Description
Indulge in this moist and rich Chocolate Craving Loaf that satisfies your sweet tooth with a luscious chocolate ganache topping. Made with a blend of cocoa powder, buttermilk, and semisweet chocolate chips, this loaf cake offers a perfect balance of chocolate intensity and buttery softness, ideal for any occasion or a cozy dessert treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Batter Ingredients
- 1 cup butter (softened)
- 1 cup white granulated sugar
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 4 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1½ tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup cocoa powder (sifted)
- 1¼ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup buttermilk
Ganache Topping
- 4 oz semisweet chocolate chips
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp light corn syrup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch loaf pan by spraying it with pan spray and lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to cream the softened butter and sugar together for 2-3 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This helps to incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add Wet Ingredients: Mix in the sour cream thoroughly. Then, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to ensure a smooth batter. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sifted cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agent and cocoa.
- Combine Ingredients Alternately: Using a wooden spoon or mixer on low speed, alternate adding the flour mixture and buttermilk to the wet mixture. Start with one-third of the flour mixture, followed by half of the buttermilk, continue with another third of the flour, the remaining buttermilk, and finish with the remaining flour. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing.
- Bake the Loaf: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Cool Completely: After cooling briefly in the pan, lift the loaf out using the parchment paper and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the ganache.
- Prepare Ganache Topping: In a small heat-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips, butter, and light corn syrup. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted and smooth. Allow the ganache to cool slightly.
- Finish and Serve: Pour the ganache evenly over the cooled loaf, letting it drip down the sides. Allow it to set slightly before slicing and serving. Enjoy your decadent chocolate loaf!
Notes
- Ensure eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter to keep the loaf tender.
- Sifting the cocoa powder helps avoid lumps and creates a smoother texture.
- The ganache can be refrigerated for a thicker topping if desired.
- Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chocolate loaf, chocolate cake, loaf cake, dessert, chocolate ganache, baking recipe, cocoa cake
