Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes: A Decadent, Molten Treat

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Prepare the Ganache**:
– Start by making the chocolate ganache that will be the molten center of your cupcakes. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
– Remove the cream from the heat and stir in the chocolate chips until smooth and glossy. Allow the ganache to cool and thicken for about 30 minutes, then refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm it up enough to form small balls. Once firm, roll the ganache into small teaspoon-sized balls and set them aside.

#### 2. **Make the Cupcake Batter**:
– Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and prepare a 6-cup muffin tin by greasing it lightly or lining it with paper cupcake liners.
– In a medium heatproof bowl, melt the butter and chocolate together, stirring occasionally until smooth. Let the mixture cool for a few minutes.
– In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, eggs, egg yolks, and vanilla extract until the mixture becomes thick and pale.
– Fold the melted chocolate-butter mixture into the egg mixture, then sift in the flour and salt. Stir until the batter is just combined, ensuring no lumps remain.

#### 3. **Assemble the Cupcakes**:
– Spoon a small amount of batter into the bottom of each cupcake liner, just enough to cover the base.
– Place a chilled ganache ball in the center of each cupcake.
– Top the ganache with a few fresh raspberries, then spoon the remaining batter over the top, covering the ganache and raspberries completely.

#### 4. **Bake**:
– Bake the cupcakes for about 12-14 minutes, or until the edges are set but the centers are still slightly jiggly. Be careful not to overbake them—you’re aiming for a molten, gooey center.
– Once baked, remove the cupcakes from the oven and let them sit for about 5 minutes before carefully removing them from the tin.

#### 5. **Serve**:
– To serve, gently invert each cupcake onto a plate. Dust with powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance, if desired. When you cut into the cupcake, the molten chocolate ganache will ooze out, revealing the raspberry center.

### Why These Cupcakes Are a Must-Try:
The beauty of **Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcakes** lies in their balance of flavors and textures. The deep, slightly bitter notes of the dark chocolate ganache combine with the tartness of the raspberries, creating a dessert that’s rich but not overwhelmingly sweet. The warm, gooey chocolate center oozes out with the slightest touch, giving you that satisfying molten experience that everyone loves in lava cakes. Meanwhile, the light and airy cupcake batter provides the perfect contrast to the rich ganache.

These cupcakes are more than just a treat for your taste buds—they are a visual and sensory delight. Whether you’re serving them at a dinner party, making them for a special celebration, or just indulging in an evening of self-care, these cupcakes are sure to impress.

### A Few Tips:
– **Add a little flair**: If you want to take these cupcakes to the next level, try adding a splash of raspberry liqueur (like Chambord) to the ganache for an extra burst of raspberry flavor.
– **Make ahead**: You can prepare the ganache balls ahead of time and store them in the fridge, making assembly quicker when you’re ready to bake.
– **Flavor variations**: If raspberries aren’t your favorite, you can swap them for other berries like blackberries, or even try a mix of fresh fruits for variety.

### Conclusion:
There’s nothing quite like the moment when you break into a **Raspberry Chocolate Lava Cupcake**, and a river of molten chocolate flows out, mingling with the tangy fruit. It’s a dessert that will undoubtedly impress your guests or leave you feeling spoiled if you’re enjoying it solo. Whether it’s for a romantic evening, a celebration, or just because, these cupcakes offer a luxurious treat that will melt your heart—literally!