Lava Cake
Also known as: Lava Cake #11
Breeder: Cannarado Genetics
A dessert-forward indica-dominant hybrid bred by Cannarado Genetics, crossing the potent '09 Thin Mint GSC cut with Gage Green Group's elusive Grape Pie. Known for exceptional trichome density, deep purple expression, and a rich chocolate-grape-mint terpene profile that earned its namesake. Also referred to as Lava Cake #11, the strain has been cultivated at scale by Jungle Boys and Toluca Lake Collective in California.
Lineage & Genetics
Cross: Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies x Grape Pie
Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies (the '09 Thin Mint cut) is one of the most celebrated phenotypes of GSC, known for its minty-chocolate aroma, extreme potency, and dense trichome coverage. Grape Pie, bred by Gage Green Group from Cherry Pie and Grape Stomper, contributes sweet grape-berry flavors and deep purple coloration. The combination produces the dessert-forward chocolate-grape-mint profile that earned Lava Cake its name.
Terpene Profile
Caryophyllene — Provides the spicy, peppery undertone beneath the dessert sweetness and contributes anti-inflammatory and stress-relief properties through CB2 receptor interaction.
Myrcene — Drives the deeply relaxing body effects and enhances the sedative indica character. Adds earthy, musky depth to the chocolate-grape aroma profile.
Humulene — Contributes woody, earthy complexity that grounds the sweet dessert notes. Adds subtle bitterness that prevents the flavor from becoming cloying.
Aroma: Rich chocolate and sweet grape dominate the nose with cool peppermint undertones from the Thin Mint GSC heritage. A creamy vanilla sweetness and earthy dough base round out the profile. The aroma intensifies through flower, with the chocolate-grape character becoming more pronounced after a proper cure.
Flavor: Rich chocolate and sweet grape dominate the palate, complemented by cool mint undertones and creamy vanilla. The exhale finishes with an earthy, doughy sweetness that matches the strain's dessert namesake.
Effects & Experience
Onset: A gentle cerebral euphoria settles in first, lifting mood and sparking a pleasant creative headspace before the indica body effects begin building.
The initial euphoria transitions into deep physical relaxation over 15–20 minutes. Full-body sedation develops steadily, melting tension and promoting sleepiness. Appetite stimulation is common, and the creative spark from the onset fades into a comfortable, dreamy state. At moderate doses the experience remains functional; at higher doses expect heavy couch-lock and a strong pull toward sleep.
Duration: 2–3 hours of primary effects with residual sedation and sleepiness
Commonly Reported Uses
Grower's Notes
Lava Cake is an indica-dominant polyhybrid that rewards attentive cultivators with dense, trichome-loaded colas and stunning purple bag appeal. Its compact, bushy growth habit and forgiving nature make it accessible to beginners while offering enough depth for experienced growers to optimize.
Structure & Training
Grows stocky with tight internodal spacing typical of its indica dominance. Responds exceptionally well to topping, LST, and SCROG setups to open the canopy and maximize light penetration to lower bud sites. SOG works well when kept in smaller pots. Expect 30–50% stretch after flipping to 12/12.
Environment
Maintain 24–27°C during veg with 55–65% RH (VPD 0.8–1.1 kPa). In early flower, pull temps to 23–26°C and drop RH to 45–50%. For late flower (weeks 6–9), drop nighttime temps to 18–20°C to trigger anthocyanin production and bring out the signature purple and violet hues.
Feeding & Nutrients
Runs lean on nutrients — avoid overfeeding. Responds well to a steady, moderate EC rather than aggressive inputs. Not a heavy feeder but benefits from consistent cal-mag supplementation in coco or hydro setups.
Defoliation
Heavy defoliation at week 3 of flower helps manage the dense canopy structure. Lollipopping lower growth that receives insufficient light redirects energy to top colas. Maintain good airflow through the canopy to prevent botrytis on the dense terminal buds.
Flowering & Harvest
Flowers in 56–63 days under 12/12. Most phenotypes hit peak trichome maturity around day 60. Use a jeweler's loupe to check — mostly cloudy with 20–30% amber delivers the sedating indica effect this strain is known for. Outdoor harvests land late September to mid-October.
Yield & Quality
Indoor yields of 450–550g/m² under optimized LED at 900–1100 µmol/m²/s with training. Without training expect 250–350g/m². Outdoor plants can produce 550–650g per plant with adequate canopy space and a warm growing season. Buds are dense, grape-shaped, and heavily coated in resin.
Purple Expression
Many phenotypes express deep purple and violet hues in late flower when nighttime temps drop below 20°C. This is anthocyanin activation and does not affect potency or yield but dramatically improves bag appeal.
Resistance & Challenges
Tolerant of minor temperature fluctuations but performs best in a stable environment. The dense bud structure demands good airflow and humidity control below 45% in late flower to prevent mold. Regular pruning and defoliation are essential to manage the bushy growth habit.
History & Origin
Lava Cake was bred by Cannarado Genetics, crossing the legendary '09 Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies cut with Gage Green Group's Grape Pie. The strain gained commercial prominence through cultivation by Jungle Boys and Toluca Lake Collective in California, where its exceptional bag appeal — dense, purple, trichome-encrusted buds with a dessert-forward aroma — made it a dispensary favorite. The Lava Cake #11 phenotype became the most widely circulated cut.
Frequently Asked Questions
6 common questions about Lava Cake
What is Lava Cake and what are its genetics?
Lava Cake is a indica cannabis strain (Indica-dominant) bred by Cannarado Genetics. It is a cross of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies x Grape Pie, testing at 18–25% THC. A dessert-forward indica-dominant hybrid bred by Cannarado Genetics, crossing the potent '09 Thin Mint GSC cut with Gage Green Group's elusive Grape Pie. Known for exceptional trichome density, deep purple expression, and a rich chocolate-grape-mint terpene profile that earned its namesake.
What does Lava Cake smell and taste like?
Lava Cake's dominant terpenes are Caryophyllene, Myrcene, Humulene. The aroma is described as rich chocolate and sweet grape dominate the nose with cool peppermint undertones from the thin mint gsc heritage. a creamy vanilla sweetness and earthy dough base round out the profile. the aroma intensifies through flower, with the chocolate-grape character becoming more pronounced after a proper cure.. The flavor profile features rich chocolate and sweet grape dominate the palate, complemented by cool mint undertones and creamy vanilla. the exhale finishes with an earthy, doughy sweetness that matches the strain's dessert namesake..
What are the effects of Lava Cake?
A gentle cerebral euphoria settles in first, lifting mood and sparking a pleasant creative headspace before the indica body effects begin building. The initial euphoria transitions into deep physical relaxation over 15–20 minutes. Full-body sedation develops steadily, melting tension and promoting sleepiness. Duration is typically 2–3 hours of primary effects with residual sedation and sleepiness. Commonly reported uses include Stress relief, Insomnia, Pain management, Appetite stimulation.
How hard is Lava Cake to grow?
Lava Cake is rated easy–moderate difficulty. It flowers in 8–9 weeks, reaches medium (4–5 ft), compact bushy structure in height, and yields 450–550 g/m² indoors. Best suited for indoor/outdoor; prefers warm stable climate, 24–27°c veg environments.
What are the parent strains of Lava Cake?
Lava Cake is a cross of Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies and Grape Pie. Thin Mint Girl Scout Cookies (the '09 Thin Mint cut) is one of the most celebrated phenotypes of GSC, known for its minty-chocolate aroma, extreme potency, and dense trichome coverage. Grape Pie, bred by Gage Green Group from Cherry Pie and Grape Stomper, contributes sweet grape-berry flavors and deep purple coloration.
Does Lava Cake turn purple?
Yes. Lava Cake is known to express purple coloration, with reported colors including deep purple, violet, green. Cooler nighttime temperatures during late flowering typically intensify anthocyanin expression.
Want to Grow Lava Cake?
Check our genetics menu for available clones or call us to discuss your growing needs.