Flourless Chocolate Lava Cake (healthy & easy!)

Healthy desserts offer the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition, and this gluten-free lava cake recipe has the gooey center you’ll love without any added sugar.

Not only is this recipe loaded with chocolatey goodness, but it also packs plenty of protein and is made with only a handful of ingredients. The combination of ingredients in this healthier alternative to traditional molten chocolate lava cake allows it to satisfy any sweet tooth without a single gram of added sugar. The gooey center makes it feel indulgent, and the low calorie count allows you to have a hearty serving. Perfect for any chocolate lover, it is incredibly easy to make with a baking time of just a few minutes!

Thanks to my friend Bailey, of Basics with Bails, who inspired this amazing recipe!

Why You’ll Love this Gluten-free Chocolate Lava Cake

Satisfying sweet cravings without excess sugar or unhealthy fats can be tough to do. And, although we know we should limit the added sugar and saturated fat in our diets, “healthier” desserts often don’t hit the spot like a traditionally made treat. 

This decadent chocolate treat combines the textures of pudding and brownies to create a treat naturally low in added sugar and loaded with protein. You’ll get the amazing flavor combination of chocolate and peanut butter with the benefits of protein-packed cottage cheese. 

Simple Ingredients for Flourless Chocolate Lava Cakes

• Low Fat Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese brings protein to this perfect dessert and creates the texture to mimic lava cake. Go with full fat, nonfat, or low fat, based on your preference. I went with 2% cottage cheese and it worked well. 
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder: This ingredient packs the familiar chocolatey flavor without any added sugar. Even better, it is naturally loaded with antioxidants, making it a nutrition ingredient that provides few calories. 
• Egg: The egg in this recipe provides a little more protein while also helping to create a brownie-like texture around the edges, once heated.
• Peanut butter: A plant-based source of protein and healthy fats, peanut butter adds flavor and plenty of nutrients to this dessert. Go with a creamy variety that doesn’t have any added sugar for optimal texture and nutrition. 
• Dark chocolate chips: Finding options made without added sugar allow this dessert to have a low calorie, carb, and sugar count, while still feeling indulgent. When available, choose dark chocolate over semi-sweet or milk chocolate to add antioxidants to the recipe. 

Check out the recipe card below for the exact recipe!

How to Make Healthy Molten Lava Cakes in Just Minutes 

The best part of this recipe is that is can be made in just a few minutes! It is seriously the fastest dessert recipe I have ever made. Here’s how to do it:

1. Combine the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, egg, and peanut butter in a blender. 
2. Blend on medium-high speed until the mixture is smooth. 
3. Pour your chocolate mixture into a microwave safe dish. 
4. Microwave your cake in intervals of 30 seconds until the edges start to become firm. You’ll want to center to stay soft and gooey, so don’t over do it!.
5. Once it has reached lava cake consistency, top with chocolate chips and serve. 

How to Store this Healthy Molten Lava Cake Recipe

For the best lava cake, this recipe is definitely best enjoyed freshly cooked. However, if you have leftovers, allow them to come to room temperature before storing them in an airtight container. Keep the leftovers in the fridge for up to 5 days.

When you are ready to enjoy a serving, place it in a microwave safe dish and heat for 30 seconds. The more you heat it, the firmer it will get. Enjoying it as a leftover may result in a firmer cake, which will be just as delicious! You can even top with fresh chocolate chips again. 

Tips on How to Make the Best Gluten-Free Lava Cakes

• Don’t over heat it. The longer it spends in the microwave, the firmer it will get. If you prefer a more dense texture, go ahead and microwave until your desired doneness. However, if you want a lava cake experience, stick with the 30 second intervals and check doneness after each cycle. 
• Experiment with flavors.  Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor, or add a splash of vanilla or liqueur for an extra twist.
• Serve immediately. For the best molten effect, serve the cake right after heating. If you wait too long, the centers may solidify and lose the “lava” effect.
• Use high-quality chocolate. Opt for dark chocolate with at least 70% cacao for a rich flavor and a gooey, molten center. The melted chocolate chips in the recipe add the perfect touch. 
• Incorporate fruit. Top your cake with fresh berries for additional nutrients, flavor and texture.