This Rich Chocolate Loaf Cake is a moist and intensely chocolatey cake perfect for any chocolate lover. The cake itself is often made with cocoa powder and sometimes melted chocolate to achieve a deep, dark color and a rich, decadent flavor. Its texture is typically tender and moist, making it a satisfying treat. A smooth and glossy chocolate glaze is often poured over the cooled cake, adding an extra layer of chocolate richness and a beautiful sheen. This loaf cake is easy to slice and serve, making it ideal for dessert, snacks, or even a special breakfast treat. The combination of the moist chocolate cake and the luscious glaze creates a truly irresistible and comforting dessert.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Loaf Cake:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup hot coffee (or hot water)
For the Chocolate Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 4-6 tablespoons milk (or hot water)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- 9×5 inch loaf pan, greased and floured or lined with parchment paper
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
- Whisk Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, buttermilk (or milk mixture), vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Add Hot Liquid: Carefully pour in the hot coffee (or hot water) and mix until the batter is thin and smooth. Don’t worry if it looks very liquidy; this is normal.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the prepared batter evenly into the greased and floured loaf pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Chocolate Glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and cocoa powder. Gradually add the milk (or hot water) and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth and glossy. Add more liquid, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is completely cooled, pour the chocolate glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
- Set and Serve: Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this rich and decadent Chocolate Loaf Cake with Chocolate Glaze!