Indulge in Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake for Cozy Moments
Why Make This Recipe
Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is not just any dessert; it’s a slice of heaven that can brighten up even the gloomiest of days. When you think of cozy moments, imagine curling up with a warm cup of tea and a generous slice of this scrumptious chocolate loaf cake. Its rich, chocolatey flavor, combined with the subtle hint of coffee, creates a delightful treat that is perfect for sharing with friends or enjoying in solitude. The best part? This cake is easy to make and uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen.
The lovely combination of chocolate and coffee in the cake creates a deeper flavor profile that elevates the taste beyond a standard chocolate cake. Plus, the sweetened condensed milk frosting adds a creamy decadence that makes every bite unforgettable. This recipe is an invitation to relax and savor the little moments in life, whether it’s during a lovely afternoon tea or as a comforting after-dinner dessert.
How to Make Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake
Making this chocolate loaf cake is straightforward and will leave your kitchen smelling divine. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Treat.
Ingredients :
- 1.5 sticks Butter (at room temperature for easy creaming with sugar)
- 3/4 cup Granulated Sugar (provides sweetness and moisture to the cake)
- 1 tsp Instant Coffee (enhances the chocolate flavor for a delightful twist)
- 3 Eggs (at room temperature for better incorporation into the batter)
- 1 Egg Yolk (adds richness and moisture to the cake)
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract (complements the chocolate and coffee notes beautifully)
- 3/4 cup All-Purpose Flour (gives structure to the loaf cake)
- 6 tbsp Cocoa Powder (use high-quality cocoa for a richer chocolate flavor)
- 1/2 tsp Baking Powder (ensures the cake rises perfectly)
- 1 stick Butter (at room temperature to create a creamy consistency)
- 4 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk (adds sweetness and creaminess to the frosting)
- 1.5 tsp Instant Coffee (elevates the frosting with a coffee kick)
- 1/2 tsp Hot Water (helps dissolve the coffee for a smooth frosting texture)
Directions :
How to Make Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake
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Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
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Prepare the Pan: Grease a loaf pan (usually 9×5 inches) with butter or cooking spray. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easy removal later.
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Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, place 1.5 sticks of room temperature butter and 3/4 cup of granulated sugar. Using an electric mixer or a whisk, cream them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, typically around 3-4 minutes.
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Add Eggs: Beat in the 3 eggs and 1 egg yolk, one at a time. Mix well after each addition until everything is well incorporated.
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Incorporate Vanilla and Coffee: Add in 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 tsp of instant coffee. Mix again until combined.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the 3/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 6 tbsp of cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp of baking powder. This helps remove lumps and ensures even distribution of dry ingredients.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients. Stir with a spatula or a wooden spoon until just combined. Make sure not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.
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Pour the Batter into the Pan: Spoon the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Smooth out the top with a spatula for an even bake.
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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 of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is ready.
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Cool the Cake: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
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Prepare the Frosting: While the cake cools, make the sweetened condensed milk frosting. In a medium bowl, beat together 1 stick of room temperature butter, 4 oz of sweetened condensed milk, adding in 1.5 tsp of instant coffee, and 1/2 tsp of hot water to help dissolve the coffee. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
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Frost the Cake: Once the cake has completely cooled, spread a generous layer of the coffee-flavored frosting on top. You can also spread it over the sides if you wish.
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Slice and Enjoy: Your delicious Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is now ready to be sliced and served with your favorite tea!
How to Serve Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake
Serving Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is as delightful as making it! This cake is perfect for tea time, pair it with a nice cup of Earl Grey, chamomile, or your favorite herbal tea. You can slice it into thick pieces for a satisfying treat or cut them into smaller pieces for a light snack. To add a touch of elegance, consider serving the cake on a nice plate with a side of fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream. For those who enjoy a chocolate experience, a drizzle of chocolate sauce on top would be a lovely addition.
Enjoy this cake at gatherings, during quiet afternoons, or as a sweet ending to your meals. Each slice is a reminder to take a moment to relax and savor the flavors.
How to Store Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake
To keep your Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake fresh and delicious, proper storage is essential.
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At Room Temperature: If you plan on finishing it within a couple of days, you can store the cake at room temperature. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for about 2-3 days.
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In the Refrigerator: If you’d like to extend its life, place the wrapped cake in the refrigerator. It will keep there for about a week. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving, as it tastes best when slightly warmed.
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Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or leave it out at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips to Make Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake
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Butter Temperature: Ensure that your butter is at room temperature. This will help in achieving a light and fluffy batter, which is crucial for a good cake texture.
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Quality of Ingredients: Use high-quality cocoa powder and vanilla extract. The flavor will shine through and elevate your cake significantly.
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Egg Temperature: Using eggs at room temperature helps them blend more easily into the batter, leading to a more homogeneous mix.
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Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf instead of a nice, airy cake.
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Taste Test the Frosting: When making your frosting, taste it before applying it to the cake. You can adjust the sweetness or coffee flavor to suit your preferences.
Variation
While the Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake is delicious as is, you can certainly experiment to make it your own. Here are a few ideas:
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Add Nuts: Incorporate chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
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Incorporate Fruit: Add chocolate chips or dried fruit like cranberries or cherries for an added twist.
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Flavored Frosting: Swap out the coffee in the frosting for a flavored extract like almond or peppermint for a seasonal touch.
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Add a Ganache Topping: For an extra chocolatey finish, consider making a chocolate ganache to drizzle over the top before serving.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
2. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
To check if your cake is done, insert a toothpick in the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready. If it has wet batter, give it a few more minutes in the oven.
3. Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour works best for this recipe, but you can experiment with cake flour for a lighter texture or use gluten-free flour if you have dietary restrictions. Just be wary that texture and taste may vary.
4. How should I serve leftovers?
If you have leftovers, serve them at room temperature, or briefly warm them in the microwave for a cozy experience. They also make great snacks for lunchboxes!
5. Can I replace the sweetened condensed milk in the frosting?
If you prefer a lighter frosting, consider making a whipped cream cheese frosting or a buttercream frosting instead. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change!
Enjoy every bite of your Tea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake, and let every slice remind you of the cozy moments shared with friends and family. Happy baking!
PrintTea Time Chocolate Loaf Cake
A rich and moist chocolate loaf cake with a delightful coffee twist, perfect for any cozy occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 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
- 1 stick Butter (for frosting, at room temperature)
- 4 oz Sweetened Condensed Milk
- 1.5 tsp Instant Coffee (for frosting)
- 1/2 tsp Hot Water (for frosting)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×5 loaf pan with butter or cooking spray.
- In a mixing bowl, cream 1.5 sticks of butter and 3/4 cup of sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in 3 eggs and 1 egg yolk, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract and 1 tsp of instant coffee, mixing until combined.
- Sift together 3/4 cup of flour, 6 tbsp of cocoa powder, and 1/2 tsp of baking powder in a separate bowl.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center.
- Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For frosting, beat together 1 stick of butter, 4 oz of sweetened condensed milk, 1.5 tsp instant coffee, and 1/2 tsp hot water until smooth.
- Frost the cooled cake and serve.
Notes
Store leftovers wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container. Can be frozen for up to three months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
