Ingredients
4 oz. coarsely chopped dark (at least 64 percent) chocolate
1/2 c. very hot (simmering) water
1/2 c. Dutch cocoa powder
2 tsp. espresso powder
1/2 c. sour cream
1 c. cake flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
10 tbsp. butter
1 c. dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 large egg yolk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
4 large egg yolks
1/4 c. sugar
1/2 c. heavy cream
1 c. milk
1 vanilla bean
1 pinch salt
1 tbsp. brandy
Preparation
Step 1To make Bundts: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease and flour 8 (1-cup) mini Bundt pans.Step 2Place chocolate in a medium bowl. Pour simmering water on top and let stand for 3 minutes. Add cocoa and espresso powders; whisk together until smooth. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in sour cream until blended.Step 3Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, whisk together flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda; set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar together until smooth and creamy, 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl and add eggs and egg yolk, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. The mixture will look light and fluffy. Add vanilla and beat for 5 seconds.Step 4Turn mixer to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 parts to the butter-egg mixture, alternating with the chocolate mixture in 2 parts. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.Step 5Fill the mini Bundt pans about halfway full and bake for 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove Bundts from oven and place pans on racks to cool, 5 minutes; loosen cakes from edges of pans with a small heatproof spatula and invert onto racks. Let cool.Step 6To make crème anglaise: In a large bowl, whisk together egg yolks and sugar. Set aside.Step 7In a medium saucepan, heat heavy cream, milk, vanilla, and salt until just about to boil.Step 8While whisking constantly, add half of milk mixture to egg mixture. Then stir egg-milk mixture back into saucepan with rest of milk; cook over low heat whisking constantly until thickened so as not to cook the eggs, 2 to 4 minutes (should coat the back of a spoon).Step 9Strain mixture through a fine sieve. Add brandy and chill in the refrigerator at least 3 hours or overnight. When mixture is cool, pour over Bundts and serve immediately.
