Chocolate Lava Cakes

If you thought you could only have something of this magnitude at a restaurant, you’re wrong. These sinful cakes are much easier to make than you think. Who could resist a little romance after eating this decadent dessert? It would be the perfect way to end a stay-at-home Valentine’s dinner and begin the rest of your evening… (wink, wink)

You may think I’m weird, but since I have had kids, Valentine’s Day has become much more fun. (for me anyway) Ha! I’m not a romantic person, in fact it just makes me a little uncomfortable. Back when I was in the dating scene, guys would write me poems, songs, and just try to put themselves out there to “show their love”. Ugh. I would just want to crawl under a rock. Seriously. They weren’t doin anything for me. My husband knows better. Lucky for him he doesn’t have to put that kind of creative effort in to satisfy me. Having kids around for Valentine’s day just takes the focus off the romantic side and adds a little fun and innocence into it. I like to make the day about showing them love and affection and making the day memorable that way. We love coming up with new Valentine boxes to bring to school, creating personal cards to pass out and making fun treats to eat. I started a tradition of cutting out 14 hearts for each child (which in my case is a lot of hearts) and writing something I love about each child on the hearts. I tape them to their bedroom doors so when they wake up in the morning they can read them. They LOVE this! They, of course, love reading their own, but also love reading each others.

These chocolate lava cakes have been a favorite in my house for many years now. They are easy to  make and since you don’t have to bake the cake for very long- they’re quick too! This is not a dessert you want to make ahead of time. You have to serve the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven or else the “lava” will absorb into the baked part of the cake. (I know from experience, trust me)

I just though I’d share my view while taking these pictures. My very patient 3-year old Layla had her eyes on the dessert the whole time. She devoured the cake and the strawberries when mommy was all done! Precious girl. I just love her so much!