Introduction
Strawberry Lava Mini Cakes are a beautiful twist on the classic molten cake. Soft and delicate on the outside, these mini cakes hide a warm, flowing strawberry center that spills out like lava when you cut into them. Perfect for romantic dinners, family treats, or special occasions, they combine the sweetness of strawberries with a light, buttery cake texture. Elegant, comforting, and irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Strawberry Lava Center
Fresh strawberries, chopped
Granulated sugar
Lemon juice
Cornstarch
Water
For the Mini Cakes
Unsalted butter
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Milk or cream
Optional Garnish
Powdered sugar
Fresh strawberries
Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
Prepare the Strawberry Lava Filling
In a saucepan, add chopped strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook over medium heat until the strawberries soften and release their juices.
Mix cornstarch with water and add it to the strawberry mixture. Stir continuously until thick and glossy.
Remove from heat and let it cool completely. Spoon the mixture into small molds or onto parchment paper and freeze until firm.
Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat the oven and grease mini cake molds or ramekins well.
Cream butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing gently until smooth.
Assemble the Mini Cakes
Fill each mold halfway with cake batter.
Place a frozen strawberry lava center in the middle.
Cover with more batter until the mold is about three-quarters full.
Bake
Bake until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
Remove from oven and let rest briefly before unmolding.
Methods
Baking Method
These mini cakes are baked at a moderate temperature to ensure the outside cooks while the center stays molten. Using frozen strawberry filling is the key to achieving the lava effect.
Make-Ahead Method
The strawberry lava centers can be prepared days in advance and kept frozen, making assembly quick and easy when needed.
History
Lava cakes originated as chocolate desserts in French cuisine, famously known as “fondant.” Over time, creative variations emerged, replacing chocolate with fruit fillings like berries. Strawberry lava cakes bring a lighter, fresher flavor while keeping the dramatic molten center that made the original famous.
Benefits
Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber.
Mini portions help with portion control while still satisfying sweet cravings.
Homemade desserts allow better control over sugar and ingredients.
Formation and Texture
The outer cake forms a soft, tender shell while the inside remains warm and flowing. The contrast between fluffy cake and silky strawberry lava creates a luxurious mouthfeel in every bite.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm for the best lava effect.
Dust with powdered sugar for a simple finish.
Pair with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Add fresh strawberry slices for color and freshness.
Nutrition (Approximate per Mini Cake)
Calories: Moderate
Carbohydrates: From flour and strawberries
Fats: From butter and eggs
Protein: From eggs and milk
Vitamins: High in vitamin C from strawberries
Conclusion
Strawberry Lava Mini Cakes are a stunning dessert that looks fancy but is surprisingly easy to make. With their gooey strawberry center and soft cake exterior, they’re guaranteed to impress anyone who takes a bite. Perfect for celebrations or cozy evenings, these mini cakes are pure joy on a plate.
For Lovers of Desserts
If you love molten desserts, fruity flavors, and beautiful presentation, these Strawberry Lava Mini Cakes will quickly become a favorite. Once you serve them warm and watch the strawberry lava flow, there’s no going back