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–+ servings
A spoonful of warm cottage cheese lava cake being lifted from a mug, showing the rich, molten chocolate center dripping from the spoon.
Callie Brooks

Cottage Cheese Lava Cake Recipe

A rich, protein-packed lava cake made with cottage cheese, cocoa, and chocolate chips. It's easy to make in the microwave or oven, and perfect for a high-protein treat.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 17 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 220
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • For the Base
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese full-fat gives the best texture
  • 2 tablespoons cocoa powder unsweetened for a deeper flavor
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate protein powder chocolate milkshake flavor works great
  • 1 large egg room temperature for better mixing
  •  
  • For the Molten Center
  • 1 tablespoon semi-sweet chocolate chips you can use dark or sugar-free if preferred
  •  
  • Optional Toppings
  • Greek yogurt
  • Whipped cream
  • Vanilla protein ice cream
  • Fresh berries
  • A pinch of sea salt
  •  
  • Equipment Needed
  • Microwave-safe mug or bowl
  • Oven-safe ramekin if using the oven method
  • Spoon or small whisk for mixing
  • Blender or food processor if you prefer a smoother texture

Method
 

  1. 1. Add the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, protein powder, and egg to a microwave-safe mug or bowl.
  2. 2. Stir the mixture until fully combined. For a smoother batter, blend in a food processor or blender before transferring it to your mug.
  3. 3. Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Try to keep them near the center for the best molten effect.
  4. 4. Microwave on high for 90 seconds. The top should look set but slightly jiggly in the center.
  5. 5. Let it sit for about one minute. This allows the center to settle without overcooking.
  6. 6. Grab a spoon and dig in while it's warm. The gooey chocolate center should be soft and flowing.
  7. 7. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Grease a small oven-safe ramekin.
  8. 8. In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, cocoa powder, protein powder, and egg until well combined. Blend if you want a silkier texture.
  9. 9. Stir in the chocolate chips, then pour the mixture into your prepared ramekin.
  10. 10. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. The top should rise slightly and the center should still be soft.
  11. 11. Let it cool for one to two minutes, then enjoy it fresh out of the ramekin or flip it onto a plate for a true lava cake presentation.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cakeCalories: 220kcalCarbohydrates: 12gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 220mgFiber: 2gSugar: 6g

Notes

For a lower-calorie version, use low-fat cottage cheese and sugar-free chocolate chips.
To make this recipe dairy-free, sub in a plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free chocolate.
Adjust the cook time slightly depending on your microwave wattage or ramekin size.

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Let us know how it was!