BITTERSWEET CHOCOLATE CAKES WITH ESPRESSO CREAM

Bittersweet Chocolate Cakes with Espresso Cream image

Yield Makes 12 individual cakes

Number Of Ingredients 15

For cakes
6 oz bittersweet chocolate (not unsweetened), chopped
1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
Rounded 1/4 teaspoon salt
4 large eggs
For espresso cream
1/2 cup chilled heavy cream
1 teaspoon instant-espresso powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Garnish: fresh raspberries and grated or shaved bittersweet chocolate
Special Equipment
a muffin tin with 12 (1/2-cup) muffin cups

Steps:

Make cakes:
Preheat oven to 375°F and generously butter muffin cups.
Melt chocolate and butter in a metal bowl set over a pan of barely simmering water, stirring until smooth. Remove bowl from heat and add brown sugar and vanilla, whisking until smooth. Add flour and salt, whisking until just combined, then add eggs 1 at a time, whisking after each addition.
Divide batter among muffin cups and bake in middle of oven until a tester comes out with crumbs adhering, 12 to 15 minutes. Invert cakes onto a rack and cool 5 minutes.
Make espresso cream while cakes cool:
Beat cream with espresso powder and sugar in a bowl with an electric mixer until it just holds stiff peaks.
Serve 6 cakes topped with cream.