Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake

Why Make This Recipe

Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is truly a delightful treat. Combining the rich flavors of chocolate with the subtle hint of coffee makes it an irresistible dessert option. This cake is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea, creating a cozy atmosphere at home. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be easily made for gatherings, family celebrations, or simply when you crave something sweet. Moreover, the loaf shape makes it easy to slice and share, whether at a brunch gathering or along with afternoon tea.

In addition to being delicious, this cake is also quite simple to make. The ingredients are everyday staples, and the steps are straightforward, making it accessible for bakers of all levels. Whether you’re a newbie in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, this recipe will work well for you.

Furthermore, the added touch of frosting enhances the cake’s flavor profile, making it even more special. Enjoying Teatime Chocolate Loaf Cake can easily become a cherished tradition, where you can take a moment to relax and recharge.

How to Make Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake

Making Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is quite simple. With just a few steps, you’ll have a moist and indulgent chocolate cake ready to enjoy. Let’s walk through the process in detail.

Ingredients

Here’s what you will need for the cake:

• 1.5 sticks Butter (at room temperature)
• 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 tsp Instant Coffee
• 3 Eggs (at room temperature)
• 1 Egg Yolk
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour
• 6 tbsp Cocoa Powder
• 1/2 tsp Baking Powder

For the frosting:

• 1 stick Butter (for frosting)
• 4 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
• 1.5 tsp Instant Coffee (for frosting)
• 1/2 tsp Hot Water

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake will bake evenly.

2. Prepare the Loaf Pan: Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan. You can use butter or cooking spray for this step. Greasing helps prevent the cake from sticking.

3. Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, add 1.5 sticks of butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.

4. Add Eggs: Now, add in the 3 eggs and 1 egg yolk. It’s important to add them one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they are fully incorporated into the batter.

5. Mix in Vanilla and Coffee: Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of instant coffee. This will add a delicious depth of flavor to your cake.

6. Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, sift together 3/4 cup all-purpose flour, 6 tablespoons cocoa powder, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder. Sifting helps remove any lumps and evenly mixes the dry ingredients.

7. Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.

8. Pour into Prepared Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth out the top.

9. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 50-60 minutes. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready.

10. Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

11. Make the Frosting: To make the frosting, beat together 1 stick of butter, 4 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, 1.5 teaspoons of instant coffee, and 1/2 teaspoon of hot water in a bowl until smooth.

12. Frost the Cake: Once the cake has cooled, spread the frosting on top.

13. Serve and Enjoy: Your Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is now ready to be served. Enjoy a slice with a cup of tea or coffee!

How to Serve Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake

Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake can be served in many ways. Here are some suggestions:

• With Tea or Coffee: This cake goes perfectly with a hot cup of tea or coffee. It’s great for afternoon snacks or a light dessert after meals.

• Fruity Side: Add some fresh berries or slices of fruit on the side. Strawberries, raspberries, or even banana slices pair well with chocolate.

• With Ice Cream: For an indulgent treat, serve a slice of the chocolate loaf cake warm, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

• Sprinkle with Nuts: Consider sprinkling some toasted nuts on top of the frosting for a crunchier texture and added flavor.

How to Store Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake

Proper storage ensures that your cake remains fresh and tasty. Here’s how to keep Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake:

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 3 days, you can keep it covered at room temperature. Use a cake dome or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh.

• Refrigeration: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge. Cover it tightly to prevent it from drying out. The cake can last up to a week when refrigerated.

• Freezing: If you want to keep the cake for an even longer period, you can freeze it. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

Tips to Make Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake

1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature. This helps in creating a better texture for the cake.

2. Measure Ingredients Accurately: Use proper measuring tools to ensure you get the right measurement of ingredients. This is key to the cake’s success.

3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.

4. Check for Doneness: Since every oven varies, start checking your cake a few minutes early to avoid overbaking. The cake should spring back slightly when touched.

5. Add Extras: Feel free to add chocolate chips or nuts into the batter for extra flavor and texture.

Variation (If Any)

Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is quite versatile. Here are some variations you can try:

• Mocha Flavor: For additional coffee flavor, increase the quantity of instant coffee in the batter and frosting.

• Add Zest: Adding the zest of an orange or lemon can give a refreshing twist to the flavor of the cake.

• Nutty Chocolate Cake: Mix in some chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

• Glaze: Instead of frosting, you could drizzle a simple chocolate glaze over the top for a different finish.

• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of the cake.

FAQs

1. Can I use fresh brewed coffee instead of instant coffee?
Yes, you can use fresh brewed coffee, but it will change the consistency of the batter. Make sure to reduce other liquid ingredients slightly to compensate.

2. Can I substitute sugar with another sweetener?
You can use alternatives like coconut sugar or brown sugar. Keep in mind that this may alter the cake’s flavor and texture slightly.

3. How do I know if my cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. If it’s too wet, continue baking for a few more minutes.

4. How can I tell if the cake is dry?
If the cake doesn’t retain a slight spring upon being gently pressed and feels hard on the outside, it may be overbaked, leading to dryness.

5. Can I make mini loaf cakes with this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use mini loaf pans and adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.

Enjoy making your Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake! It is a simple yet satisfying recipe that makes for a delightful treat at any time of day.