Indulge in the rich and decadent delight of Chocolate Lava Cakes. These individual desserts are perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth and impressing guests. With a gooey, molten chocolate center and a light, cakey exterior, they are a restaurant-quality treat you can make right at home. Serve them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of luxury.

Ingredients:

• 4 ounces (113g) high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher), chopped

• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter

• 2 large eggs

• 2 large egg yolks

• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• Pinch of salt

• Cooking spray or butter, for greasing ramekins

• Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)

• Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place a baking sheet in the oven as it preheats; this will help ensure even baking of your lava cakes.

2. Prepare the ramekins: Grease four 6-ounce (180ml) ramekins generously with cooking spray or butter. Make sure to coat the bottoms and sides thoroughly.

3. Melt the chocolate and butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, melt the chopped dark chocolate and unsalted butter together. If using a microwave, heat in 20-second intervals, stirring each time until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

4. Whisk the eggs and sugar: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.

5. Combine the chocolate mixture: Gently fold the melted chocolate and butter mixture into the egg and sugar mixture until fully incorporated.

6. Add flour and salt: Sift the all-purpose flour and a pinch of salt into the chocolate mixture. Gently fold the flour into the mixture until no streaks of flour remain. Be careful not to overmix; you want a smooth batter.

7. Fill the ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins. They should be filled about 3/4 full.

8. Bake: Place the filled ramekins on the preheated baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly wobbly.

9. Serve: Carefully remove the lava cakes from the oven and let them cool in the ramekins for about 1-2 minutes. Then, run a knife around the edge of each cake to loosen it. Place a dessert plate on top of each ramekin, flip it over, and gently tap to release the cake onto the plate. The molten center should ooze out beautifully.

10. Dust with powdered sugar (optional): If desired, dust the lava cakes with powdered sugar for an elegant finishing touch.

11. Serve with ice cream: Serve your Chocolate Lava Cakes warm, garnished with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Watch as your guests marvel at the decadent lava flowing from the center.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Lava Cakes, a divine dessert that's perfect for any special occasion or a delightful treat just because!