A soft, moist chocolate loaf cake topped with silky smooth chocolate ganache — perfect for tea time or dessert!
📝 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour (250 g)
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50 g)
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (60 ml)
- 1 cup granulated sugar (200 g)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (50 g)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¾ cup milk or buttermilk (180 ml)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 1 cup chocolate (chopped)
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare Pan
- Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F)
- Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, sift together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Set aside.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In another bowl:
- Add oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar
- Mix well
Then add:
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
Whisk until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Wet & Dry
- Gradually add dry ingredients into wet mixture
- Add milk (or buttermilk)
Mix until smooth batter forms (do not overmix).
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan
- Bake for 45–55 minutes
👉 Insert a toothpick — if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Step 6: Cool the Cake
- Let cake cool in pan for 10–15 minutes
- Then transfer to wire rack to cool completely
Step 7: Make Chocolate Ganache
- Heat cream until warm (not boiling)
- Pour over chopped chocolate
- Let sit for 1–2 minutes
- Stir until smooth
- Add butter for shine (optional)
Step 8: Add Ganache Topping
- Pour ganache over cooled cake
- Spread evenly or let it drip naturally
- Add chocolate chips or toppings if desired
✅ Tips for Perfect Cake
- Use room temperature ingredients
- Do not overmix batter
- Let cake cool before adding ganache
- Use good-quality cocoa powder for rich flavor
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is my cake dry?
Overbaking or too much flour can make it dry. Always measure carefully and check early.
2. Can I use butter instead of oil?
Yes, but oil makes the cake more moist. Butter gives richer flavor.
3. Can I make this cake without eggs?
Yes! Replace each egg with:
- ¼ cup yogurt OR
- ¼ cup applesauce
4. How do I store this cake?
- Airtight container at room temp: 2–3 days
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
5. Can I freeze the cake?
Yes:
- Wrap tightly (without ganache)
- Freeze up to 2 months
6. Why did my cake sink in the middle?
Possible reasons:
- Opening oven too early
- Underbaking
- Too much baking soda
7. Can I add chocolate chips inside?
Absolutely! Add ½ cup chocolate chips to the batter for extra richness.
