SPECIAL CHOCOLATE LOAF CAKE — RICH, MOIST, WITH A UNIQUE AROMA
This chocolate loaf cake is special thanks to a secret ingredient that gives it an unforgettable aroma and moist texture. Soft, deeply chocolatey, and perfectly balanced, it’s so tempting you might just slice it warm straight out of the oven — just like I did!
🕒 Prep Time: 15 min
⏲️ Baking Time: 40 min
🍽️ Yields: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 180 g all-purpose flour
- 200 g sugar
- 120 g yogurt
- 120 ml walnut oil (or any neutral oil)
- 2 large eggs, separated
- 50 ml water
- ½ packet baking powder (about 7 g)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 150 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)
- Butter for greasing the pan
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chocolate
- Melt the dark chocolate gently over a double boiler until smooth. Set aside.
2. Make the Batter
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together yogurt, walnut oil, sugar (reserve 2 tablespoons for later), egg yolks, and water until sugar dissolves and mixture is smooth.
- Add vanilla extract, sifted flour, and baking powder. Stir gently with a whisk until flour disappears — some small lumps are fine.
3. Prepare the Meringue
- In a clean bowl, beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually add the reserved 2 tablespoons of sugar and continue beating until stiff peaks form.
4. Combine
- Fold the meringue into the yolk mixture in three additions, mixing gently with a whisk to preserve airiness.
- Next, fold in the melted chocolate in three portions, stirring carefully each time.
5. Bake
- Pour the batter into a buttered and floured loaf pan (25–30 cm length; 25 cm recommended if possible).
- Tap the pan lightly on the counter to level the batter.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve
- Let the cake cool before slicing. (Though tempting, I admit to slicing it warm right after baking!)
💡 Tips
- Walnut oil gives a subtle nutty aroma that elevates the chocolate flavor — feel free to substitute with other neutral oils.
- Folding carefully keeps the batter light and airy, ensuring a tender crumb.
- Use a smaller pan if possible for a taller cake.
🎉 Perfect For
- Chocolate lovers craving moist, aromatic cake
- Elegant teatime treats or dessert
- Easy homemade gifting ideas
📝 Final Thoughts
This special chocolate loaf cake blends rich dark chocolate with a moist texture and a unique aromatic note from walnut oil, delivering a simple yet indulgent dessert. Its light crumb and balanced sweetness make it irresistible warm or cooled.