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Moist dark chocolate loaf cake for dessert with ganache and chopped chocolate

How to Make the Best Chocolate Loaf Cake


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  • Author: Clara Bennett
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 slices 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A rich, moist, and fudgy chocolate loaf cake made with cocoa powder, sour cream, and dark chocolate chunks. Topped with a silky ganache, this bakery-style dessert is perfect for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chunks (plus more for topping)
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream (for ganache)
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped (for ganache)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Add sour cream and milk, mixing until smooth.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  7. Stir in the chocolate chips and dark chocolate chunks.
  8. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 50–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs.
  10. While the cake cools, heat heavy cream until simmering and pour it over the chopped dark chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
  11. Drizzle the ganache over the cooled loaf and top with extra chocolate chunks. Let set before slicing.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
  • Substitute eggs with flax eggs for a vegan or egg-free version.
  • Add a splash of hot coffee to intensify the chocolate flavor.
  • Store at room temperature for 3 days or refrigerate for up to 6 days.
  • Freezes well for up to 2 months when tightly wrapped.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 55 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 28g
  • Sodium: 120mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 70mg