Name: Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup unsalted butter (cut into cubes - plus more for ramekins); 1 cup chocolate chips (dark or semi-sweet); 1/2 cup powdered sugar (plus more for topping); 2 large eggs (room temperature); 2 large egg yolks (room temperature); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla; 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/4 teaspoon espresso powder; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter (divided); 1 cup water (for the pot)

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The Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake is a dessert that has always held a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I made it for a cozy gathering with friends. As we all sat around the table, the aroma wafted through the air, filling the room with warmth and anticipation. When I finally served the cakes, everyone’s eyes widened in delight as they dug their spoons into the rich, molten centers. The combination of creamy peanut butter and luscious chocolate brought smiles to our faces and sweet memories to our hearts. This dessert isn’t just a treat; it’s an experience that brings people together, creating moments worth savoring. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just indulging in a little self-care, this cake is the perfect choice for those who crave something truly decadent.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
40 mins

Prep Time:
20 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
6 g

Diet:
Vegan, Gluten-Free, Low FODMAP

Fat:
20 g

Tools Used:
Frying Pan, Whisk, Instant Pot, Wooden Spoon, Mixing Bowl

Why We Love This Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Decadent Flavor

The rich combination of chocolate and peanut butter in the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake creates an indulgent flavor that’s hard to resist. The moment you cut into the cake, the gooey center oozes out, making every bite a delightful surprise. No one can say no to that!

Quick Preparation

Using the Instant Pot means that you can whip up this delicious dessert in a fraction of the time it would take in an oven. It’s perfect for when you have unexpected guests or need to satisfy a last-minute craving. Just mix the ingredients, pour them into ramekins, and let the Instant Pot do the magic.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a birthday, an anniversary, or just a typical Wednesday night, this cake is a crowd-pleaser. The Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake is versatile enough to be served at fancy dinner parties or casual family dinners.

Customizable Toppings

One of my favorite things about this dessert is how you can customize it. Top your cake with fresh berries, a scoop of your favorite ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Each topping adds a new layer of flavor and makes your dessert unique.

Family-Friendly Fun

Making the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake can be a fun family activity. Kids love getting involved in pouring ingredients and stirring the mixture. Plus, they’ll be excited to help serve this delightful dessert.

Healthier Indulgence

This recipe uses ingredients that can be considered healthier alternatives than some traditional desserts. With the balance of flavors and textures, you can enjoy a decadent treat without the guilt of overindulging.

Recipe Ingredients for Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake

The ingredients for the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake are simple yet essential for creating that rich, gooey texture.

1/2 cup unsalted butter, cut into cubes – This adds richness and moisture to the cake.
1 cup chocolate chips, dark or semi-sweet – The star of the show, providing a deep chocolate flavor.
1/2 cup powdered sugar – Used for sweetness, balancing the richness of the chocolate.
2 large eggs, room temperature – These help to bind the ingredients and provide structure.
2 egg yolks, room temperature – Adds richness and creaminess to the cake.
1 teaspoon pure vanilla – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder – Adds depth to the chocolate flavor.
1/4 teaspoon espresso powder – Intensifies the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Helps to create the structure of the cake.
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor.
4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter, divided – The star ingredient that makes this cake special.
1 cup water, for the pot – Needed for the Instant Pot to create steam.

Preparation Steps for Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Making the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake is a straightforward process. Just follow these simple steps to create your delicious dessert.

Grease four ramekins with butter and set them aside.
In a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine butter and chocolate chips and heat in 30-second intervals until melted. Make sure to stir well after each interval, as the residual heat will melt the chocolate perfectly.
Add powdered sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla to the melted chocolate and whisk until smooth.
Add cocoa powder, espresso powder, flour, and salt to the mixture and whisk until just combined. Be careful not to overmix!
Fill the ramekins halfway with batter, then add to each a heaping 1 tablespoon of peanut butter.
Top with the remaining batter, leaving about 1 inch for the cakes to expand during cooking.
Cover ramekins tightly with foil to prevent water from getting in.
Place the trivet inside the Instant Pot and pour in the water.
Arrange three ramekins onto the trivet and stack the fourth one in the center on top.
Secure the lid and seal the valve on older models. Set to Pressure Cook/Manual on high for 20 minutes.
After that, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to do a quick release. Carefully open the lid and using tongs, remove the ramekins from the Instant Pot.
Uncover them and run a butter knife around the edges. After that, invert each ramekin onto a plate.
Dust with additional powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness!

Things Worth Knowing

Don’t overheat: When melting the chocolate and butter, be sure to check frequently to avoid burning.
Foil tightly: Make sure to cover the ramekins tightly with foil to keep the cakes moist while cooking.
Room temperature eggs: Using room temperature eggs helps to create a smoother batter.
Steam is key: The Instant Pot needs water to create steam, which is crucial for the lava cake’s texture.

Expert Tips about Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Here are some expert tips to ensure your Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake turns out perfectly each time.

Storage: Store any leftover cakes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last up to three days.
Freezing: Yes, you can freeze the uncooked batter in the ramekins. Just make sure to thaw them before cooking.
Pairing: This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added creaminess.
Serving warm: Serve the lava cake warm for the best experience. You want that gooey center to flow out!
Experiment with flavors: Try adding different flavored chocolate chips or nut butters to customize the cake to your liking.

Serving This Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake

Perfect for gatherings: The Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake is a wonderful dessert for gatherings. It’s impressive and sure to impress your guests.
Festive presentations: Consider serving the cake with festive toppings like fresh berries or a drizzle of chocolate sauce for special occasions.
Individual servings: I love that each ramekin creates an individual serving, making it easy to share without cutting a cake.
Storing leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in the fridge and reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Seasonal pairings: This cake is delightful in any season but is especially comforting during colder months.

FAQ

Absolutely! While the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake is tailored for pressure cooking, you can easily make it in a conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the filled ramekins in a water bath for about 20 to 25 minutes. Just keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t overcook; you want that delicious molten center!

This cake is divine on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. You might also consider fresh berries for a pop of color and flavor, making it a more balanced dessert!

For the best results with the Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake, check the cakes after cooking for 20 minutes. They should be set around the edges but still slightly jiggly in the center. This indicates that the molten center will be perfectly gooey when you dig in!

Absolutely! While creamy peanut butter is the star of this recipe, you can try other nut butters like almond or cashew for a twist. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious!

Conclusion

The Instant Pot Peanut Butter Lava Cake is a delightful dessert that combines rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a truly unforgettable treat. I encourage you to dive into this recipe and experience the joy it brings. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, so don’t hesitate to whip it up tonight!