Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake brings together two worlds of dessert perfection the chewy comfort of Japanese mochi and the molten luxury of a chocolate lava cake. The first time I baked it, I was instantly transported back to my childhood kitchen where my mother taught me that cooking was about love as much as flavor. That same warmth flows through every step of this recipe. Imagine slicing into a tender, cocoa-rich cake only to find a silky molten core that spills out like a chocolate river. This treat is more than dessert itâs an experience, a little moment of joy worth sharing.
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Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake : A Chewy, Gooey Dessert Worth Savoring
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 cakes 1x
Description
A gooey, chewy Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake made with glutinous rice flour, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips for the ultimate molten dessert.
Ingredients
1 egg
3 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp neutral oil
ž cup milk
1 ½ cups glutinous rice flour
Âź cup cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ cup chocolate chips, plus extra for topping
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F and grease 4 ramekins.
Whisk egg and sugar until smooth, then add oil and milk.
Sift in glutinous rice flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Mix until glossy and thick.
Fold in half of the chocolate chips.
Spoon a layer of batter into ramekins, add chocolate chips in the center, then top with more batter.
Bake 30â35 minutes, until edges are set and centers jiggle slightly.
Serve warm with powdered sugar, ice cream, or berries.
Notes
Do not substitute regular flour for glutinous rice flour, as it wonât provide the chewy texture. Microwave leftovers for 15â20 seconds to restore the gooey center.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Japanese Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cake
- Calories: 295
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 65mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake Ingredients Youâll Need
The Role of Glutinous Rice Flour
At the heart of chocolate mochi lava cake lies glutinous rice flour. Itâs what gives the cake its signature chewy bite, setting it apart from a classic chocolate lava cake that uses wheat flour. Without it, youâd lose that stretchy texture that makes every forkful unique. If youâve ever tried chewy Boursin pasta with chicken or sticky rice dishes, youâll understand how texture transforms taste.
Complete Ingredient List

To make this cake at home, gather these staples:
Ingredient | Quantity | Purpose |
---|---|---|
Egg | 1 | Adds structure and richness |
Sugar | 3 tbsp | Sweetens and balances bitterness |
Neutral oil | 2 tbsp | Keeps the cake moist |
Milk | ž cup | Provides creaminess |
Glutinous rice flour | 1 ½ cups | Gives chewy texture |
Cocoa powder | Âź cup | Deep chocolate flavor |
Baking powder | 1 tsp | Helps the cake rise slightly |
Chocolate chips | ½ cup + extra | Creates molten center & topping |
Every element plays its part. Together, they create a dessert thatâs indulgent yet approachable, one youâll crave long after the first bite.
How to Make Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake Step by Step
Mixing the Batter Right
The secret to a successful chocolate mochi lava cake is balance between chewy and gooey, rich and light. Start by whisking the egg and sugar until smooth, then add the oil and milk. Once the wet base is ready, sift in the glutinous rice flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. This step matters because sifting prevents clumps, ensuring the cake stays soft and tender. When the mixture looks glossy and thick, fold in half of the chocolate chips. These will melt into tiny pockets of sweetness throughout the cake.
Creating the Lava Effect
To achieve that molten lava center, spoon a layer of batter into each greased ramekin, then sprinkle a generous handful of chocolate chips in the middle. Top with more batter, covering the chips completely. This layering trick guarantees a gooey heart when baked. Bake the cakes in a preheated 350°F oven for 30â35 minutes. Youâll know theyâre ready when the edges look set but the center still jiggles slightly. That softness is what creates the irresistible lava effect. For inspiration on layering techniques, you can also check the guide on perfect lasagna layers, which uses similar step-by-step logic.
Serving Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake and Avoiding Mistakes

Serving and Garnish Ideas
Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake shines brightest when served warm, just as the molten chocolate core is ready to spill out. Place each cake on a small dessert plate and dust lightly with powdered sugar for elegance. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a cold, creamy contrast to the warm, gooey center. Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries also balance the richness with a tart, refreshing bite. For a festive twist, drizzle with homemade refreshing tzatziki sauce kidding! Stick to chocolate or caramel drizzle instead, which works perfectly. Presentation matters, but simplicity keeps the spotlight on the cake itself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking chocolate mochi lava cake requires a little attention to detail. Here are pitfalls to sidestep:
- Overbaking: If the cake is left too long, the center will solidify, leaving you with chewy cake but no lava flow.
- Undermixing: Skipping the sifting step or not blending the batter well can leave pockets of dry flour.
- Wrong flour: Regular wheat flour wonât work here it lacks the chewy stretch glutinous rice flour provides. If youâre curious about substitutions, recipes like almond flour tortillas show how alternative flours behave differently.
- Serving cold: The lava effect only works when warm, so avoid letting the cakes sit too long before serving.
By dodging these mistakes, youâll guarantee a dessert thatâs both chewy and molten exactly what makes this cake unforgettable.
Storage, Reheating, and Keeping It Fresh
Storing Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake
If you have leftovers, youâll want to keep their chewy texture intact. Store cooled cakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to three days. Keep in mind, refrigeration will firm up the cake and slightly reduce the gooey center. If youâre a fan of meal prep desserts, this approach is similar to storing protein overnight oats, where sealing in freshness is key.
Reheating for the Perfect Lava
To bring your chocolate mochi lava cake back to life, reheat it gently. Microwave each cake for 15â20 seconds until warm and soft, or place in a 300°F oven for 5â7 minutes. This short warming period revives the molten center without drying out the cake. Just avoid overheating, which can turn the filling dense instead of gooey.
Conclusion
Chocolate Mochi Lava Cake isnât just another dessert itâs a celebration of textures and flavors that delight with every bite. The chewy mochi base contrasts beautifully with the flowing chocolate heart, making it a treat youâll want to serve again and again. By mastering the ingredients, following careful steps, and avoiding common mistakes, youâll create a dessert that wows family and friends alike. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or reheated for a late-night indulgence, this cake embodies the joy of baking at home.
FAQs
What is chocolate mochi lava cake made of?
Itâs made with glutinous rice flour, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, oil, baking powder, egg, and plenty of chocolate chips for the molten center.
Can I use regular flour instead of glutinous rice flour in mochi lava cake?
No, regular flour wonât deliver the chewy texture mochi cakes are known for. You need glutinous rice flour to achieve that signature bite.
How do you keep mochi lava cake gooey in the center?
Bake until the edges are set but the center jiggles slightly. Layering chocolate chips in the middle also guarantees a molten core.
How long can you store chocolate mochi lava cake in the fridge?
You can refrigerate it for up to three days in an airtight container. Reheat before serving to restore the gooey center.