Dreamy Chocolate Loaf Cake With Whipped Ganache Recipe

Baking a rich chocolate loaf cake with whipped ganache feels like unwrapping a decadent surprise.

Smooth cocoa notes dance through each tender crumb, promising intense flavor.

Chocolate lovers will appreciate the luxurious depth and velvety texture.

Pure indulgence awaits in this delightful dessert that balances sweetness with sophisticated charm.

Each slice promises a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Eager bakers can create this showstopping treat that surprises and delights with minimal effort.

Prepare to transform simple ingredients into an extraordinary chocolate experience that will impress everyone at the table.

Chocolate Loaf Cake With Ganache That’s Rich and Whipped to Perfection

Whip Up Chocolate Bliss: Quick and Easy Indulgence

• Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect recipe for novice bakers with simple steps and minimal technical skills required. Even kitchen newbies can create a decadent dessert without stress or complicated techniques.
• Time-Saving Delight: Ready in just over an hour, this chocolate loaf cake offers maximum flavor with minimal effort. Ideal for busy home cooks craving a homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delivers rich chocolate satisfaction that appeals to all ages. Versatile enough for casual family gatherings, afternoon tea, or spontaneous dessert cravings with its moist texture and luxurious ganache topping.
• Customizable Elegance: Easily dress up with fresh raspberries and powdered sugar for a gourmet touch or enjoy in its simple, classic form. Adaptable presentation makes it suitable for both casual and slightly more sophisticated occasions.

Chocolate Loaf Cake with Whipped Ganache Ingredient Details

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and texture for the chocolate loaf cake.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a tender cake crumb.
• Butter: Adds moisture and rich flavor to the cake batter.

• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
• Buttermilk: Adds moisture and creates a tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor profile of the cake.
• Hot Water: Helps create a smooth and moist cake batter.

• Heavy Cream: Creates a smooth base for chocolate ganache.
• Chocolate Chips: Provides rich chocolate flavor for the ganache.
• Raspberries: Optional fresh garnish for visual appeal.
• Powdered Sugar: Light dusting for decorative finish.

• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.

Chocolate Loaf Cake with Ganache Frosting Steps

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a light butter coating to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Fluffy Butter Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip softened butter and sugar together until they transform into a cloud-like, airy mixture.

Add eggs individually, blending thoroughly after each one.

Splash in vanilla extract for an extra flavor punch.

Step 3: Blend Dry Foundations

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Gently incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk.

Stir until ingredients just merge.

Pour in hot water and mix until batter becomes silky smooth.

Step 4: Bake To Perfection

Transfer batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the surface.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should emerge clean.

Let cake rest and cool completely inside the pan.

Step 5: Whip Up Luxurious Ganache

Heat heavy cream in a small saucepan until it starts simmering.

Pour steaming cream over chocolate chips and allow to sit for two minutes.

Whisk energetically until the mixture transforms into a glossy, rich coating.

Step 6: Dress And Garnish

Once cake has cooled, generously spread ganache across the top.

Optional: Scatter fresh raspberries and dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish.

Chocolate Loaf Cake Tips with Smooth Ganache Whip

Remove butter from the refrigerator 30-45 minutes before baking to achieve the ideal creamy texture for smooth mixing.

Do not overmix the batter, as this can develop gluten and create a dense, tough cake – stir just until ingredients are combined.

Add hot water carefully to enhance chocolate’s rich flavor and maintain the cake’s soft, moist crumb without making it too wet.

Allow ganache to cool slightly before whipping to create a light, airy texture that spreads beautifully over the cake’s surface.

Insert a toothpick at an angle near the cake’s center – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

Store Chocolate Loaf Cake with Whipped Ganache

• Store leftover chocolate loaf cake in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 5 days. Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap before placing in the container.
• Keep cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to enjoy it soon. Cover with a cake dome or loose plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Thaw frozen cake slices in the refrigerator overnight. Warm slightly in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to restore soft texture.

Chocolate Loaf Cake with Whipped Ganache Pairings

• Pair Decadent Chocolate with Robust Red Wine: Select a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the cake's rich chocolate flavor, creating a luxurious taste experience that enhances the dessert's deep cocoa notes.
• Enhance with Espresso Delight: Serve a freshly brewed espresso or cappuccino alongside the chocolate loaf cake, as the strong coffee flavor cuts through the cake's sweetness and provides a perfect bitter-sweet balance.
• Elevate with Berry Sorbet: Accompany the cake with a tart raspberry or blackberry sorbet, which adds a refreshing contrast to the dense chocolate texture and brings a bright, palate-cleansing element to the dessert.
• Match with Salted Caramel Whiskey: Pour a smooth salted caramel whiskey that echoes the cake's richness while adding a sophisticated, warming undertone that amplifies the chocolate's complexity.

Chocolate Loaf Cake with Ganache Twists

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a blend of gluten-free flour mix and almond flour for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegan Chocolate Loaf: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use dairy-free milk, and substitute butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or stevia instead of granulated sugar, and incorporate unsweetened applesauce to maintain moisture.
• Nutty Chocolate Variation: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I substitute buttermilk if I don't have it?

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using in the recipe.

• What type of cocoa powder works best?

Dutch-processed cocoa powder provides a richer, smoother chocolate flavor and works excellently in this cake. Natural unsweetened cocoa powder is also a good alternative.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking, which can make the cake dry.

• Is it necessary to use hot water in the batter?

Hot water helps bloom the cocoa powder, enhancing the chocolate flavor and creating a more tender, moist cake texture. It’s a key step in developing the cake’s rich taste.

Chocolate Loaf Cake With Whipped Ganache Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich chocolate lovers delight in this sinful chocolate loaf cake with whipped ganache, promising pure indulgence. Silky chocolate layers meld with luxurious cream, delivering a dessert that whispers sweet seduction and makes you crave each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup hot water

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Leavening and Seasoning:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Ganache Ingredients:

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh raspberries
• Powdered sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking vessel by thoroughly coating a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter and lightly dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Create a fluffy butter and sugar base by vigorously beating the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture transforms into a pale, airy consistency.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next, then gently fold in the vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic profile.
4. Sift the dry ingredients – all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt – through a fine-mesh strainer to eliminate potential lumps and ensure uniform distribution.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, alternating with buttermilk to maintain a smooth, well-combined batter. Introduce hot water and mix until the texture becomes uniform and silky.
6. Transfer the chocolate batter into the prepared loaf pan, using a spatula to create an even surface and eliminate air pockets.
7. Slide the pan into a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven and bake for approximately 55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
8. Allow the cake to rest in the pan, cooling completely to room temperature to prevent structural collapse.
9. Prepare the ganache by gently heating heavy cream until it reaches a soft simmer, then pour over chocolate chips and let stand briefly.
10. Whisk the cream and chocolate together until achieving a glossy, smooth consistency with no visible chocolate pieces.
11. Once the cake has cooled, generously spread the whipped ganache across the top, creating elegant swirls and peaks.
12. Optional: Garnish with fresh raspberries and a delicate sprinkle of powdered sugar to elevate the visual appeal and add a touch of brightness.

Notes

• Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother, more evenly mixed batter that creates a tender crumb.
• Use Dutch-processed cocoa powder for deeper, richer chocolate flavor and more intense color in the cake.
• Adding hot water helps activate cocoa’s flavor and creates a more moist, delicate texture that prevents dry cake.
• For gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend, adding xanthan gum for better structure.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 180mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 11g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 70mg