Chef John's Chocolate Lava Cake

1 . Stage

Generously butter the inside of 4 (5 1/2 ounce) ramekins. Place them in a casserole dish.

2 . Stage

Whisk together egg yolks, eggs, and sugar in a bowl until light, foamy, and lemon colored.

3 . Stage

Melt chocolate and butter in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring after each melting, 1 to 3 minutes.

4 . Stage

Stir melted chocolate mixture into egg and sugar mixture until combined.

5 . Stage

Sift cocoa powder into the mixture; stir to combine.

6 . Stage

Sift flour and salt into the mixture; stir to combine into a batter.

7 . Stage

Stir vanilla extract into the batter.

8 . Stage

Transfer batter to a resealable plastic bag. Snip one corner of the bag with scissors to create a tip.

9 . Stage

Divide batter evenly between the prepared ramekins; tap gently on the counter to remove any air bubbles.

10 . Stage

Refrigerate 30 minutes.

11 . Stage

Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

12 . Stage

Arrange the ramekins in a casserole dish. Pour enough hot tap water into the casserole dish to reach halfway up the sides of the ramekins.

13 . Stage

Bake in the preheated over for 15-18 minutes. Set aside to cool for 15 minutes.

14 . Stage

Loosen the edges from the ramekin with a knife. Invert each cake onto a plate and dust with powdered sugar.