Description
This rich and moist Chocolate Loaf Cake combines the deep flavors of cocoa and chocolate chips for an indulgent treat. Perfectly balanced with a touch of sour cream and vanilla, this easy-to-make loaf cake is baked to perfection and can be finished with an optional silky chocolate ganache glaze for extra decadence.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1⅓ cup sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Dry Ingredients
- 1½ cups cake flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Additional Ingredients
- ½ cup chocolate chips (plus extra for topping if desired)
- For optional ganache glaze: ½ cup chocolate chips
- For optional ganache glaze: heavy cream (enough to cover chocolate chips)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, sugar, and sour cream. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and the milk to the wet ingredients, doing so in two additions each. Mix until just incorporated to maintain a tender crumb. Fold in the chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Optionally, sprinkle additional chocolate chips on top for extra chocolate bursts. Bake for 40-50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, it’s done. If the top darkens too quickly, tent with foil and continue baking, adding 3-minute increments as needed.
- Cool the Loaf: Remove the loaf from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan before removing. This helps the cake set and prevents breakage.
- Optional Chocolate Ganache Glaze: For added decadence, place ½ cup chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and cover them with enough heavy cream to reach the same level. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring after each, then additional 10-second bursts until fully melted and smooth. Pour the ganache over the cooled loaf for a glossy finish.
Notes
- Be careful not to overmix the batter once adding the dry ingredients to keep the loaf tender.
- Use cake flour for a lighter crumb; all-purpose flour can be substituted but will yield a denser cake.
- The ganache glaze is optional but adds a silky texture and enhances the chocolate flavor.
- If you don’t have sour cream, Greek yogurt can be substituted.
- Ensure the loaf is fully cooled before adding the ganache to prevent it from melting and soaking in.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
