Carnivore Lava Cake Recipe

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A decadent dessert that aligns with the carnivore diet might sound impossible, but a Carnivore Lava Cake is absolutely achievable and can be indulgent while keeping you within the bounds of animal-based foods. This recipe takes advantage of the rich textures of eggs, butter, and beef tallow, and it’s perfect for those following a meat-based, no-carb diet.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a rich, gooey, and luxurious Carnivore Lava Cake!

Ingredients:

2 large eggs (ideally pasture-raised for better nutrition and flavor)
2 tbsp butter (plus extra for greasing the ramekins)
2 tbsp beef tallow (or substitute with more butter, but beef tallow adds a rich flavor)
2 oz beef liver (optional, finely pureed for a rich, nutrient-dense twist)
1 tbsp heavy cream (optional, for extra richness)
2 tbsp powdered beef collagen (optional, for texture and extra protein)
Pinch of salt (use a high-quality sea salt)
2 tbsp cocoa powder (choose a pure cocoa powder with no additives)
1 tbsp ghee or clarified butter (for the lava filling)
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor depth)
1 tbsp beef bone broth (optional) (for a savory note and added richness)

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and butter your ramekins generously. You can also dust them lightly with cocoa powder for extra non-stick protection. The butter will help the cake rise and make sure the lava filling doesn’t stick.
Prepare the Beef Liver Puree (Optional): If you’re including beef liver to enrich the dish, cut the liver into small pieces and lightly sauté it in a pan with a tablespoon of butter until cooked through. Puree the liver in a food processor until smooth. This will give the cake a deep, rich flavor that pairs beautifully with the chocolate and adds valuable nutrients.
Melt the Fats: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the butter, beef tallow, and ghee (or just use more butter). Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until everything is melted and fully combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cocoa powder, powdered beef collagen (if using), and a pinch of salt. This dry mixture will help balance the cocoa’s bitterness and provide structure to the cake.
Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: Crack the eggs into a separate bowl and whisk until they are fully blended. Slowly incorporate the melted fats into the eggs, stirring constantly to avoid cooking the eggs. You can add a touch of heavy cream if you want to make the batter even richer.
Add Beef Liver and Broth (Optional): If you’re using the beef liver puree, stir it into the wet ingredients now. You can also add a tablespoon of beef bone broth to enhance the savory flavor of the cake and contribute moisture.
Assemble the Lava Cake: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. The batter should be thick but smooth. Fill each ramekin with the mixture, leaving about a 1-inch gap at the top. To create the “lava” center, you can create a small well in the center of each ramekin with a spoon and fill it with a small dollop of ghee or clarified butter. This will melt into a gooey, molten center as the cake bakes.
Bake: Place the ramekins on a baking sheet and bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them; the edges should be set, but the center should still jiggle slightly. If you prefer a firmer center, you can bake for an additional 2 minutes.
Serve Immediately: Once done, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before running a knife around the edges to loosen them. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a plate, giving the cake a gentle tap. The cake should release easily, and you should be left with a beautifully gooey, molten center. If desired, you can garnish with a sprinkle of cocoa powder or a drizzle of melted butter for an extra indulgent touch.

Tips and Variations:

Richness: If you want an even more decadent cake, feel free to increase the amount of ghee or butter in the filling, making the center as molten and gooey as you like.
Texture: Collagen powder is optional, but it adds a nice texture and an extra boost of protein to the cake. If you don’t have it, it won’t affect the cake’s structure much.
Flavor Enhancement: Adding a bit of vanilla extract can help round out the flavor, though it’s not essential to keep the recipe strict carnivore.

This Carnivore Lava Cake brings together all the flavors you love—richness, gooey texture, and decadent chocolate notes—while keeping it in line with a strict carnivore diet. Enjoy it as an occasional indulgence or a special treat!