Oh, we’re in for a treat—let’s make some lava cake magic! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease 4 ramekins with butter and dust ‘em with a little flour—keeps the cakes from sticking to their cozy homes.
Melt the chocolate and butter together—either in a microwave (30-second bursts, stirring in between) or over a double boiler if you’re feeling fancy. Stir ‘til it’s smooth and glossy—oh man, that smell is pure heaven!
In a bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla until it’s all happy and combined. Pour in that melted chocolate mix—slowly now—and watch it turn into this velvety dream. Add the flour and salt, then stir just until it’s smooth—don’t overmix, we’re keeping it tender!
Divide the batter between the ramekins—fill ‘em about three-quarters full. They’re little chocolate bombs waiting to explode! Pop ‘em on a baking sheet for easy handling.
Bake for 12 minutes—no more, no less! The edges should be set, but the center still jiggly—that’s the lava magic. Pull ‘em out and let ‘em sit for a minute—just enough time to grab a spoon.
Run a knife around the edges to loosen ‘em, then flip each ramekin onto a plate—give it a gentle tap if they’re shy. They should plop out with that gooey center ready to flow.
Dust with powdered sugar or plop a scoop of ice cream on top if you’re feeling extra—then dig in while it’s warm! That first bite, with the chocolate oozing out—pure bliss. Enjoy every melty moment!