This recipe yields a rich and decadent chocolate loaf cake that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients:
- For the Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
- For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional):
- 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Boiling Water: Slowly pour the boiling water into the batter, mixing until fully incorporated. The batter will be thin.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make Ganache (Optional): While the cake cools, place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl. Heat the heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat until simmering. Pour the hot cream over the chocolate and let it stand for 5 minutes. Then, gently stir until smooth and creamy.
- Frost (Optional): Once the cake is completely cool, spread the chocolate ganache evenly over the top.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy!