Chocolate Lava Cake

Let's whip up a simple yet delicious Chocolate Lava Cake, perfect for impressing guests or indulging on a cozy night in.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the ramekins
• 1 cup (175g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• A pinch of salt

Instructions:

1. Prep the Oven and Ramekins: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four 6-ounce ramekins with butter and place them on a baking sheet.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a medium heatproof bowl, combine the chocolate and butter. Melt the mixture in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. You can also melt the mixture over a pot of simmering water if you prefer.
3. Mix the Batter: Whisk the powdered sugar into the chocolate mixture until well combined. Add the eggs and egg yolks and whisk until smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract. Gently fold in the flour and salt just until combined; be careful not to overmix.
4. Bake: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center is still soft. Let the cakes sit for 1 minute, then cover each ramekin with an inverted plate and turn over. Carefully lift off the ramekin.
5. Serve: Serve immediately, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The center should be deliciously gooey, creating that signature lava flow when you dig in.

Enjoy your decadent Chocolate Lava Cake! This recipe is perfect for a special occasion or whenever you're in the mood for a rich, chocolatey treat.