French Chocolate Lava Cake (Moelleux au Chocolat)

Ingredients

4 oz (115g) dark chocolate (at least 60% cocoa)
1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter
2 whole eggs
2 egg yolks
1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
2 tbsp (15g) all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Butter and cocoa powder for greasing ramekins

Directions

Grease four 6 oz ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder. Place them on a baking sheet. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).

In a heatproof bowl, melt the chocolate and butter together using a double boiler or microwave in short bursts. Stir until smooth and set aside to cool slightly.

In another bowl, whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until pale and slightly thick (about 1–2 minutes).

Slowly pour the warm chocolate into the egg mixture, whisking gently. Add salt and vanilla extract if using.

Sift in the flour and fold until just combined and smooth.

Divide the batter evenly into the ramekins, filling them about ¾ full.

Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the edges are set but the center is still soft.

Let sit for 1 minute, then carefully loosen the sides with a knife and flip onto plates.

Serve warm with ice cream, berries, or a dusting of powdered sugar.