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Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake

This decadent Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake features a surprise strawberry center wrapped in rich chocolate cake, perfect for special occasions and chocolate lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 6 fresh strawberries, hulled
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (for dusting)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Stir in vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add dry ingredients alternately with milk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
  5. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface.
  6. Place hulled strawberries upright in a row along the center of the batter.
  7. Carefully spoon the remaining batter over the strawberries, covering them completely.
  8. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the edges (not the strawberries) comes out clean.
  9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  10. Dust with powdered sugar before serving to reveal the hidden heart inside when sliced.

Notes

For an extra special touch, serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of warm chocolate sauce.