Bittersweet Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

• 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate (at least 70 percent cocoa), coarsely chopped
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (3/4 stick)
• 2/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 to 2 teaspoons cocoa powder (preferably infused with a vanilla bean)

Preparation

1. Position rack in middle of oven. Preheat oven to 350° F. Rub the inside of an 8-inch cake pan or springform pan with butter. Swirl flour around to coat the pan, then tap out the excess. Combine the chocolate and butter in the top of a double boiler over simmering water. Stir occasionally until the chocolate is melted. Set aside to cool. Meanwhile, sift the flour, baking powder, and salt into a bowl. Whisk together and set aside. Combine the eggs and vanilla extract in a large bowl, then whisk until foamy. Add the sugar and whisk about 1 minute or until light and frothy. Blend in the chocolate mixture. Add the flour mixture in 2 batches, whisking to blend completely each time. Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 22 to 25 minutes or until a skewer inserted 1 inch from the edge comes out clean. (When the skewer is inserted in the center, a bit of moist batter should cling to it.) Cool the cake on a rack for 10 minutes, then invert onto a plate. Invert back onto rack so the shiny side is up. Cool the cake completely before sliding it onto a serving plate. Sift the cocoa over the top.