Decadent Nutella Lava Cakes: Your Ultimate Guide to Molten Chocolate Perfection

Unveiling luscious Nutella lava cakes that promise an unforgettable eruption of chocolatey goodness.

Greetings, fellow dessert enthusiasts! As you delve into this post, I, Jennie, am likely savoring the vibrant culinary landscape of Charleston, South Carolina. Picture me indulging in a glorious plate of shrimp and grits, perhaps with a sophisticated Southern cocktail in hand, soaking in the charming atmosphere. But rest assured, even while I’m blissfully licking my plate clean, my thoughts are very much with all of you, eager to share something truly special. See how truly thoughtful I am?

While I embark on this much-needed escape, I’ve brought in an incredibly talented guest baker and a very dear friend to ensure you don’t miss out on any sweet inspiration. Please extend the warmest welcome to Kayle, the brilliant mind behind The Cooking Actress. This isn’t Kayle’s first star turn here on the blog, and for good reason. I confess, I’m her number one fan – some might even say her number one ‘stalker’ in the most endearing sense possible! I frequently sing her praises and highlight her incredible creations. Remember when I featured her irresistible Brown Butter Dark Chocolate & Marshmallow Cookies? Or the unforgettable Chocolate Cookie Dough Balls that left everyone craving more? Yes, that’s how much I adore her work!

If I had a giant foam finger, it would unequivocally declare “Kayle’s #1 Fan!” My admiration for her baking prowess and her wonderful blog knows no bounds. She’s a true gem in the culinary world, and I’m always thrilled to showcase her talent here. With that glowing introduction, I’ll now metaphorically zip my lips and eagerly hand over the reins to Kayle. Get ready for a dessert revelation that will undoubtedly become a new favorite in your repertoire!

Hello from The Cooking Actress!

Hiya, everyone! For those of you who might be new to my corner of the internet, I’m Kayle, and I’m the passionate baker and writer behind the blog The Cooking Actress. And as Jennie so lovingly put it, she and I are the very best of bloggy BFFs! I honestly just ADORE this girl! Our bond runs deep, forged over countless conversations about baking, blogging, and life. We’ve already proclaimed our mutual admiration in various sponsor spotlight posts, both here and on my blog, echoing a sentiment that truly comes from the heart. Now, if only she’d visit me here in the bustling heart of NYC, stat!

My boyfriend, Michael – who, regrettably, doesn’t possess a super adorable, super funny blog alter ego like Jennie’s hubster, Squirrel (we’re just not that cool, I guess!) – has a theory about our connection. He posits that our bond probably stems from the fact that we’re both, well, a little bit messy. He even highly doubts anyone could possibly be as messy as I am, which, while a bit rude, I totally understand and perhaps even agree with. Yes, guys, I’m messy. There, I said it. Sorry, not sorry!

But here’s the thing about messiness: some of the absolute best things in life are inherently messy! And one glorious example of this delicious truth is what you are currently gazing at with dreamy eyes: lava cakes. The sheer amazingness of these desserts lies entirely within their delightful messiness. That molten, gooey center that just oozes everywhere, coating your spoon, your plate, and ultimately your taste buds, makes your eyes glaze over and your tongue involuntarily hang out of your mouth in sheer bliss. Or maybe that’s just me, completely losing myself in the moment!

My Journey with Lava Cakes: A Deep Dive into Indulgence

Lava cakes have held a special place in my heart as one of my all-time favorite desserts for as long as I can remember. And by “always,” I mean specifically since my high school days, when I first experienced the magic of that warm, flowing chocolate core and was instantly, irrevocably hooked. The allure of a perfectly baked cake that secretly hides a rich, molten surprise has never faded. Over the years, I’ve experimented extensively, and I’m proud to say I’ve already shared two beloved lava cake recipes on my site. One is a delightful flourless version, catering to those who prefer a gluten-free option without compromising on flavor. The other, and arguably my personal favorite, is an incredibly simple and utterly foolproof recipe, generously shared by Michael’s wonderful stepmom, Jeanne. Her recipe is a testament to the idea that some of the best desserts are also the easiest to create.

But today, we’re embarking on a slightly different, yet equally awesome, lava cake adventure. This particular rendition introduces a magnificent twist that elevates the classic to new heights. So, let me ask you a crucial question, one that will determine if you’re ready for this level of deliciousness: Do you like Nutella?

The Irresistible Nutella Transformation

OF COURSE YOU DO! Who on earth doesn’t? Only crazy people, that’s who! The rich, creamy, chocolate-hazelnut spread has captured hearts worldwide, and for very good reason. So, it stands to reason that a Nutella lava cake would be nothing short of divine. This recipe specifically harnesses the power of Nutella to create a molten center that is unparalleled in flavor and texture. However, I’ve taken it a step further. Instead of relying solely on the store-bought spread, I opted to make my own homemade chocolate hazelnut butter. It’s a subtle tweak, but one that I genuinely believe makes a significant difference to the overall experience of these decadent little cakes.

Using homemade chocolate hazelnut spread, or as I affectionately call it, chocolate hazelnut butter, offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, it allows for a slightly healthier profile, giving you more control over the ingredients and reducing processed elements. But more importantly, from a flavor perspective, I find that the homemade version truly brings out the vibrant, nutty essence of the hazelnuts in a way that’s simply divine. That intense hazelnut flavor is something I absolutely adoooore, and it shines beautifully in this recipe, complementing the rich chocolate notes perfectly.

Now, I must be transparent about a potential trade-off. The downside to using homemade spread versus the store-bought variety is that the latter might yield a slightly gooier, perhaps even more aggressively molten center. This is merely speculation on my part, as I haven’t extensively tested both side-by-side for molten comparisons. Store-bought Nutella, with its specific consistency, might offer a different level of ooey-gooeyness. Ultimately, the choice is entirely yours! Whether you opt for the convenience of store-bought Nutella or embark on the rewarding journey of making your own chocolate hazelnut butter, I am confident that you will be treating yourself to an unforgettable gift of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. The core essence of a warm, chocolate-filled cake remains gloriously intact, promising a truly satisfying dessert experience either way.

Perfect for Entertaining: The Make-Ahead Magic

Here’s an added bonus that makes these Nutella lava cakes even more spectacular and perfect for any occasion: their incredible make-ahead potential! After you’ve poured the batter into the muffin tin cups, you don’t have to bake them immediately. You can simply cover the tin with plastic wrap and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. This convenience is an absolute game-changer, making these cakes super perfect for entertaining. Imagine the ease of preparing dessert in advance, then simply popping them into the oven right before serving. Who wouldn’t be utterly impressed when presented with their own individual, warm, luscious, and intensely chocolatey cake, boasting a mesmerizing molten center? These cakes are designed to delight, making you look like a culinary genius without all the last-minute stress.

So, get ready to bake some magic! Whether you’re whipping these up for a quiet indulgence or to wow a crowd, these Nutella lava cakes are guaranteed to be a showstopper. Enjoy every gooey, chocolatey bite!

You can follow Kayle and her delicious adventures on Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest, and Bloglovin’. Don’t miss out on her incredible recipes and baking tips!

We hope you thoroughly enjoy creating and devouring these incredibly rich and satisfying Nutella lava cakes. They truly are a masterpiece of molten chocolate perfection, guaranteed to bring a smile to anyone’s face. Happy baking!