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Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake

Close-up of Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake
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A delightful chocolate loaf cake featuring a hidden heart center, perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers alike. This moist and rich dessert is sure to impress with its surprise inside.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened (for heart shape)
  • 2 tablespoons powdered sugar (for heart shape)
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for heart shape)
  • Optional: chocolate chips or sprinkles for decoration

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  6. For the hidden heart: Beat the cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Spread onto parchment paper to about 1/2-inch thickness and chill until firm. Cut out heart shapes using a small cookie cutter, then freeze hearts until firm.
  7. Pour a layer of chocolate batter into the loaf pan. Gently press the frozen cream cheese hearts vertically in a row down the center of the batter.
  8. Carefully cover the hearts with the remaining chocolate batter, smoothing the top.
  9. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the cake (avoiding the cream cheese hearts) comes out clean.
  10. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. Optional: Decorate the top with chocolate chips or sprinkles before serving.

Notes

For best results, use chilled cream cheese hearts and gently layer the batter to keep the heart shapes intact. Serve with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch.

Find it online: https://justhealthybites.com/hidden-heart-chocolate-loaf-cake/