Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake
This Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake is a rich, moist chocolate treat featuring a surprise heart-shaped center that makes it perfect for special occasions or a delightful dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 80 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Red velvet cake mix or red food coloring and additional cake batter for the heart shape
- Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan.
- Prepare the red velvet cake batter according to package instructions or make your own red batter to form the heart shape.
- Bake the red velvet batter in a shallow square pan until fully cooked. Once cooled, cut out heart shapes using a cookie cutter.
- In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
- In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until smooth.
- Pour a thin layer of chocolate batter into the bottom of the loaf pan.
- Place the red velvet heart shapes vertically in a line down the center of the pan on top of the chocolate batter.
- Carefully pour the remaining chocolate batter around and over the hearts, making sure to cover them completely.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the chocolate batter (not the hearts) comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving.
Notes
For best results, chill the red velvet hearts before inserting them into the chocolate batter to help maintain their shape during baking. Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or fresh berries.