Keto Chocolate Lava Cake

Annie Lampella @ Ketofocus

By Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Published January 25, 2021 • Updated February 2, 2026

Reader Rating
5 Stars (8 Reviews)

This post may contain affiliate links. See my disclosure policy.

Rich, molten chocolate lava cake is a decadent dessert with a melty center of sugar free chocolate oozing out of it. Top with whipped cream or sugar-free ice cream for the perfect treat to fall in love with.

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Keto Chocolate Lava Cake

5 (8) Prep 2m Cook 2m Total 4m 2 servings

Ingredients

  • 1/3 cup almond flour
  • 2 tablespoons monk fruit blend sweetener
  • 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • pinch of salt
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 oz sugar free chocolate
  • 1 tablespoon water

Step by Step Instructions

Step by Step Instructions

1
Get a small bowl

In a small bowl, whisk together almond flour, sweetener, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt.

dry ingredients in a glass bowl with eggs near
2
Mix ingredients

Add in melted butter, heavy cream, egg and vanilla. Mix until combined.

mixing cake batter in a small bowl
3
Pour batter

Pour cake batter into a greased microwave safe round dish (about 4.5 inches in diameter).

chocolate batter in a glass bowl
4
Top it

Top with broken pieces of chocolate. Drizzle water on top. Microwave on high for 2 minutes or until edges of the cake are set. The center will be tacky and moist to the touch.

chocolate chunks floating on top of cake batter
5
Let it cool

Let sit for 4-5 minutes in the microwave before removing and inverting upside down onto a serving plate. Top with whipped cream or ice cream.

a glass bowl upside down on a white plate
Nutrition Per Serving
440 Calories
44.2g Fat
7g Protein
4.4g Net Carbs
12.7g Total Carbs
2 Servings
Nutrition disclaimer

The nutrition information provided is an estimate and is for informational purposes only. I am a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.); however, this content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or other qualified health provider before making any lifestyle changes or beginning a new nutrition program.

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Keto Chocolate Lava Cake

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different sweetener instead of monk fruit blend?

Yes! You can substitute monk fruit blend with erythritol or stevia, just adjust the amount based on how sweet your substitute is.

What can I use if I don't have almond flour?

If you don't have almond flour, coconut flour works, but use only about a quarter of the amount since coconut flour is way more absorbent.

How do I store leftover Keto Chocolate Lava Cake?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave but don't overcook it!

Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! Swap the unsalted butter for coconut oil and the heavy cream for coconut cream and you'll have a great dairy-free version.

What can I serve with the Keto Chocolate Lava Cake?

This cake is amazing with whipped cream or sugar-free ice cream. Fresh berries on the side are great for a little contrast too!

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Chocolate Lava Cake Recipe

sugar free chocolate melted down into a cake

A chocolate lava cake that you can have in minutes without using a water bath or waiting for these melty cakes to bake in the oven. This keto cake is delicious! The center is molten and gooey. Top with sugar-free whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream. As the hot cake melts the cream, that’s when the magic happens.

digging into a melted lava cake

Is Chocolate Keto Friendly?

Yes, chocolate works on a keto diet. Especially if you find a sugar-free chocolate. There are a lot of sugar-free chocolate companies out there. My favorite is ChocZero. Their chocolate is sugar alcohol free as well and is the best tasting. You can save 10% off your order with my code KETOFOCUS at checkout. If you aren’t able to locate sugar-free chocolate, you can use a dark chocolate. Look for ones that are 85% or 90% dark chocolate. These do contain sugar, but it’s not as much compared to semi-sweet or milk chocolate.

How to Make This Lava Cake?

To make this lava cake in the microwave, you just need to do the following:
  1. Add your ingredients to a bowl.
  2. Pour the chocolate cake batter into a 4.5 inch glass baking dish.
  3. Top with sugar free chocolate.
  4. Drizzle a tablespoon of water on top.
  5. Microwave on high for 2 minutes.
  6. Let rest for 4-5 minutes before inverting.
whipped cream melting down a chocolate cake

My Chocolate Sunk to the Bottom

It’s okay if your chocolate sinks to the bottom. That’s what you want to happen. Since this is a microwave lava cake, I use a sugar-free chocolate square to help get that melty chocolate center. When you invert your cake onto a serving plate, the melted chocolate will be on top and in the center. Perfect for sliding a fork into the center and having a gooey, melted chocolate center ooze out.

What is the Purpose of the Water?

The purpose of adding a tablespoon of water onto the top of the lava cake is to allow the cake to steam bake and for the chocolate to melt without burning.
a bite of lava cake on a fork

Oven Instructions

Don’t have a microwave or don’t like them, no worries! You can still make this low-carb lava cake without a microwave. To bake your chocolate lava cake in the oven, set your oven to 350 degrees. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes in the oven or until the edges are set but the cake is still tacky in the center. Remove from the oven and let sit for 5 minutes before inverting onto your serving dish or digging in.
whipped cream and chocolate shavings on a chocolate cake

Lava Cake Storage and Meal Prep

Unfortunately, this is one dessert that you can’t prep up ahead of time. The whole point of a lava cake is to be gooey and have that melted chocolate center so you can’t make this cake up ahead of time and reheat it and expect it to taste as good as when it was freshly baked. Luckily, this low carb lava cake is very easy to prepare and only takes about 5 minutes to make!
About the Author
Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie Lampella, Pharm.D.

Annie is a Doctor of Pharmacy, mom, and the recipe creator behind KetoFocus. With a B.S. in Genetics from UC Davis, she has over 14 years of experience developing family-friendly keto recipes based on the science of human metabolism.

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Reviews 17
5 Stars (8 Reviews)
  1. M
    Marcie Dec 9, 2025

    Put your scientist hat on, please....the hubs is having some bad reactions to sweeteners, and because I have used several kinds and can't remember which I may have used in a particular recipe, do you have a recommendation for one that has the least side effects? He experiences a sore throat shortly after eating, and then gastro issues later. I'm guessing erythritol (swerve) is a culprit, but I've also used Allulose and a monk fruit/Allulose blend. Is it possible that all of them a problem?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Dec 9, 2025

      It’s very possible all of those could be triggering him, but erythritol is the most likely culprit, especially with the immediate sore throat plus later GI issues. Allulose is usually better tolerated but can still cause digestive upset in some people. If you want the lowest-risk option to test, I’d try 100% allulose sweetener and see if his symptoms stop. Another option is 100% monkfruit sweetener (one that isn't mixed with erythritol or allulose).

  2. D
    Dawn Mar 7, 2023

    Holy Moly, this is so amazingly good! You just made my life so much sweeter, thank you for your awesome recipes!

  3. G
    Gina Oct 22, 2022

    I have not found a good small dessert that had the right texture until this - so rich!!! I only ate 1/4 and put it away as a treat to savor over several servings - especially with the homemade whipped cream. I used allulose and it was wonderful - thank you!!!!! Love your channel. Your recipes appeal to non-ketoers too!

  4. M
    Mike Mar 28, 2022

    This literally is my favorite quick dessert to make. So delicious and easy to make!

  5. M
    Meliissa Apr 26, 2021

    Instead of the monk fruit blend, can you substitute swerve for it in all of your dessert recipes?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Apr 27, 2021

      Yes, you can!

  6. C
    C W Apr 22, 2021

    Would like your 20 minute ice cream maker name and your ice cream recipe. I don’t have social media, but have seen your channel on UTube.

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Oct 12, 2021

      here's my ice cream recipe: https://www.ketofocus.com/recipes/keto-vanilla-ice-cream/

  7. S
    Sally Toombs Mar 17, 2021

    I just tried this. It's insanely delicious. I sure I'll be making this weekly. I miss chocolate donuts and this will solve that craving. Didn't have to alter the recipe at all. Thanks!

  8. P
    Pryscyla Russell Feb 2, 2021

    Delish!!!! Ok so I have been on keto for a cool minute; but, this cake is great!! It’s easy to make but for the topping I made a whipped cheesecake topping (I couldn’t help myself). I also sub substituted half of the sweetener in the cake for half of sugar-free vanilla syrup used in coffee‘s. I feel like I am sinning... but I am not!

  9. B
    Basya Feather Feb 1, 2021

    This is so delicious!!! Loved every bite! Just a quick question. Are the macros above calculated per serving or for the entire thing?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Feb 2, 2021

      Macros are for two servings. So if you ate it all, then you would double the macros. I split it into two because I felt like it was caloric dense for those watching calories.

  10. S
    Steve B Jan 31, 2021

    Anne, I love your recipes and I follow you on YouTube. Keep up the good work ?

  11. G
    Gail Jan 31, 2021

    I’m confused. It appears that this is a recipe for 1 serving when being mad but the nutritional facts say 2 servings. Am I missing something?

    1. Annie Lampella
      Annie Lampella Feb 1, 2021

      It's very caloric dense and rich, so that's why I decided to make it two servings. You can eat the entire thing if you want.

  12. K
    Kirk and The Sweet Lady Jan 28, 2021

    Me and my lady recently started keto and we had a hankering for some kind of dessert. This absolutely delicious and is everything that you expect in a lava cake. We will definitely be having this again in the future!

    I also want to say that I love your website. I understand that ad revenue allows you fuel your passion of providing recipes and encouraging a different lifestyle; but the fact that it isn't blatantly loaded with ads is something that I really appreciate. I found you on YouTube a few weeks ago. Keep the fantastic recipes going!

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