Easy Chocolate Lava Cakes in a Jar
Easy 1-minute chocolate lava cakes in a jar will change the dessert game! They’re quick to make and taste delicious. These are great mini desserts to serve at parties or for a quick family dessert.
1-Minute Chocolate Lava Cakes
I made the most divine little dessert in a jar for my black Halloween themed dinner party. I can’t give enough accolades to this individual size dessert which made my head spin for 3 reasons: it’s chocolate {hello!}, it’s in a jar {perfect portion control}, and it’s MICROWAVABLE in 60 SECONDS!
I’ve explained about adding a variety of flavors & textures when designing dessert tables. And I knew I needed to add something chocolate for dessert for the “black” theme.
I had the “unique” idea of chocolate lava cakes in a jar. Turns out the idea wasn’t so unique after all.
After doing a quick search for a chocolate lava cake recipe I found a microwave version. It had such a simple way to add the “lava” part too. Below is the easy recipe, but check out the post on The Yummy Life for all her insight and perfect recommendations for which brands were best {which I followed}.
More individual desserts recipes
- Banana pudding mini dessert cups
- Tiramisu chocolate mini trifles
- Black & white parfaits in mini glasses
- Easy dessert parfaits
- Strawberry Angel Food & Cream desserts
Tips for making mini chocolate lava cakes
Make mini chocolate lava cakes for all kinds of parties at home. What you end up with is this perfectly chocolaty cake with a hot melted surprise in the center.
I found that you can re-heat them in the microwave for about 20 seconds if they are totally cold. That will get the warm & gooey center back.
Also, you can fill your jars, put the lid on, and save them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week until ready to cook. Make sure you let them come to room temperature first though.
I think know you’re going to LOVE these little chocolate treats! See how I served these in canning jars for my 4th of July party ideas.

Chocolate Lava Cakes in a Jar
These EASY 1-minute chocolate lava cakes are so decadent you won't believe how simple they are to make. Make them for snacks or dessert for a party.
Ingredients
- 1 box (18.2 oz) “family size” brownie mix
- oil & water called for on box
- eggs called for on box PLUS 1 extra
- Dove dark chocolate Promises squares
- Vanilla ice cream or Whipped Cream for topping, if desired
- 12 – 14 small jars or these 4 oz. canning jars
Instructions
- Empty brownie mix into a large bowl and whisk out the larger lumps. Combine oil, water, and eggs in another bowl, until mixed well. Pour wet mixture into brownie mix and stir until well combined {about 50 strokes}.
- Using a measuring scoop, pour batter into jar, filling HALFWAY. Press 2 Dove Promise candies {stacked 1 on top of the other} into the center of the batter and use a spoon to cover them with batter.
- Cook 1 at a time in the microwave {on a dish if you don’t have one of those rotating disks inside} for 60 seconds. Remove jar with a towel as it will be very hot.
- Once it has cooled slightly, put the lid on and save until ready to serve.
I am kinda iffy about cooking them in a microwave? Do they come out completely cooked? I’m debating on whether to do bake them in the oven or microwave.
Mayra, they really do cook. You must give it a try!
Hi!
How much oil should i add in? I intend to give it as a gift. Do i seal the lid and keep it refrigerated first? This looks too yummy!
Jo, it will likely depend on the brand of mix you use. You just need to follow the boxes instructions & add an extra egg.
Yes, secure the lid and refrigerate un-cooked jar/mix. Let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes before microwaving.
OMG! As you can see, am really addicted to your blog. I love lava cakes and to have them at home whenever I want one ist fantastic! Mouthwatering pic!!!
Those look great! But I got a question, is it necessary to cook them one at a time? If I’m making them for a party that’s a lot of time away from the party doing them that way : ( Thanks
Good question, Osp. The Yummy Life says you can cook up to 4 cakes at one time, adding 1/2 minute for each additional cake.
They are so delicious. I hope you give it a try!
They look so delicious! I would love to try some. They look awesome.
I can’t wait to try these! The look so yummy AND cute.
I’m adding Dove chocolates to the grocery list! Can’t wait to make this delicious dessert … in 60 seconds!! Thanks for the inspiration, Chris.
You’re going to love it, Ashleigh!
Can you put a new canning lid on the jar while hot to seal as in canning?
Donna, I wouldn’t recommend it. I don’t see why you couldn’t freeze a cooked cake though (after it’s cooled).