If you love chocolate then welcome to the indulgence that is a chocolate loaf cake. Imagine yourself sinking your teeth into a slice of pure chocolate bliss. Whether you are someone who can not resist the temptation of chocolate or simply on the hunt for a delightful treat, this recipe is tailor made for you. This Chocolate Loaf Cake is not just delicious but it is a winner for every occasion too. From laid back gatherings with friends to elegant soirées, this choco loaf cake fits the bill perfectly.
Chocolate Loaf Cake Method
Preheat The Oven:
Preheat your oven to 180°C to ensure that it is hot enough to bake your cake straight away. Before diving into the mixing and baking process, prepare your loaf tin by greasing it lightly and lining it with parchment paper. This step ensures easy removal of the cake once it is baked to perfection.
Melt The Dark Chocolate:
Next up, it is time to melt that luscious dark chocolate. You can do this using a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Alternatively, if you are in a hurry (or just prefer convenience), pop the chocolate in the microwave. Heat only in short bursts, stirring occasionally until it is smooth and glossy. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly while you prepare the rest of the batter.
Mix Together The Butter And Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, start by creaming together the softened butter and caster sugar. This step is crucial for achieving that light and fluffy texture in your chocolate loaf cake. Grab your trusty hand mixer or stand mixer and beat the butter and sugar until they are pale and creamy. It might take a few minutes.
Mix In The Eggs:
Once your butter and sugar are beautifully creamed, it is time to add the eggs. Crack them in, one at a time, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. This helps to create a smooth and uniform batter that bakes up perfectly.
Add The Dry Ingredients With Milk:
Gradually sift in the self raising flour and cocoa powder, alternating with the milk. This step ensures that the flour and cocoa are evenly distributed throughout the batter, resulting in a rich and chocolatey crumb. Keep mixing until everything is well combined and you have a silky smooth batter ready to go.
Add In The Melted Chocolate:
Now, for the star of the show – the melted chocolate! Stir it into the batter along with a splash of vanilla extract for that extra depth of flavour. Do not forget to add a pinch of salt too. It might seem like a small detail, but it really enhances the chocolatey goodness of the cake.
Pop Your Chocolate Loaf Cake In The Oven:
With your batter all mixed and ready, pour it into the prepared loaf tin. Smoothing the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Pop it into the preheated oven and let the magic happen for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end. You will know it is ready when a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it.
Let The Cake Cool:
Once your choco loaf cake is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tin for 10 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before you transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once your cake has cooled, it is time to slice into it and enjoy. Serve it up with a dusting of cocoa powder for that extra indulgence, or go all out with a dollop of whipped cream.
Chocolate Loaf Cake Ingredients
200g unsalted butter, softened
200g caster sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
200g self raising flour
2 tablespoons cocoa powder
200g dark chocolate, chopped
100ml milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Chocolate Loaf Cake Tips
Add In Extra Chocolate And Nuts
Adding chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter is a fantastic way to elevate the chocolate flavour and texture of your loaf cake. When folding them in, ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter for a delightful surprise in every bite. You can use dark chocolate chips for a richer flavour, or milk chocolate chips for a sweeter touch. Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans add a satisfying crunch that complements the softness of the cake.
Use Room Temperature Ingredients
Ensuring that all your ingredients are at room temperature before beginning the baking process is key to achieving a smooth and well incorporated batter. When ingredients like butter, eggs and milk are at room temperature, they blend together more easily. Therefore, this results in a uniform texture and better rise in your cake. Take your ingredients out of the fridge at least 30 minutes before starting to allow them to come to room temperature naturally.
Chocolate Loaf Cake Storage Tips:
While it is unlikely that there will be many leftovers of this delicious Chocolate Loaf Cake, it is always good to know how to store them properly. To keep your cake fresh and moist, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature. The airtight seal helps to prevent the cake from drying out. Enjoy your cake within 3 days for the best taste and texture.
If you find yourself with more cake than you can eat in a few days, do not worry! You can freeze individual slices of the loaf cake for longer storage. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap or aluminium foil, then place them in a freezer safe container or zip lock bag. Properly wrapped, the cake slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you are ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature for a few hours or pop it in the microwave for a quick defrost. This way, you can savour the deliciousness of your Chocolate Loaf Cake whenever the craving strikes, even weeks later!
Tasty Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
There you have it – a foolproof recipe for a Tasty Chocolate Loaf Cake that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether enjoyed with a cup of coffee for breakfast or as a delicious dessert after dinner, this choco loaf cake is bound to become a firm favourite in your household. So go ahead, preheat your oven, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to a slice of chocolatey heaven!
If you are looking for further sweet treat recipes, try out these:
Blueberry and White Chocolate Muffins Recipe
Quick and Easy Coconut Chocolate Bars
The Ultimate Christmas Cookies Recipe
