When I was in high school, my friends and I loved Chili's. This was before Durham, NC was quite the foodie town it is today, and before our metabolisms started to slow down. So, eating there sometimes even weekly was perfectly acceptable and normal. We'd all head there and get a big entree each, and then we'd order molten lava cakes...one each of those as well.

I remember being a sophomore and having a group of older girls from our school walk by our table one time (because yes, everybody was at Chili's), and with a look of shock one said something like,"Wow, did you all really order one each?" Up to that point I guess we hadn't considered the fact that maybe some people would split this giant dessert. To us, seven girls meant seven molten lava cakes. It just made sense. Long story short, we didn't let that judgment faze us, and continued to order our individual molten lava cakes for years.

The best thing about molten lava cakes is that you have multiple different elements all coming together at once. The cake is warm, the lava center is hot, and the ice cream is cold. When you cut into the cake with your fork, the heat from the chocolate core starts slightly melting the ice cream and the "lava" and ice cream flow out in chocolatey glory. It's incredible. When consumed following a giant plate of Chicken Crispers it will also send you straight into a food coma, but it's worth it.

I try to eat at local restaurants rather than chains these days (fast food chains not included), but Chili's is one of the few restaurant chains that holds a soft spot in my heart. Since I'm no longer close to one, this homemade version of the molten lava cakes does the trick. I think it's probably even better than the real thing. I debated taking a shortcut and using some leftover hot fudge for the filling, but opted to make the homemade version. If you have time I highly suggest doing this. The recipe as a whole is a breeze, so one step that takes slightly longer is worth it.

For the cake I used Duncan Hines Triple Chocolate Cake. I topped it with Smucker's Chocolate Pretzel Magic Shell, and used just plain store-bought ice cream. I didn't have caramel around for the sauce and didn't feel like making it, but I have no doubt that would take things to a whole new level.

Enjoy!

Copycat Chili's Molten Lava Cake
Recipe from Oh, Sweet Basil

Ingredients
  • 1 Duncan Hines Fudge Cake Mix and ingredients
  • Vanilla Ice Cream
  • Chocolate Shell Ice Cream Topping
  • Caramel Sauce
  • Hot Fudge, recipe follows
  • Hot Fudge
  • 1 Cube Butter, Unsalted (1/2 cup)
  • 1 Cup Evaporated Milk
  • 1 Cup Chocolate Chips
  • 1 Teaspoon Vanilla
  • 1 Pinch of Salt
  • 2 Cups Powdered Sugar
Instructions
  1. Mix the cake mix according to instructions and bake in a Texas size muffin tin according to package instructions. Turn out to cool. (Remember you will be eating these upside down so you'll want them level)*
  2.  Hot Fudge
  3. Melt all of the ingredients in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Continue to boil and stir for two minutes.Remove the pan from the heat and continue to stir for one minute. Allow the fudge sauce to cool.
  4. Once the cupcakes and fudge are cool, use a serrated knife or another sharp knife to level the top of the cupcakes. Once level, turn the cupcakes over and at a slight angle carefully cut a well out of the bottom of each cake. Do not cut all the way through!
  5. Fill the cake with the fudge sauce, wrap in saran wrap and freeze for 1 hr or up to a few days.
  6. Once you are ready to serve, heat each cake in the microwave for 35-45 seconds or until warmed through. Drizzle caramel over the cake and the plate.
  7. Quickly top with vanilla ice cream and pour the chocolate shell topping over the ice cream. Serve IMMEDIATELY. 
*Note: I believe a Texas size muffin tin is just an oversized muffin tin. The only jumbo pan I had made six muffins, which, when using all of the batter, resulted in me having to cut off a lot of cake to make it level. I think this amount of batter would probably make 8-10 cakes, filling each section no more than 3/4 full. When making these again (since that will be happening), I will probably bake up six, wait for those to cool, and then re-use my pan for the remaining batter instead of just pouring it all in the six pan at once!







36 comments

Thalia @ butter and brioche said... @ October 24, 2014 at 2:12 AM

I love chocolate lava cakes, you definitely have got me craving one right now.. they look SO good!

Unknown said... @ June 29, 2015 at 4:46 AM

Chili's Molten Lava Cakes looks yummy...Thanks for sharing.....
chowringhee kathi roll

Online Flower Delivery In Delhi said... @ August 20, 2015 at 9:49 AM

this information is very useful post for me thanks for sharing with us. It is really a great post.

Diwali Gifts Online said... @ October 8, 2015 at 3:55 AM

Thanks for the recipe... I will try it.

Oysters beach gurgaon said... @ April 7, 2016 at 5:37 AM

Thanks For sharing
River Rafting in Rishikesh
Jim Corbett Resorts

Abhishek Pandey said... @ May 13, 2016 at 5:30 AM

I am in heaven right now. I LOVE this desert. I really suck at baking but hoping if i follow your instructions step by step I can make this. :) Thank you

Flowerngift said... @ September 27, 2016 at 3:33 AM

Interesting blog and i got a good knowledge to read your article, so i would like to thank for creating this interesting blog.

Abhishek said... @ July 16, 2017 at 1:09 PM

Online cake delivery across India on same day and midnight in 3 hours. Book now and get discount code on site. Eggless cakes available. Starts at Rs.399/-

Subhash Yadav said... @ November 10, 2017 at 12:04 AM

Convey your wishes in a heart pleasing way with a personalized bottle and win their heart effortlessly.

Admin said... @ June 17, 2018 at 9:27 AM

Very good article. I definitely appreciate this website. Thanks!
gia xe o to

Shubham Jain said... @ August 30, 2018 at 6:28 AM

Great article. Get the best information about cakes and gift delivery.

Shubham Jain said... @ October 10, 2018 at 11:43 PM

Get help in growing your Bakery and Gift business through Sales and Operations Planning.

Ankit Bhatt said... @ October 15, 2018 at 2:47 AM

Send all types of Valentine Day Gifts to the doorstep of your loved ones and make them feel special.
buy all valentines gifts such as Roses, flower's, chocolate gifts from our online store.

Shubham Jain said... @ November 3, 2018 at 1:21 AM

Nic blog. Thanks for sharing this information. Now you can grow your business planning with the help of Sales and Operations Planning.

Shubham Jain said... @ November 21, 2018 at 1:17 AM
This comment has been removed by the author.
Shubham Jain said... @ November 21, 2018 at 1:19 AM

Grow your business presence on search engines through Web Development Services and grow your business sales and services

Gaurav Sharma said... @ November 26, 2018 at 2:18 AM

Very nice blog. Get Fresh Birthday Cakes and latest gift delivery for Birthday parties, anniversary and special occasions.

Gaurav Sharma said... @ December 13, 2018 at 12:02 AM

Great Blog. Like your knowledge. I am working for Malik Media. Malik Media provides services of Email Marketing, SMS, SMO, SEO, Logo Design, Newspaper Ads and many more. Malik Media is one of the best bulk SMS companies in Chandigarh.

Gaurav Sharma said... @ March 1, 2019 at 12:21 AM

Such a yummy cakes. I loved them and want to eat all of them. Get Liposuction in Ludhiana.

Shubham Jain said... @ March 22, 2019 at 5:52 AM

Get services of best bathroom renovation in Melbourne through desi plumber.

Shubham Jain said... @ March 30, 2019 at 9:28 AM

Nice blog. Get best PCD pharma company in Chandigarh for franchise business.

Unknown said... @ March 3, 2020 at 4:56 AM

I am Ayushi. I liked your blog. I am working for BPO service providers.

Unknown said... @ March 5, 2020 at 12:27 AM

Great blog. I am working for Indoz overseas. Indoz Overseas is immigration and visa consultants in Zirakpur.

Unknown said... @ November 20, 2020 at 12:56 PM

Best Chandigarh escorts agency in Punjab. Incalls & Outcalls. We offer busty, petite, and supermodel looking escorts girls. Great Call Girl services and reputation.

http://www.superescortservices.com/
http://www.superescortservices.com/chandigarh-call-girls-whatsapp-number.html
http://www.superescortservices.com/call-girls-in-panchkula.html
http://www.superescortservices.com/dehradun-escorts-call-girls.html
http://www.superescortservices.com/zirakpur-escorts-call-girls.html

arshtech said... @ November 27, 2020 at 9:37 AM

Nice post. Thanks for sharing the wonderful post. Please keep us updated.
Mobile App Developer Singapore
Freelance Web Development Singapore

SEO Company in Banglore said... @ August 25, 2021 at 3:57 PM

Techvire Digital Marketing Company in Chandigarh offers a wide range of solutions that delivers the results you can measure. We handle all your digital marketing needs in one place. So that your business in Chandigarh to reach new heights.

Rajan Mhatre said... @ December 4, 2021 at 7:14 AM

Awesome! Its pleasure to visit here,This blog is good to sharing the information which is useful for many of them.
id card maker

Athena - Your Direct Healthcare said... @ January 9, 2022 at 1:10 PM

Yeah… with this, my new years diet won't be happening! Lol, thanks for posting!

jhonson said... @ June 7, 2023 at 1:50 AM

Balloon decoration: Your chocolate lava cake blog is pure decadence on a screen! The rich and velvety photographs paired with your detailed recipe instructions make it a drool-worthy indulgence for any chocolate lover.

Irich photography said... @ January 8, 2024 at 2:20 AM

Good post

Bus For Rent in Dubai said... @ January 29, 2024 at 7:14 AM

Your writing has a way of capturing the essence of a subject. It's a talent that brings depth and nuance to your content.

Marble Supplier in Ras Al Khaimah

Davis Morgan Labs said... @ June 11, 2024 at 4:57 AM

Davis Morgan Labs is an established player in the pharmaceutical sector, focusing on antibiotics as a PCD (Propaganda Cum Distribution) company.
Antibiotics PCD Company

Irich photography said... @ October 8, 2024 at 7:11 AM

Great article

바카라사이트 said... @ October 10, 2024 at 2:58 AM

Intimately, the article is in reality the best on this topic. Keep on writing!

안전놀이터 메이저사이트 said... @ October 10, 2024 at 3:02 AM

Very nice article and straight to the point. Keep it up, Thank you, so awesome!

파워볼게임 said... @ October 10, 2024 at 3:14 AM

I'm very glad to see such excellent information being shared freely out there

Post a Comment