If you’ve ever sailed with Carnival Cruise Line, chances are you’ve indulged in what might just be their most famous dessert — the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake. This rich, gooey chocolate creation has been a staple on Carnival’s main dining room menu for years, and it’s earned a reputation as the dessert that everyone looks forward to each night. Some guests even admit to ordering it every evening of their cruise, whether or not they have room for dessert!
A Carnival Classic
The Warm Chocolate Melting Cake is as much a part of the Carnival experience as Guy’s Burgers or the sailaway party. It’s served hot in a small ramekin, with a perfectly baked outer shell that hides a luscious, molten chocolate center. Traditionally, it comes with a side of vanilla ice cream — the perfect cool contrast to the warm, rich cake. But if you want to add a little twist, many cruisers swear by asking their server for a side of peanut butter to go with it. The combination of warm chocolate and peanut butter? Absolute heaven at sea.
How Many Warm Chocolate Melting Cakes are Made Each Day?
Believe it or not… a lot! But just how many of these delicious desserts are made each day? On Carnival’s Excel-class ships, Mardi Gras, Celebration, and Jubilee, which just so happen to currently be the largest in the fleet, 2,500 Warm Chocolate Melting Cakes are made each day! Considering each ship can hold 6,000 passengers at max capacity, that means almost half the people onboard order the famous dessert every night!
How to Make Carnival’s Warm Chocolate Melting Cake at Home
The best part about this famous dessert is that you don’t have to wait for your next cruise to enjoy it. Carnival has shared the recipe over the years, and it’s surprisingly simple — only a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps stand between you and your very own Warm Chocolate Melting Cake.
Here’s what you’ll need for four servings:
- 3 oz semi-sweet chocolate
- 3 oz sweet chocolate
- 6 oz unsalted butter
- 4 fresh eggs
- 2 oz flour
- 1.5 oz sugar
Once your ingredients are gathered up:
- Melt the good stuff: Start by melting the chocolate and butter together until smooth and glossy.
- Whisk it up: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until light, then stir in the flour.
- Mix it all together: Combine the egg mixture with your melted chocolate and butter.
- Bake to perfection: Pour the batter into greased ramekins and bake at 320°F for about 14 minutes.
The key is timing — you want the edges set, but the middle still molten. Too long in the oven, and you’ll end up with a regular cake. Too short, and you’ll be spooning out raw batter. But hit that sweet spot, and you’ll have recreated Carnival’s most iconic dessert right at home.
Tips for Serving
Stick with the traditional scoop of vanilla ice cream if you want the true Carnival experience. Or, follow the lead of seasoned cruisers and add a spoonful of peanut butter on the side. You can even dress it up with fresh berries if you’re feeling fancy.
So, whether you’re missing your last cruise or just dreaming of your next one, making Carnival’s Warm Chocolate Melting Cake at home is an easy way to bring a taste of vacation right into your kitchen.
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