Peanut Butter Molten Lava Cakes
Rich, gooey chocolate cakes with a hidden peanut butter center, cooked to perfection in either an Instant Pot or air fryer.
- Prep10 min
- Cook20 min
- Total45 min
- DifficultyEasy
- Servings4
These individual chocolate cakes are a showstopper dessert, with a molten peanut butter surprise inside. They come together quickly with simple ingredients and can be made in your Instant Pot or air fryer.
The key is to not overfill the ramekins, so the peanut butter stays hidden until you dig in. Dust with powdered sugar for a beautiful finish.
Ingredients
Servings
Converted amounts are rounded.
Method
- For the Instant Pot: Grease 4 ramekins with butter. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate chips and melt in 30-second intervals until smooth. Add powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt and whisk until just combined.
- Pour batter into ramekins until half full. Drop about 1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each, then cover with remaining batter. Seal each ramekin tightly with foil.
- Place the trivet in the Instant Pot and pour in the water. Arrange 3 ramekins on the trivet and stack the fourth on top in the center. Lock the lid and pressure cook on high for 20 minutes.
- Quick-release the pressure according to the manufacturer's instructions. Using tongs, carefully remove the ramekins. Uncover and run a knife around the edges. Invert onto plates and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- For the Air Fryer: Grease 4 ramekins with butter. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate chips and melt in 30-second intervals until smooth. Add powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla and whisk until smooth. Add cocoa powder, flour, and salt and whisk until just combined.
- Pour batter into ramekins until half full. Drop about 1 heaping tablespoon of peanut butter into the center of each, then cover with remaining batter. Seal each ramekin tightly with foil.
- Place ramekins in the air fryer basket, working in batches if needed. Cook at 375°F for 12 minutes, then remove the foil and cook for another 6 minutes.
- Carefully remove ramekins from the air fryer. Run a knife around the edges, invert onto plates, and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
💡 Tips
- For a richer chocolate flavor, use dark chocolate chips.
- Make sure the ramekins are tightly sealed with foil to prevent steam from entering.
- Serve warm for the best molten center.
Inspired by a recipe from Delish