It’s such a simple thing to miss, but one I miss so much. Funnily though it is baking that has made me feel so connected with people throughout this year. It is the remakes of the Nutella Cake, Praline Cake, Coffee Cake, Orange Cake, Strawberry Cake, Tres Leches Cake and the Caramel Custard that have helped me through this year in so many ways. It is hard to explain, but I got into blogging as a way to share recipes that felt like home, that brought some joy into my life. To see those sentiments make their way into someone else’s home is truly special.
Inspiration for this Chocolate Loaf Cake
I always like to give credit where it is due and this cake was inspired by Baking Day by Anna Olson. I have tried several recipes from the book and loved them all, but what truly blew my mind was the technique in her Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake. That cake started with confectioners sugar or icing sugar and butter and it wasn’t something I had seen before, but as I took my first bite of that beautiful perfect crumb it made so much sense. You see confectioners sugar is fine sugar mixed with cornstarch. Cornstarch is in cake flour and is what makes it so tender. So by using Icing Sugar you are replicating that effect in an easy simple way. Getting the ratios right on this recipe was not so simple and it took some doing, but it was well worth it in the end. Before I proceed thought let me answer the question I always have about Chocolate Cake.
What does it taste like?
This is not the soft sweeter birthday cake friendly One Bowl Chocolate Cake I make for parties. This is for the chocolate lover who wants a cake that is deeply chocolately, has a tender crumb, but a firm texture and goes well with tea, coffee and milk more than buttercream icing. It is assertively chocolatey and just sweet enough.
Ingredients
Icing Sugar for sweetness and softness Butter (because it makes eveything better) Baking Powder and Baking Soda because the batter needs a little lift Eggs Cocoa Powder - Frye’s Cocoa in Canada is Dutch-Processed and has a strong chocolate flavour Instant Coffee - because coffee makes chocolate better AP Flour - Salt - for balance Vanilla Extract - for sweetness Nutella because it’s Nutella. Cream (table, whipping, anything but cool whip works!)
Video for Chocolate Loaf Cake
Made the Chocolate Loaf Cake? Tell me what you think below by rating on the recipe card! I’d love to see your recreations to so don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @flourandspiceblog !
