcakes right after baking or warm them briefly in the microwave before serving.
Best Side Dishes for Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
While these cupcakes are delicious on their own, pairing them with side dishes can create a well-rounded dessert experience. Here are some fantastic options:
- Fruit Salad: A mix of fresh fruits adds brightness and freshness to balance the richness of the cupcakes.
- Cheese Platter: Include soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese to offer contrasting flavors that enhance your dessert.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries: These decadent bites echo the cupcake’s flavor while providing a fun, interactive element.
- Espresso or Coffee: A hot beverage complements the chocolate nicely and enhances flavors, creating a cozy setting.
- Mini Cheesecakes: Individual cheesecakes can provide a creamy contrast and variety in texture alongside your cupcakes.
- Nutty Granola Parfait: Layer granola with yogurt and fruits for a crunchy counterpart that balances out sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:
- Overfilling the cupcake liners: Filling the liners too much can cause them to overflow while baking. Aim for about half full to ensure they rise perfectly.
- Not chilling the ganache: If you skip chilling the chocolate ganache, it won’t set properly and could leak out during baking. Make sure to chill it for at least 2 hours.
- Pulling cupcakes out too early: Undercooked cupcakes may collapse, ruining the molten center. Always check by inserting a toothpick in the side; if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
- Ignoring oven temperature: Baking at the wrong temperature can affect texture and taste. Always preheat your oven and use an oven thermometer for accuracy.
- Using the wrong chocolate: Using chocolate that isn’t semi-sweet may alter the flavor balance of your lava filling. Stick with semi-sweet baking chocolate for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Allow cupcakes to cool completely before placing them in the container.
Freezing Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.
- Wrap each cupcake individually in plastic wrap before placing them in a container.
Reheating Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F and warm cupcakes for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat individual cupcakes on a microwave-safe plate for about 10-15 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place a steamer basket over boiling water and steam cupcakes for about 5 minutes until warmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes:
How can I make Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe gluten-free?
You can use a gluten-free red velvet cake mix instead of regular cake mix. Check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Can I customize my Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes Recipe?
Absolutely! You can add different flavors like peppermint or orange zest to the batter or ganache for unique twists.
What is the best way to serve these cupcakes?
Serve them warm and topped with powdered sugar or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
How do I know when my cupcakes are done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the side of one cupcake; if it comes out clean, they are done.
Final Thoughts
Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes are a delightful treat that combines rich flavors with an indulgent molten center. They are perfect for any occasion and allow for plenty of customization options, whether you want to change up the flavors or toppings. Give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family!
Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes
Indulge in the delightful world of Red Velvet Molten Lava Cupcakes! These cupcakes are the perfect blend of rich red velvet flavor and a luscious chocolate ganache center that flows with every bite. Ideal for celebrations, date nights, or simply treating yourself, they’re sure to impress anyone lucky enough to enjoy them. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can whip up this decadent dessert in no time. Customize your toppings or serve them warm alongside ice cream for an unforgettable experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 43 minutes
- Yield: Makes approximately 12 cupcakes 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 box (15 oz) red velvet cake mix
- 8 oz semi-sweet baking chocolate
- ½ cup heavy cream
- Powdered sugar (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the ganache by chopping baking chocolate and placing it in a bowl. Heat heavy cream until simmering, then pour over chocolate. Stir until smooth and chill for at least 2 hours.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F and line muffin tins with cupcake liners.
- Mix the red velvet cake batter as per package instructions and fill each liner halfway.
- Scoop chilled ganache into tablespoon-sized balls and place one ball in each cupcake batter.
- Bake for 20-23 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean from the side.
- Let cool briefly, then invert onto a plate, dust with powdered sugar, and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake (70g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
