Description
Surprise loved ones with this charming Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake, where a delightful crimson heart nestles within rich chocolate layers. Guests will marvel at the whimsical design and savor each decadent slice that reveals sweet romance with every cut.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 175 grams (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour (pink heart sponge)
- 175 grams (1 ½ cups) self-raising flour (chocolate loaf)
- 175 grams (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (pink heart sponge)
- 175 grams (¾ cup) unsalted butter, softened (chocolate loaf)
- 3 large eggs (pink heart sponge)
- 3 large eggs (chocolate loaf)
- 175 grams (¾ cup) caster sugar (pink heart sponge)
- 150 grams (¾ cup) caster sugar (chocolate loaf)
Additional Baking Ingredients:
- 35 grams (⅓ cup) cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pink heart sponge)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (buttercream)
- Pink gel food coloring
Buttercream and Decoration Ingredients:
- 100 grams (7 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 200 grams (1 ½ cups) icing sugar
- 50 grams (1 ¾ ounces) dark chocolate, melted and cooled
- ½ tablespoons milk
- Heart-shaped sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven environment by heating to 180C (160C fan) or 350F, then meticulously coat a 2lb loaf tin with grease and parchment paper.
- In a spacious mixing vessel, whip softened butter and caster sugar until the mixture transforms into a cloud-like, aerated consistency with a pale, creamy texture.
- Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly blending each one into the butter-sugar base before adding the subsequent egg, ensuring a harmonious incorporation.
- Infuse the mixture with vanilla extract, stirring to distribute the aromatic essence evenly throughout the batter.
- Delicately fold self-raising flour into the wet ingredients, using gentle sweeping motions to maintain the batter’s airiness and prevent dense texture.
- Incorporate pink gel food coloring, mixing meticulously to achieve a uniform, vibrant rosy hue that permeates the entire mixture.
- Gently transfer the pink-tinted batter into the prepared loaf tin, ensuring an even distribution and smooth surface.
- Slide the tin into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 50 minutes, monitoring for a golden exterior and checking doneness by inserting a skewer that emerges clean.
- After baking, allow the cake to rest momentarily in the tin to stabilize, then carefully transfer to a wire cooling rack, permitting complete temperature reduction before further handling.
Notes
- Adjust food coloring intensity by adding small amounts gradually, ensuring a consistent and vibrant pink shade without affecting the cake’s texture.
- Create a gluten-free version by substituting self-raising flour with a blend of gluten-free flour and baking powder to maintain the cake’s light structure.
- Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating a hint of almond extract alongside vanilla, which complements the chocolate and adds depth to the cake’s overall taste profile.
- Allow cake to cool completely before cutting to prevent crumbling and ensure clean, precise slices that showcase the hidden heart design effectively.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 75mg