Molten Chocolate Chili Lava Cupcakes

🌋 These Molten Chocolate Lava Cupcakes with Chili deliver a rich, fudgy crumb, a flowing chocolate center, and a subtle heat that blooms on the finish. The method is simple: mix a smooth cocoa batter, tuck a piece of dark chocolate into each cup for a guaranteed lava core, and finish with a silky chocolate frosting. A sprinkle of crushed chili flakes adds a playful kick without overpowering the chocolate.

The key to success is gentle mixing—just enough to combine—so the cupcakes stay tender, and a watchful bake so the centers remain molten. Keep the chocolate squares fully covered by batter, avoid overfilling the liners, and frost only once the cupcakes have cooled so the swirls hold their shape.

Ingredients

For the cupcakes

• 1 cup (125 g) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil (or melted butter)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 100 g dark chocolate squares (for the molten centers)

For the chocolate frosting