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Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes Recipe

Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes Recipe

5.1 from 8 reviews

Delight in the rich, moist texture of Red Velvet Lava Cupcakes featuring a molten chocolate ganache center. These indulgent cupcakes combine classic red velvet cake with a luscious semi-sweet chocolate filling for an irresistible treat that’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you crave a decadent dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 1 box (approximately 15 ounces) red velvet cake mix
  • Ingredients called for on the cake mix box (typically eggs, water, and oil)

Chocolate Ganache Filling

  • 8 ounces semi-sweet baking chocolate
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish

  • Powdered sugar for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ganache: Chop or break the semi-sweet baking chocolate into small pieces and place in a medium bowl. Heat the heavy cream over low heat until it just begins to simmer, or microwave for about 45 seconds. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and stir until the mixture is smooth and fully melted. If the chocolate isn’t fully melting, microwave the mixture for about 15 seconds more. Chill this chocolate ganache in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until it hardens.
  2. Preheat Oven and Prepare Muffin Tin: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
  3. Mix Cake Batter: Prepare the red velvet cake batter according to the box instructions using the specified eggs, water, and oil. Fill each cupcake liner about halfway with the batter—approximately 1/2 full—to prevent overflow while baking.
  4. Insert Ganache Balls: Remove the chilled ganache from the fridge. Using a cookie scoop or spoon, scoop out 1 tablespoon portions of ganache and place one ganache ball in the center of each cupcake liner filled with batter. The ganache will be covered by the cake batter when baked.
  5. Bake the Cupcakes: Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the side of a cupcake (not into the center) and ensuring it comes out clean. This avoids breaking into the molten center. Allow cupcakes to cool for a few minutes in the pan.
  6. Serve: When ready to serve, carefully remove cupcakes from the muffin tin and peel off the liners. Turn each cupcake upside down onto a serving plate. Sprinkle with powdered sugar for a decorative finish. These cupcakes are best enjoyed warm; if cooled, heat briefly in the microwave to refresh their molten texture.

Notes

  • Do not fill cupcake liners more than half full to prevent batter from spilling over during baking.
  • When testing for doneness, insert a toothpick into the side of the cupcake away from the ganache center to avoid disturbing the gooey middle.
  • For easier handling, chill the ganache mixture thoroughly before scooping.
  • These cupcakes are best served warm to fully enjoy the molten chocolate center; reheat if served cold.
  • Use high-quality semi-sweet chocolate for the best flavor in the ganache.

Nutrition

Keywords: Red Velvet, Lava Cupcakes, Molten Chocolate, Dessert, Semi-Sweet Ganache, Red Velvet Cake, Cupcakes