Chocolate Bundt Cake

By á-46

The dessert's elegant appearance belies its simple make-ahead preparation.
Martha Stewart Living Dec 2008

Ingredients

• FOR THE CAKE
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup whole milk
• 1/2 cup sour cream (4 ounces)
• 8 ounces (2 sticks) unsalted butter, plus more for pan
• 1 1/2 cups sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• FOR THE GLAZE
• 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, chopped
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons Cognac or rum (optional)

Details

Servings 8

Preparation

Step 1

Make the cake: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 14-cup Bundt pan. Whisk flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt in a large bowl. Mix milk and sour cream in a small bowl. Cream butter and sugar with a mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time, then vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to low, and add flour mixture, alternating with milk mixture, ending with flour. Fold in walnuts, if using. Spoon batter into pan. Bake until a tester inserted in center comes out clean, 55 to 60 minutes. Let cool in pan on a wire rack. Invert cake. (Cake will keep for up to 1 day.)

Make the glaze: Place chocolate in a bowl. Heat cream in a small saucepan until simmering, then pour over chocolate. Let stand for 2 minutes. Add butter and Cognac or rum, if using, and mix until smooth. Let stand, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Pour glaze over cooled cake.