Chocolate Loaf Cake with Whipped Ganache

Now, carefully pour in the boiling water. The batter will become thin, but that’s okay! This extra liquid helps create a super moist cake. Stir gently to combine.

Step 7: Fold in the Chocolate Chips (Optional)

If you’re adding chocolate chips, fold them into the batter at this point. The chips will melt slightly during baking, adding gooey pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.

Step 8: Bake the Cake

Pour the cake batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are okay). If the top of the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent over-baking.

Once done, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 9: Make the Whipped Ganache

While the cake is cooling, it’s time to make the whipped ganache.

1. Place the chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
2. In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it just begins to simmer.
3. Pour the hot cream over the chopped chocolate and let it sit for about 3-5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
4. After the waiting period, whisk the cream and chocolate together until smooth and glossy.
5. Let the ganache cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to help it thicken.
6. Once the ganache has cooled and thickened, use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat it for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 10: Frost the Cake

Once your loaf cake has completely cooled, spread the whipped ganache evenly over the top. You can use a spatula to smooth it out or leave it in a more rustic, swooping texture. For an extra touch of elegance, you can also drizzle some extra ganache on the sides of the loaf or sprinkle the top with chocolate shavings or cocoa powder.

Step 11: Serve and Enjoy!

Slice the cake and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. Each bite will be full of rich chocolate flavor, a soft and moist crumb, and a light, fluffy ganache topping that melts in your mouth.

Tips for Success

1. Use High-Quality Chocolate: Since this cake is all about the chocolate, using high-quality chocolate for both the cake and ganache will make a big difference in flavor. Look for semi-sweet or dark chocolate with at least 60% cocoa content.
2. Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing them. This helps the ingredients combine more evenly and results in a smoother batter.
3. Don’t Overmix: When combining the dry and wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense, tough cake.
4. Customize the Ganache: If you like your ganache sweeter, feel free to add a bit more powdered sugar when whipping it. You can also add a splash of flavored extract, such as hazelnut or orange, to give the ganache a unique twist.
5. Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake for longer storage, but bring it to room temperature before serving to ensure the ganache stays soft.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Chocolate Loaf Cake with Whipped Ganache is everything a chocolate lover could dream of: moist, rich, and perfectly balanced with a light, airy ganache topping. It’s an easy yet elegant dessert that’s perfect for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion where you want to impress with minimal effort.

Whether you’re serving it for a special event or simply indulging in a sweet treat after dinner, this chocolate loaf cake will be a showstopper every time. So, grab your mixing bowls and get ready to enjoy a slice of chocolate heaven!