1. Prepare the Ramekins

• Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
• Grease the ramekins with butter and lightly dust them with cocoa powder to prevent sticking. Place them on a baking sheet for easy handling.

2. Melt the Chocolate and Butter

• In a heatproof bowl, combine the dark chocolate and butter.
• Melt the mixture over a double boiler or in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.

3. Mix the Eggs and Sugar

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and granulated sugar until pale and fluffy. This step helps create a light, airy cake texture.

4. Combine the Mixtures

• Gradually add the melted chocolate mixture to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to combine.
• Sift in the flour and gently fold it into the batter until smooth. Add the vanilla extract for flavor.

5. Fill the Ramekins

• Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins, filling each about ¾ full.

6. Bake the Lava Cakes

• Bake the cakes for 10–12 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers remain soft.
• Remove from the oven and let the cakes cool for 1–2 minutes before inverting onto serving plates.

7. Serve Immediately

• Dust the cakes with powdered sugar and garnish with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serve warm to enjoy the molten center.