Creating an incredible chocolate cake can be straightforward if you follow these steps:

For the Layer Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the milk, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until fully blended.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring until you achieve a smooth batter. Make sure no lumps remain.
5. Optional Add-Ins: Fold in chocolate chips if you desire extra chocolatey goodness.
6. Divide Batter: Split the batter evenly between the two prepared pans.
7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Cool: Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and let them cool in the pans for 10-15 minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.
9. Assemble the Cake: When cooled, layer the cakes with your choice of frosting and stack them. Frost the top and sides for a visually stunning presentation.
10. Serve: Slice and enjoy the rich flavor of this delightful chocolate layer cake.

For the Molten Lava Cake

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease four ramekins with butter and dust with cocoa powder.
2. Melt Chocolate and Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt chocolate and butter together, stirring until smooth.
3. Mix Eggs: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until thick and pale.
4. Combine Mixtures: Pour the melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture and stir gently.
5. Add Flour: Fold in the flour and salt. Mix until just combined.
6. Pour into Ramekins: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared ramekins.
7. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are firm but the center is still soft.
8. Cool: Allow to cool for 1 minute before inverting onto serving plates.
9. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the warm, gooey center for that molten chocolate experience.