Okay, these Chocolate Walnut Lava Cupcakes? They’re warm, gooey, and totally dreamy. The center just melts like magic.

We baked them for dessert last weekend. The chocolate oozed out with every bite. And those crunchy walnuts on top? So good.

It’s rich. It’s nutty. And it feels fancy without being hard to make.

Wanna try them too? Let’s whip up a batch together. You won’t believe how easy it is.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Molten Lava Center: The rich caramel sauce in the center of these cupcakes creates the ultimate lava cake experience in a portable, cupcake form.
Easy to Make: These cupcakes come together quickly with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. No need to be a pastry chef to impress your friends and family.
Versatile Flavor: The combination of dark chocolate, walnuts, and caramel works perfectly for a variety of palates, from chocolate lovers to those who appreciate a nutty crunch.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday, or just because, these chocolate lava cupcakes are sure to wow your guests.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can make the cupcakes a day or two in advance, and simply reheat them in the oven to get the molten center back to perfection.

Required Kitchen Tools

To create these decadent cupcakes, here are the essential tools you’ll need:

Muffin Tin: A standard muffin tin is necessary to shape and bake the cupcakes.
Paper Liners: To make cleanup easy and ensure your cupcakes don’t stick, use paper liners.
Mixing Bowls: For combining your dry ingredients and mixing the wet ingredients.
Electric Mixer: You can use a hand or stand mixer to easily cream your butter and sugar, ensuring light and fluffy batter.
Sifter: Sifting your dry ingredients ensures the cake has a smooth texture with no lumps.
Wire Rack: After baking, transfer your cupcakes to a wire rack to cool completely.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering chocolate walnut lava cupcakes (exact measurements are listed below):

All-Purpose Flour: The base for the cupcake batter.
Cocoa Powder: For that deep, rich chocolate flavor.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: The perfect balance to help the cupcakes rise and become fluffy.
Salt: To enhance the flavors and balance the sweetness.
Unsalted Butter: Use softened butter for the best texture in your cupcake batter.
Granulated Sugar: This sweetens the cupcakes and adds moisture.
Eggs: Two large eggs will help bind the batter together and give it structure.
Vanilla Extract: A touch of vanilla extract for an aromatic depth of flavor.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a subtle tanginess to the cupcakes.
Hot Water: Hot water helps dissolve the cocoa powder and create a smoother batter.
Semisweet Chocolate Chips: For a delicious melty bite in each cupcake.
Caramel Sauce: A smooth and gooey molten center that will ooze out when you bite into the cupcake.
Chopped Walnuts: A crunchy and nutty addition that pairs perfectly with the chocolate.

Variations for Chocolate Walnut Lava Cupcakes

There are plenty of fun ways to customize this recipe based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry. Here are a few ideas:

Add Different Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts for a new twist.
Use White Chocolate: Replace semisweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a milder, sweeter flavor.
Stuff with Nutella: For an extra indulgent lava experience, replace the caramel sauce with Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate center.
Make it Minty: Add a few drops of mint extract to the batter to create a chocolate-mint combination that’s refreshing and satisfying.
Add a Touch of Spice: For a unique flavor profile, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne pepper to the batter to give it a little kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare Your Muffin Tin

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line your muffin tin with paper liners to prevent the cupcakes from sticking and to make cleanup easier.

2. Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Sifting is essential to break up any lumps and ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat together unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. This step helps to incorporate air into the batter, creating a light and airy texture for the cupcakes.

4. Add the Wet Ingredients

Add eggs, one at a time, to the butter and sugar mixture, making sure to mix well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract. Once the eggs are fully incorporated, slowly add the buttermilk. The buttermilk will add moisture and help the cupcakes bake up soft and tender.

5. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here, or the cupcakes may turn out dense.

6. Incorporate Hot Water and Chocolate Chips

Once the dry ingredients are combined, stir in the hot water. This will help dissolve the cocoa powder and create a smoother batter. Next, fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. The chocolate chips will melt slightly during baking, creating pockets of gooey chocolate, and the walnuts add a delightful crunch.

7. Add the Caramel Center

Spoon the cupcake batter into the prepared muffin tin, filling each cup about 2/3 of the way full. Using a spoon, make a small indentation in the center of each cupcake and fill it with caramel sauce. Don’t overfill—just a tablespoon per cupcake should be plenty. You want that molten lava center, so don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of caramel.

8. Bake the Cupcakes

Place the muffin tin in the oven and bake for about 18-20 minutes. You’ll know the cupcakes are done when they’ve puffed up and the tops are firm to the touch. If you want to be sure, insert a toothpick into the edges of the cupcake (not into the center). It should come out clean, but the center will still be gooey.

9. Cool and Serve

Allow the cupcakes to cool in the tin for 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. When you bite into these cupcakes, you’ll be treated to the molten lava center—rich caramel sauce and melted chocolate!

How to Serve Chocolate Walnut Lava Cupcakes

These cupcakes are so indulgent that they don’t need much extra! But if you want to dress them up a little bit, here are a few ideas for serving:

With a Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with these cupcakes, creating a contrast between the warm, molten center and the cold, creamy ice cream.
Topped with Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream on top adds a light, airy element that balances the richness of the chocolate.
Sprinkle with Extra Walnuts: If you love the nutty crunch, top the cupcakes with additional chopped walnuts for an extra bit of texture.
Drizzle with Extra Caramel Sauce: For even more gooeyness, drizzle the cupcakes with additional caramel sauce before serving.

Storing Chocolate Walnut Lava Cupcakes

Unfrosted Cupcakes: If you have leftovers or want to make these ahead of time, store the cooled cupcakes in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: You can also freeze these cupcakes! Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 1 month. To reheat, place the cupcakes in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or bake them at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to restore that molten lava center.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per cupcake (without ice cream or additional toppings):

Nutrient	Amount per serving (1 cupcake)
Calories	300 kcal
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	9g
Cholesterol	50mg
Sodium	150mg
Total Carbohydrates	35g
Dietary Fiber	2g
Sugars	22g
Protein	4g

Conclusion

Chocolate Walnut Lava Cupcakes are the ultimate indulgent treat for any chocolate lover. With a soft and moist cupcake base, a gooey caramel center, and a delightful crunch from the walnuts, these cupcakes offer a perfect balance of textures and flavors. They’re easy to make, perfect for special occasions, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing guests, these lava cupcakes are sure to satisfy your sweet tooth and leave everyone asking for seconds!