Why Make This Recipe
Chocolate Loaf Cake is a delightful treat that everyone loves! It’s moist, rich, and full of chocolaty goodness. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings, birthdays, or just a cozy afternoon snack with a cup of tea or coffee. You don’t need fancy ingredients, and it’s super easy to make. Plus, it fills your kitchen with an amazing aroma while baking.
How to Make Chocolate Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 200 g Butter or baking spread (softened, unsalted)
- 200 g Caster sugar
- 3 Eggs (large)
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 175 g Self-raising flour
- 25 g Cocoa powder
- 125 g Butter (softened, unsalted) for frosting
- 220 g Icing sugar
- 30 g Cocoa powder for frosting
- 1-2 tbsp Milk for frosting
Directions
- Pre-heat the oven to 160°C Fan/180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4 and grease and line a 2lb loaf tin.
- In a bowl, mix together the softened butter or baking spread and caster sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. It’s best to use an electric mixer.
- Add the eggs and milk to the butter mixture and whisk until smooth.
- Gently whisk or fold in the self-raising flour and cocoa powder until everything is fully combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake for about an hour. Check if it’s done by inserting a skewer in the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, leave the cake to cool completely.
- For the buttercream, mix together 125 g butter, 30 g cocoa powder, and 220 g icing sugar until they start to combine. Then, add 1-2 tbsp milk and mix until smooth. If it’s too stiff, you can add a little more milk.
- Put the buttercream into a piping bag to pipe it onto the cake or spread it on with a spoon or spatula.
- Optionally, decorate with dark chocolate curls made by shaving a bar of dark chocolate with a potato peeler.
- Store the cake in an airtight container in a cool place and eat within 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
How to Serve Chocolate Loaf Cake
Serve your Chocolate Loaf Cake sliced, and enjoy it plain or with a dollop of whipped cream. It goes wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. You can also serve it with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat!
How to Store Chocolate Loaf Cake
To keep your Chocolate Loaf Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in a cool place. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days. If you cannot finish it in that time, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to wrap it securely to prevent freezer burn.
Tips to Make Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Make sure your butter is softened for easy mixing.
- Use an electric mixer for the fluffiest cake.
- Don’t overmix the flour and cocoa powder; gently fold them in to keep the cake light.
- Allow the cake to cool fully before frosting to prevent the buttercream from melting.
Variation
You can add chocolate chips to the batter for an extra chocolaty bite. Some like to include nuts or dried fruits for added texture. You can also try different frostings like cream cheese frosting or a simple glaze.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of chocolate in this recipe?
Yes, you can use dark, milk, or even white chocolate, but keep in mind that it will change the flavor.
2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Certainly! Use a dairy-free butter substitute and a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk.
3. How can I tell when the cake is done baking?
Insert a skewer into the center. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready. If it has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.
