Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate, melted
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 tsp espresso powder (for deeper chocolate flavor)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Instructions
Prepare the Batter:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
Cream the Butter & Sugar:
- Using a stand or hand mixer, beat butter and sugar on medium speed for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
Incorporate the Eggs:
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
Combine Wet & Dry Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients, alternating with sour cream, starting and ending with the dry mix.
- Fold in melted chocolate until just combined. Do not overmix!
Bake the Cake:
- Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Cool & Serve:
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Let ingredients sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
- To prevent a dry cake, do not overbake—check for doneness at 60 minutes.
- Enhance the flavor with espresso powder or a splash of coffee.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 85mg