Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare four ramekins by greasing them with butter and dusting them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unsalted butter and semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the mixture is completely melted and smooth.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until well combined and slightly frothy. This will create a light texture in the cake.
Gradually pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture, stirring continuously to avoid cooking the eggs. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, then fold in the flour until just combined.
Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about 2/3 full. Place the ramekins on a baking sheet for easy handling and bake for 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are firm but the center remains soft.
Remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool for 1 minute. Carefully invert each ramekin onto a serving plate and gently tap to release the cake. Serve immediately while the center is still molten.
Extra Tips:
To achieve the best results, avoid overbaking the cakes; they should have a slightly jiggly center when you take them out of the oven.
You can also prepare the batter ahead of time and refrigerate it in the ramekins. Just add an extra minute or two to the baking time if using chilled batter.
For added flavor, consider incorporating a teaspoon of espresso powder or a splash of orange liqueur into the batter. Enjoy your chocolate lava cakes!