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In the Oven: Lemon Lemon Loaf

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Next up on the schedule: loaves of lemon on lemon on lemon! Posting date is February 24.

Lemon Lemon Loaf
 
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Yield: 2 (9-by-5-by-3-inch) loaves
Ingredients
For the lemon cake
  • 1½ cups cake flour
  • 1½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2¼ cups sugar
  • 8 large eggs, at room temperature
  • ¼ cup grated lemon zest (from about 4 lemons)
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • ½ cup sour cream, at room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
For the lemon syrup
  • ⅓ cup fresh lemon juice
  • ⅓ cup sugar
For the lemon glaze (optional)
  • 2 cups confectioners’ sugar, sifted, or more if needed
  • 4 to 6 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Instructions
Make the lemon cakes
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the sides and bottom of two 9-by-5-by-3-inch loaf pans with nonstick cooking spray. Line the bottom with parchment paper and spray the paper.
  2. Sift both flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.
  3. Put the sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon juice in a food processor and pulse until combined. With the motor running, drizzle the butter in through the feed tube. Add the sour cream and vanilla and pulse until combined. Transfer the mixture to a large bowl.
  4. Sprinkle in the flour mixture, one third at a time, folding gently after each addition until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared pans. Bake in the center of the oven for 20 minutes, rotate the pans, reduce the oven temperature to 325 degrees F., and bake for another 30 to 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the loaf comes out clean.
  6. Let cool in the pans for 15 minutes.
Meanwhile, make the lemon syrup
  1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, heat the lemon juice and sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once dissolved, continue to cook for 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and set aside.
  2. Line a half sheet pan with parchment paper and invert the loaves onto the pan. Use a toothpick to poke holes in the tops and sides of the loaves.
  3. Brush the tops and sides of the loaves with the lemon syrup. Let the syrup soak into the cake and brush again. Let the cakes cool completely, at least 30 minutes.
  4. (The soaked but unglazed loaves will keep, wrapped in two layers of plastic wrap and frozen, for up to 6 weeks.)
If you like, make the lemon glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and 4 tablespoons of the lemon juice. The mixture should be thick but pourable. If the mixture is too stiff, add up to another 2 tablespoons lemon juice and whisk again, adding small amounts of lemon juice and/or confectioners’ sugar until you get the right consistency. Pour the lemon glaze over the top of each loaf and let it drip down the sides. Let the lemon glaze harden, about 15 minutes, before serving.
  2. The glazed loaves will keep for up to 3 days, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, at room temperature.

 

In the Oven: Oatmeal Cherry Nut Cookies

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We’re making an updated version of the classic oatmeal cookies next! Posting date is Feb 10. Let’s bake!

Oatmeal Cherry Nut Cookies
 
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Yield: 36 cookies
Ingredients
  • 1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1⁄4 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 2 3⁄4 cups rolled oats
  • 1 cup (8 ounces) dried cherries
  • 1⁄2 cup (4 ounces) chopped toasted walnuts
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cardamom together and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and sugars together on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating until each is incorporated. Add the vanilla and beat for 5 seconds.
  3. Add half of the flour mixture and mix for 15 seconds. Add the remaining flour mixture and beat until just incorporated. Scrape down the bowl, add the oats, and beat until just combined. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to fold in the cherries and walnuts.
  4. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate for 6 hours.
  5. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  6. Drop the dough by rounded tablespoons onto the prepared baking sheets. With the palm of your hand, gently press each cookie down so it forms a tall disk shape. Do not press too hard and do not press it flat. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until the cookies just begin to brown.
  7. Remove the pan from the oven and cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. Use a spatula to transfer the individual cookies to the rack to cool completely (although they are also delicious warm).
Notes
How to store: The cookies can be stored, in an airtight container, for up to 3 days.

 

In the Oven: Millionaire’s Shortbread

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Next up on the schedule: the “Rich Man’s Twix.” Posting date is January 27!

Millionaire's Shortbread
 
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Yield: 24 bars
Ingredients
For the shortbread
  • ½ cup sugar
  • 1¼ cups (2½ sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 large egg yolk, slightly beaten
For the caramel filling
  • 28 ounces sweetened condensed milk (two 14-ounce cans)
For the chocolate glaze
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (60% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon light corn syrup
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened, cut into cubes
Instructions
Make the shortbread
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter the bottom and sides of a 9-by-13-inch baking pan.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the sugar and butter together until blended.
  3. Add 2 cups of the flour and beat until well combined. Add the egg yolk and beat for a few seconds, or until just combined.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured work surface. Dust the top of the dough and your hands with a little flour. Use your hands to gently work the dough into a 6-by-6-inch square. You will have to turn the dough and sprinkle the top with flour as you go. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup flour on the surface of the dough. Fold the dough over and knead until incorporated, then flatten the dough into a rectangle. Transfer the rectangle to the prepared pan and press it into the pan.
  5. Prick the dough all over with a fork and bake in the center of the oven for 20 to 22 minutes, until golden brown. Transfer to a wire rack and let cool completely.
Make the caramel filling
  1. Stovetop method: Put the sweetened condensed milk in a medium heatproof bowl and set it over a saucepan of boiling water over low heat. Cook for 1 to 1 ½ hours, until thick and caramel colored. Remove the bowl from the pan and beat until smooth.
  2. Microwave oven method: Put the sweetened condensed milk in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cook on 50 percent power (medium) for 4 minutes, stirring briskly halfway through, until smooth. Cook on 30 percent power (medium-low) for 12 to 18 minutes, until very thick and caramel colored, stirring briskly every 2 minutes, until smooth.
  3. Pour the caramel filling over the cooled shortbread and place the pan in the refrigerator until cool, about two hours.
Make the chocolate glaze
  1. In a large nonreactive metal bowl, combine the chocolate, corn syrup, and butter. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water and cook, stirring with a rubber spatula, until the mixture is completely smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and stir for 30 seconds to cool slightly. Pour the mixture over the chilled caramel layer and use an offset spatula to spread it into an even layer.
  2. Put in the refrigerator for 1 hour, or until the glaze hardens.
  3. Remove the pan from the refrigerator 30 minutes before serving so as not to crack the chocolate glaze. Cut into squares and serve.
  4. The bars can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 4 days.

 

In the Oven: Espresso Martini

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For our first recipe in the new year: no need to turn on your ovens to make this after-dinner drink. Posting date is January 13.

Espresso Martini
 
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Yield: 2 martinis
Ingredients
  • 2 espresso beans
  • 2 ounces (2 shots) room-temperature or slightly cold freshly brewed espresso
  • 4 ounces vanilla-flavored vodka
  • 2 ounces coffee-flavored liqueur (such as Kahlúa)
Instructions
  1. Put two martini glasses in the freezer to chill for up to 1 hour.
  2. Put one espresso bean in the bottom of each glass.
  3. Pour the espresso, vodka, and coffee liqueur into a shaker filled with ice and shake vigorously. Strain into the glasses and serve immediately.

 

In the Oven: Easy Homemade Granola

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Next up on the schedule: it’s time for granola! Posting date is December 30.

Easy Homemade Granola
 
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Yield: 1 pound
Ingredients
  • 2 cups rolled oats
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • ¼ cup honey
  • ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ⅓ cup whole almonds
  • ⅓ cup whole hazelnuts
  • ⅓ cup golden raisins
  • ⅓ cup dried cherries
Instructions
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, toss the oats with the cinnamon and salt.
  3. In a medium bowl, stir together the oil, honey, brown sugar, and vanilla. Whisk until completely combined.
  4. Pour the honey mixture over the oats mixture and use your hands to combine them: Gather up some of the mixture in each hand, and make a fist. Repeat until all of the oats are coated with the honey mixture. Pour the mixture onto the prepared baking sheet. Spread it out evenly, but leave a few clumps here and there for texture.
  5. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a metal spatula to lift and flip the granola. Sprinkle the almonds over the granola and return the baking sheet to the oven.
  6. Bake for 5 minutes, then remove from the oven and use a metal spatula to lift and flip the granola. Sprinkle the hazelnuts over the granola and return the baking sheet to the oven.
  7. Bake for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven. Let cool completely. Sprinkle the raisins and cherries over the granola and use your hands to transfer it to an airtight container. The granola will keep for 1 week.

 

In the Oven: Lemon Drop Cake

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Rev up your ovens, bakers – we’re making a bright, lemon-y cake. Posting date is December 16!

Lemon Drop Cake
 
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Yield: 1 (8-inch) cake
Ingredients
For the lemon drop cake layers
  • 2½ cups cake flour
  • ¾ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ¾ teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
  • 1¾ cup sugar
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • Grated zest of one lemon
  • 1 large egg
  • 1½ cups ice cold water
  • 3 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
For the lemon curd filling
  • ¾ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 6 lemons)
  • Grated zest of 2 lemons
  • 2 large eggs
  • 7 large egg yolks
  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter, at room temperature
For the lemon drop frosting
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ⅓ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1½ cups milk
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ½ cup lemon curd
To assemble the cake
  • 8 mini lemon candies
Instructions
Make the lemon cake layers
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Butter three 8-inch round cake pans, line the bottoms with parchment, and butter the parchment. Dust with flour, and knock out the excess flour.
  2. In a large bowl, sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together. Set aside.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening on medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest and beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, add the egg, and beat just until combined. Reduce the speed to low. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the ice water, in three separate additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
  4. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
  5. Divide the batter among the prepared pans and smooth the tops. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center of each cake comes out clean. Transfer the cakes to a wire rack and let cool for 20 minutes. Invert the cakes onto the rack, remove the pans, and let cool completely. Remove the parchment.
Make the lemon curd filling
  1. In a small bowl, pour the lemon juice over the lemon zest and let stand for 10 minutes to soften the zest.
  2. In a nonreactive bowl whisk the eggs, egg yolks, and sugar until combined. Add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the egg mixture and whisk until just combined.
  3. Place your bowl containing the egg mixture over a double boiler. Continuously stir the mixture with a heatproof spatula until the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like texture, about 6 minutes.
  4. Remove the bowl from the heat and whisk in the butter until emulsified. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve. Take a sheet of plastic wrap and press it into the mixture and around the bowl so that the curd does not form a skin.
  5. Set the lemon curd aside while you make the frosting. Do not refrigerate the curd unless you are saving it for future use.
Make the lemon drop frosting
  1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the sugar and flour together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and has thickened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Transfer the mixture to the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter; mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and 1⁄2 cup of the freshly made lemon curd and con- tinue mixing until combined. If the frosting is too soft, put it in the refriger- ator to chill slightly then mix again until it is the proper consistency. If the frosting is too firm place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and beat with a wooden spoon until it is the proper consistency.
Assemble the cake
  1. Refrigerate the frosting for a few minutes (but no more) until it can hold its shape. Place one cake layer on a serving platter. Trim the top to create a flat surface and evenly spread about 1 cup of the remaining lemon curd on top. Add the next layer, trim, and fill with 1 cup of the lemon curd, then add the third layer and trim. Crumb coat the cake and refrigerate for about 15 minutes. Frost the sides and top of the cake with the frosting. Garnish with the candies and refrigerate for 15 minutes to firm up the finished cake.
Notes
How to store: This cake will keep beautifully in a cake saver at room temperature (cool and humidity free) for up to 3 days. If your room is not cool, place the cake in a cake saver and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Remove the cake from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for at least 2 hours before serving.

 

In the Oven: Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie

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Time to make pies! Posting date is December 2.

Bourbon Chocolate Pecan Pie
 
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Yield: One 9-inch pie
Ingredients
  • 1 ball of Classic Pie Dough (½ recipe; page 94), chilled
  • 2 cups pecan halves, toasted
  • 3 large eggs
  • ¾ cup light corn syrup
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 4 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 tablespoons bourbon
  • 1 cup (6 ounces) semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions
  1. Dust a work surface with a sprinkling of flour. Unwrap the ball of chilled dough and put it directly on the work surface. Roll out into a 12-inch round. Transfer the dough to a pie dish and carefully work it into the pie dish, folding any overhang under and crimping the edge as you go. Wrap and freeze the crust until firm, about 2 hours, or up to 3 months.
  2. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Coarsely chop ¾ cup of the pecans. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until combined. Add the corn syrup, sugars, butter, salt, vanilla, and bourbon. Whisk again until combined. Stir in the chopped pecans and set the filling aside.
  4. Spread the chocolate chips evenly along the bottom of the frozen pie shell. Slowly pour the filling on top of the chocolate chips. Arrange the remaining 1¼ cups pecan halves on top of the filling.
  5. Bake in the center of the oven for 30 minutes, then cover the edges of the crust loosely with aluminum foil and bake for another 30 minutes. Test the pie by sticking a knife in the center of the filling. If the knife comes out clean, the pie is done. If the knife comes out with clumps of filling sticking to it, bake for another 5 minutes and test again.
  6. Cool the pie on a wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature. The pie can be stored in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for up to 2 days.

 

In the Oven: Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

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Keeping along with the Autumn theme, we’re diving in to pumpkin whoopie pies with a cream cheese filling. Posting date is November 18!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies
 
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Ingredients
For the pumpkin whoopie cookies
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
  • 1 tablespoon cloves
  • 2 cups firmly packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups chilled pumpkin puree
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
For the cream cheese filling
  • 3 cups confectioners’ sugar
  • 1⁄2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
For the pumpkin whoopie cookies
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk the flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves together and set aside.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk the brown sugar and oil together until combined. Add the pumpkin puree and whisk to combine thoroughly. Add the eggs and vanilla and whisk until combined.
  4. Sprinkle the flour mixture over the pumpkin mixture and whisk until completely combined.
  5. Use a small ice cream scoop with a release mechanism to drop heaping tablespoons of the dough onto the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the cookies are just starting to crack on top and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cookies cool completely on the pan while you make the filling.
Make the Cream Cheese Filling
  1. Sift the confectioners’ sugar into a medium bowl and set aside.
  2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter until it is completely smooth, with no visible lumps. Add the cream cheese and beat until combined.
  3. Add the confectioners’ sugar and vanilla and beat until smooth. Be careful not to overbeat the filling, or it will lose structure.
Assemble the whoopie pies
  1. Turn half of the cooled cookies upside down (flat side facing up).
  2. Use an ice cream scoop or a tablespoon to drop a large dollop of filling onto the flat side of the cookie. Place another cookie, flat side down, on top of the filling. Press down slightly so that the filling spreads to the edges of the cookie. Repeat until all the cookies are used. Put the whoopie pies in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Notes
The filling can be made 1 day ahead. Cover the bowl tightly and put it in the refrigerator. Let the filling soften at room temperature before using.The whoopie pies will keep for up to 3 days, on a parchment-lined baking sheet covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.

 

In the Oven: Almond Green Tea Cupcakes (Fortune Cupcakes)

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Enjoy our good fortune and bake up a batch of these delicate almond cupcakes with matcha frosting! Posting date is October 21.

Almond Green Tea Cupcakes (Fortune Cupcakes)
 
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Yield: 24 cupcakes
Ingredients
For the almond cupcakes
  • ½ cup sliced almonds
  • 2 cups cake flour
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2¼ teaspoons baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon baking soda
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening, at room temperature
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup ice cold water
  • 2 large egg whites, at room temperature
  • ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
For the green tea frosting
  • 1½ cups sugar
  • ¹/³ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon unsweetened matcha powder
  • 1½ cups milk
  • ¹/³ cup heavy cream
  • 1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into small pieces
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
To assemble the cupcakes
  • 4 ounces (¾ cup) white chocolate, coarsely chopped
  • 24 white-chocolate-dipped fortune cookies
Instructions
Make the almond cupcakes
  1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Line two 12-cup cupcake pans with paper liners.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, pulse the almonds until they are a fine powder. Put the powdered almonds in a small bowl and set aside.
  3. Sift the flours, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a large bowl and set aside.
  4. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter and shortening together on medium speed until creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the sugar, vanilla, and almond extract and beat on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Scrape down the bowl, add the egg, and beat until just combined. Turn the mixer to low. Add the flour mixture, alternating with the ice water, in three additions, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Scrape down the bowl, then mix on low speed for a few more seconds.
  5. In a clean bowl, whisk the egg whites and cream of tartar until soft peaks form. Do not overbeat. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter. Fold in the powdered almonds.
  6. Fill the cupcake liners about three-quarters full. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time, until a toothpick inserted in the center of a cupcake comes out clean. Transfer the pans to a wire rack and let cool for 20 minutes. Remove the cupcakes from the pan and place them on the rack to cool completely.
Make the green tea frosting
  1. In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk the sugar, flour, and matcha powder together. Add the milk and cream and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally, until the mixture comes to a boil and has thickened, about 20 minutes.
  2. Strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on high speed until cool. Reduce the speed to low and add the butter; mix until thoroughly incorporated. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  3. Add the vanilla and continue beating until combined. If the frosting is too soft, put it in the refrigerator to chill slightly, then mix again until it is the proper consistency. If the frosting is too firm, set the bowl over a pot of simmering water and mix again.
Assemble the cupcakes
  1. There are many ways to frost a cupcake. If you have a pastry bag, simply fit the bag with the largest tip, fill the bag with the frosting, and pipe enough frosting to cover the cupcake. If you do not have a pastry bag, use an ice cream scoop with a release mechanism to scoop the frosting and dispense it onto the top of the cupcake. You can also use an offset spatula to frost the cupcakes. Top with a fortune cookie.

 

In the Oven: Marble Bundt Cake

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Next up on the schedule: a Marble Bundt Cake. The gentlemen bakers say that if you’re going to eat cake for breakfast, it should be this one! Posting date is October 7.

Marble Bundt Cake
 
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Yield: One 10-inch Bundt cake
Ingredients
For the chocolate swirl
  • 6 ounces dark chocolate (60 to 72% cacao), coarsely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened dark cocoa powder (like Valrhona)
For the sour cream cake
  • 3½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1½ teaspoons baking powder
  • 1½ teaspoons baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, soft but cool, cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 ¼ cups sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 16 ounces sour cream
  • 1½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
Instructions
Make the chocolate swirl
  1. In the top of a double boiler over simmering water, melt the chocolate. When the chocolate is completely smooth, add the cocoa powder and whisk until thoroughly incorporated. Remove the bowl from the heat and set aside.
Make the sour cream cake
  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray the inside of a 10-inch bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together into a medium bowl.
  3. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter until smooth and ribbonlike. Scrape down the bowl and add the sugar. Beat until the mixture is smooth and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the bowl and mix for 30 seconds.
  4. Add the sour cream and vanilla and beat just until incorporated. Add the dry ingredients in three additions, scraping down the bowl before each addition and beating only until each addition is just incorporated. Do not overmix.
  5. Pour one third of the cake batter into the chocolate swirl mixture. Use a spatula to combine the chocolate mixture and the batter to make a smooth chocolate batter.
  6. Spread half of the remaining plain cake batter in the prepared pan. Use an ice cream scoop to dollop the chocolate cake batter directly on top of the plain cake batter. The dollops will touch and mostly cover the plain batter, but some plain batter will peek through. Use a butter knife to swirl the chocolate and plain batter together. Pour the remaining plain batter on top of the chocolate layer and smooth it out. Once again, use the knife to pull through the layers to create a swirl.
  7. Bake in the center of the oven for about 1 hour, rotating the pan halfway through the baking time, or until a sharp knife inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 30 minutes. Use a knife to loosen the edges of the cake and invert it onto the wire rack and let cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
How to store: The cake will keep for 3 days, tightly covered, at room temperature.