Introduction
When it comes to decadent desserts, few can rival the indulgent experience of Molten Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fondant Cakes. The perfect fusion of rich dark chocolate and creamy peanut butter, these warm, gooey lava cakes are an irresistible treat for any chocolate lover. If you’re looking to impress your guests or simply indulge in a luxurious dessert, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making the perfect Molten Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fondant Cakes, including step-by-step instructions, pro tips, variations, and frequently asked questions.
Ingredients
For the Chocolate Batter:
- 7 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup superfine sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
For the Peanut Butter Filling:
- 8 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
For Dusting & Garnish:
- Cocoa powder, for dusting

Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate Mixture
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the cakes will bake evenly and achieve the perfect molten center.
In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir gently until completely melted and smooth. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
2. Combine with the Egg Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and superfine sugar until well combined and slightly frothy.
Slowly pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, whisking continuously to prevent the eggs from scrambling. Once fully incorporated, fold in the sifted all-purpose flour until a smooth batter forms.
3. Assemble the Fondant Cakes
Grease four 1-cup baking molds (such as dariole molds) thoroughly with butter to prevent sticking.
Spoon two-thirds of the chocolate batter evenly into the prepared molds.
Place 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter into the center of each mold. This will create the signature molten peanut butter core.
Cover the peanut butter centers with the remaining chocolate batter.
4. Bake to Perfection
Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the cakes are puffed with slightly firm edges but a soft center.
Once baked, carefully invert the cakes onto serving plates immediately.
Dust with cocoa powder and serve warm for the ultimate molten experience.
Pro Tips for the Best Fondant Cakes
- Use high-quality chocolate – The richer the chocolate, the more indulgent the cake will be.
- Don’t overbake! – The key to a molten center is slightly underbaking the cakes.
- Let them rest for a minute after baking to prevent them from breaking when unmolding.
- Experiment with flavors – Try using hazelnut spread instead of peanut butter for a Nutella-inspired variation.
FAQs
1. Can I make these cakes ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare the batter, fill the molds, and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours. Simply bake when ready.
2. Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the cakes will be sweeter and may not have the same depth of flavor.
3. How do I prevent my cakes from sticking to the mold?
Grease the molds thoroughly with butter or use parchment paper rounds at the bottom.
4. Can I freeze the unbaked fondant cakes?
Absolutely! Freeze them in the molds and bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 extra minutes to the baking time.
Conclusion
These Molten Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fondant Cakes are the perfect way to satisfy your dessert cravings. The combination of rich chocolate cake with a gooey peanut butter center is simply divine. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just because you deserve a treat, this recipe guarantees pure indulgence every time.
So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy the most decadent molten cakes ever!
Print
Molten Peanut Butter and Chocolate Fondant Cakes – A Decadent Dessert Recipe
Ingredients
- 7 ounces dark chocolate, chopped
- 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, chopped
- 2 large eggs
- 2 egg yolks
- ½ cup superfine sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 8 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- Cocoa powder, for dusting
Instructions
-
Prepare the Chocolate Mixture:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a saucepan over low heat, combine the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter. Stir gently until melted and smooth.
-
Combine with Egg Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2 eggs, 2 egg yolks, and superfine sugar until well combined.
- Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously.
- Fold in the sifted all-purpose flour until the batter is smooth.
-
Assemble the Fondant Cakes:
- Grease four 1-cup baking molds (such as dariole molds) thoroughly.
- Spoon two-thirds of the chocolate batter evenly into the prepared molds.
- Place 2 tablespoons of smooth peanut butter into the center of each mold.
- Cover the peanut butter centers with the remaining chocolate batter.
-
Bake and Serve:
- Place the filled molds on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 16–18 minutes, or until the cakes are puffed.
- Once baked, carefully turn out the cakes immediately onto serving plates.
- Dust with cocoa powder before serving.