Chocolate Loaded Loaf

My unashamedly Chocolate Loaded Loaf Cake is simply that and so easy to bake. No gimmicks, no extras – just moist chocolate cake with a rich buttercream topping and perfect for a Sunday afternoon teatime or dare I say breakfast if like me you like a sweet treat in the morning. The only warning with this bake is that you have to share this delicious loaf or I promise you will eat the lot! 

TOP TIPS:
Use dairy free options for the same results and everyone can share!

Recipe
Serves 6 or more

Equipment
Parchment greased and lined loaf tin approx 8″x 5″

INGREDIENTS:
135g butter
210g caster sugar
2 eggs
140g plain flour
120g milk
2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
50g unsweetened cocoa powder
1 1/2 tsps vanilla extract
60g hot water

Buttercream Topping
120g butter
400g icing sugar sieved (add more if required)
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1 tbsp brewed coffee (I used expesso)
chocolate sprinkles

METHOD:
Preheat the oven to 160 Fan.
For the cake melt the butter halfway and remove from the heat stirring until completely melted. Mix the flour. cocoa powder, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl with a whisk to combine and set aside. Place the eggs and sugar in another bowl or stand mixer and whisk till just combined. Add the melted butter, milk and vanilla extract to the egg mix until combined. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and once almost combined add the hot water and incorporate fully. You can do this with a spoon or with a stand mixer, whichever you prefer. Pour the mixture into the loaf pan and bake for approximate 39-40 minutes or until a skewer test comes out clean. Leave to cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes and leave to cool completely before icing or slicing.

For the buttercream mix the butter and sugar till light and fluffy. Add the icing sugar and cocoa powder and when combined add the vanilla extract and coffee and fully incorporate into the cream. If the mix is too soft add some extra sugar and if the mix is too firm add a little milk. Ice the cake once cooled and sprinkle generously with the chocolate decoration of your choice.


Eat and enjoy!