Description
This Black Cocoa Loaf Cake is a rich, deeply chocolaty dessert with an intense Oreo-like flavor thanks to black cocoa powder. Moist and tender, it’s perfect for chocolate lovers seeking an easy-to-make loaf cake. With simple pantry ingredients and optional chocolate chips for extra indulgence, it bakes into a beautiful dark loaf ideal for slicing and sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup black cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
Optional
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake later.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, black cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This ensures even distribution of the leavening agents and cocoa.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which will help incorporate air for a tender crumb.
- Add eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine sour cream: Mix the sour cream into the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. This adds moisture and richness to the cake.
- Incorporate dry ingredients and milk: Alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and whole milk to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add chocolate chips (optional): Fold in mini chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate if you desire extra chocolate richness and texture in your loaf.
- Fill loaf pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top evenly with a spatula.
- Bake the cake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50–60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes to set, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents the cake from breaking apart.
Notes
- Black cocoa powder imparts a deep, almost black color and a distinctive Oreo-like chocolate flavor that sets this cake apart from traditional cocoa.
- For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle the cooled cake with a simple powdered sugar glaze or dust with powdered sugar before serving.
- Use a toothpick test to avoid overbaking; every oven varies slightly in temperature.
- Ensure the butter is softened for easier creaming and better texture in the cake.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
