Skull Lava Cake

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Rich, dramatic, and absolutely unforgettable—Skull Lava Cakes are the show-stopping dessert you didn’t know you needed. These individual red velvet skulls are filled with molten chocolate lava, creating an eerie but decadent effect when sliced. With a hauntingly beautiful powdered sugar glaze and rich cocoa-red crumb, they’re a spooky treat for Halloween parties or any gothic-themed gathering.

Each skull is not just about the visual drama—you’ll fall hard for the soft, velvety cake and the surprise of gooey, flowing chocolate at the center. Best of all, you can prep them ahead of time and bake just before serving, so everyone experiences the warm, molten magic.

Why You’ll Love This Skull Lava Cake

These cakes are more than a novelty—they’re indulgent, elegant, and surprisingly simple to make. The rich cocoa flavor pairs perfectly with the flowing center of semi-sweet chocolate. Plus, you can make them using skull-shaped silicone molds, easily found online or in baking supply stores. Serve them as-is, or dust with powdered sugar for a ghostly finish.

What Kind of Molds Work Best for Skull Lava Cake?

Skull silicone molds are ideal for this recipe—they’re easy to unmold and help maintain the intricate details of the skull shape. Look for food-grade silicone molds that are oven-safe up to at least 400°F. If you’re using a non-silicone pan, be sure to grease and flour thoroughly to prevent sticking.

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Ingredients for the Skull Lava Cake

Creating these spooky delights only takes a few pantry staples with a touch of creativity:

• All-purpose flour – Provides the structure for the red velvet cake.
• Unsweetened cocoa powder – Gives that deep chocolatey base and rich color contrast.
• Granulated sugar – Sweetens the cake without overpowering the cocoa.
• Buttermilk – Adds moisture and tenderness to the cake crumb.
• Vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and soft.
• Egg – Helps bind everything together.
• Red food coloring – Essential for that signature red velvet hue.
• Vanilla extract – Enhances all the other flavors with warmth.
• Baking soda and white vinegar – Traditional leaveners in red velvet that give a slight lift.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chunks – These melt into that dreamy, gooey center.
• Powdered sugar – For dusting over the skulls to make them extra haunting.

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How To Make the Skull Lava Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Tools

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease your skull silicone molds. Place them on a baking sheet for easy transport.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.

Step 3: Make the Wet Base

In a separate bowl, mix sugar, egg, vegetable oil, buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla extract, and vinegar until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Pour

Gradually add dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fill each skull mold halfway, press a chunk of semi-sweet chocolate into the center, and then cover with more batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 13-15 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center will remain slightly jiggly—perfect for lava cakes.

Step 6: Cool and Decorate

Let the cakes cool in the mold for about 10 minutes before unmolding. Dust with powdered sugar for a ghostly look.

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How to Serve and Store Skull Lava Cake

These skull lava cakes are best served warm so the chocolate center remains molten. You can reheat them in the microwave for about 15 seconds before serving. Each batch makes 6 skulls and can be easily doubled for parties.

To store, place them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat before serving to revive the gooey center.

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What to Serve With Skull Lava Cake?

Whipped Cream

A light, airy dollop of fresh whipped cream balances the richness perfectly.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Cold and creamy, it pairs beautifully with the warm lava center.

Fresh Berries

Adds a bright, tangy contrast to the intense chocolate flavor.

Raspberry Sauce

The slight tartness cuts through the sweetness for a perfect combo.

Espresso or Coffee

Rich cake and coffee are a match made in dessert heaven.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Brings another layer of decadence to the mix.

Crushed Pistachios

Adds crunch and a subtle nutty flavor.

Chocolate Ganache

Double up on the chocolate with a rich ganache drizzle.

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Want More Dessert Ideas with a Twist?

If you love these Skull Lava Cakes, try these unique treats next:

• Delicious Cinnamon Roll Cake for a gooey breakfast-inspired dessert.
• Mini Pecan Tarts for a bite-sized southern classic.
• Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake with a rich, tangy swirl.
• Red Velvet Cheesecake Cupcake if you want even more red velvet goodness.
• Knock You Naked Bars for an ooey-gooey chocolatey indulgence.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go full spooky with black sugar dusting? Did you add raspberry filling instead of chocolate?

I love hearing how you bring your own flair to these cakes. Got questions? Leave them below and let’s make magic happen together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more spooky sweets on Nora Nosh Recipes!

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