If you’re craving something indulgent and downright irresistible, these Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes are the perfect treat. Picture this: a warm, gooey chocolate center that oozes out with every bite, paired with the bright, tangy burst of raspberry. It’s like a love affair between chocolate and fruit, and it’s happening right inside a cupcake. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked.
These cupcakes are the ideal dessert for a special occasion, a romantic night in, or just when you want to impress your friends with a decadent, yet surprisingly easy-to-make treat. You might want to make a double batch—because these little beauties will disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes
Let me give you a few reasons why you’re going to fall head over heels for these cupcakes:
Decadent and Gooey
The molten chocolate center is the star of the show. As you break into each cupcake, the warm, rich chocolate lava pours out in the most satisfying way. It’s like a mini chocolate fondue experience in cupcake form!
Perfectly Paired Flavors
The tartness of the raspberry and the richness of the chocolate create the most divine contrast of flavors. It’s the perfect combination of sweet and tangy, and it makes every bite feel like a celebration.
Showstopper Dessert
This is one of those desserts that will make everyone go “wow!” when they see the oozing chocolate center. It’s not just delicious, it’s also an impressive way to end any meal.
Easy to Make
You don’t have to be a professional baker to whip these up. With a few simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow process, you can create these stunning lava cupcakes in no time.
Versatile
Feel free to adjust the flavor combinations! You can swap the raspberry for other fruits like strawberries or cherries, or even add a little liqueur like Chambord for an extra kick.

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Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to create these mouthwatering cupcakes:
Dark Chocolate
The secret to that rich and gooey center. Dark chocolate creates the perfect molten consistency while giving that indulgent chocolate flavor.
Butter
Butter helps make the cupcakes soft and adds a richness to the overall flavor.
Eggs
You’ll need eggs to bind the ingredients together and give the cupcakes structure while still keeping them moist.
Sugar
For sweetness, just the right amount of sugar brings balance to the chocolate.
All-Purpose Flour
The base for the batter, ensuring that the cupcakes hold together without being too dense.
Raspberry Jam or Fresh Raspberries
The raspberry jam will add that tangy burst of flavor in every bite. You can also use fresh raspberries for a juicier and more vibrant raspberry flavor.
Baking Powder
To help the cupcakes rise and keep their light and fluffy texture.
Vanilla Extract
A splash of vanilla to bring out the sweetness in the batter and balance the bold flavors.
Pinch of Salt
A touch of salt helps to elevate the sweetness and intensify the chocolate flavor.
(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to create these chocolatey, gooey treats? Let’s dive into the steps!
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 12-cup muffin tin or line it with cupcake liners. You don’t want these cupcakes sticking, so make sure they’re prepared for success!
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate and Butter
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, vanilla extract, and salt. Once mixed, fold in the melted chocolate and butter mixture until fully combined. Next, add the flour and baking powder, mixing until just incorporated—be careful not to overmix, or the cupcakes might turn out dense.
Step 4: Fill the Cupcake Tin
Spoon the batter into the prepared cupcake tin, filling each cup about 2/3 of the way full. Now, here’s the fun part: take a spoonful of raspberry jam (or fresh raspberries) and place it right in the center of each cupcake. It will create that wonderful molten center we’re after.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the tin into the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on them—when the edges are set and the tops look firm, they’re done. Don’t worry if the centers still look a little underbaked; that’s exactly what you want for the lava effect!
Step 6: Let Them Cool
Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to finish cooling. This will help set the molten chocolate inside while keeping them from falling apart.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve these little beauties warm, and watch that chocolate lava ooze out when you take a bite. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream is a great touch to take them to the next level!
Nutrition Facts
(These numbers are estimates based on the ingredients used. You can adjust the recipe for different portion sizes as needed.)
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 45mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 25g
Protein: 3g
Vitamin A: 10%
Vitamin C: 2%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 10%
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes
These cupcakes are rich and decadent on their own, but here are a few ideas to make them even more irresistible:
A Scoop of Ice Cream
Pair these lava cupcakes with a scoop of vanilla or raspberry ice cream for a cool and creamy contrast to the warm chocolate center.
Whipped Cream
A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top adds a light, airy texture that balances the richness of the cupcake.
Fresh Berries
Serve with extra fresh raspberries or strawberries for a fruity touch that complements the chocolate.
A Dusting of Powdered Sugar
For a touch of elegance, dust the tops of the cupcakes with powdered sugar just before serving.
Additional Tips
Make Them Ahead
You can prep the batter and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, just bake them off fresh for a warm, gooey treat!
Swap the Jam
Feel free to experiment with other fruit jams like strawberry, blueberry, or even cherry. Each one will bring a unique burst of flavor to the cupcakes.
Don’t Overbake
The key to lava cupcakes is keeping the center gooey. Be sure to check them around 12 minutes, and remove them once the edges are set but the center is still slightly soft.
Use Good Quality Chocolate
Since the chocolate is the heart of this dessert, use a good-quality dark chocolate for the best flavor.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
A1: Yes, you can! Milk chocolate will make the cupcakes sweeter and a little less intense, but still delicious.
Q2: Can I use fresh raspberries instead of jam?
A2: Absolutely! Fresh raspberries work wonderfully as a filling, and they’ll create a juicier center.
Q3: How do I know when the cupcakes are done?
A3: The edges should be set and firm, but the center should still look soft and slightly underbaked. That’s when the lava will flow!
Q4: Can I freeze these cupcakes?
A4: Yes! You can freeze the cupcakes (without icing or whipped cream) for up to 3 months. Just reheat them gently in the microwave or oven to bring them back to life.
Q5: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A5: Yes! You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to check the consistency as you mix the batter.
Q6: How can I prevent the cupcakes from sticking?
A6: Grease the cupcake tin well or use cupcake liners to make sure they come out easily. You can also lightly flour the inside of the tins after greasing.
Q7: Can I make these without an electric mixer?
A7: Absolutely! You can mix everything by hand with a whisk or a spoon. Just make sure the ingredients are well combined.
Q8: How do I make these cupcakes extra gooey?
A8: The trick is in the baking time. Pull them out of the oven as soon as the edges are set, and the center will stay molten.
Q9: Can I add chocolate chips to the batter?
A9: Yes! Adding chocolate chips to the batter will create an even more chocolatey experience, making them extra indulgent.
Q10: Can I serve these cupcakes with a fruit sauce?
A10: Absolutely! A raspberry coulis or chocolate ganache drizzled over the cupcakes would be a fantastic addition.
Conclusion
These Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes are the perfect dessert for any chocolate lover. With their gooey, molten center and the bright burst of raspberry, they’re truly a treat worth savoring. Whether it’s a special occasion or a mid-week indulgence, these cupcakes will always impress. So go ahead—take a bite, and enjoy the delicious magic inside!
Print
Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in these delightful Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes, featuring a rich chocolate base and a gooey raspberry center, topped with a luscious raspberry buttercream. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
- For the Cupcakes:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 3/4 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 1/2 cup raspberry preserves
- Fresh raspberries for garnish
- For the Raspberry Buttercream:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup raspberry puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
- Dark chocolate shavings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir in boiling water until smooth.
- Fill cupcake liners halfway with batter. Spoon a teaspoon of raspberry preserves into the center of each, then cover with more batter until 3/4 full.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the edge comes out clean.
- For the buttercream, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, then mix in raspberry puree, vanilla, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
- Once cupcakes are cool, frost with raspberry buttercream and garnish with fresh raspberries and chocolate shavings.
Notes
- Ensure the cupcakes cool completely before frosting for the best results.
- For a richer flavor, use high-quality cocoa powder.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cupcake
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg