This recipe yields a rich and decadent chocolate loaf cake that is 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
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot brewed coffee
- For the Ganache (Optional):
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 ounces semisweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together sugar, brown sugar, buttermilk, oil, egg, and vanilla extract.
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add coffee: Stir in the hot coffee until evenly distributed.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 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.
Optional: Make Ganache
- Heat cream: In a saucepan, heat heavy cream over medium heat until simmering.
- Combine with chocolate: Remove from heat and pour over chocolate chips in a heatproof bowl.
- Stir: Let stand for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth and glossy.
- Cool slightly: Let the ganache cool slightly before drizzling or frosting over the cooled cake.
Tips & Variations:
- For a richer flavor: Use high-quality cocoa powder and good-quality chocolate for the ganache.
- Add nuts: Stir in 1 cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, to the batter.
- Make it healthier: Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Use unsweetened applesauce instead of oil.
- Decorate: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or add a simple glaze.
Enjoy your delicious Moist Chocolate Loaf Cake!