Go Back

Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake

A delightful chocolate loaf cake with a surprise pink heart in the center, perfect for special occasions or brightening someone's day.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Baked Goods, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 1.5 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 0.5 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 0.5 tsp salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 0.5 cups unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • Pink food coloring Adjust to achieve desired shade.
Optional
  • 0.5 cups milk chocolate chips Optional topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In another bowl, beat together the softened butter, buttermilk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
  4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, mixing until just combined.
  5. Divide the batter in half. Color one half pink with the food coloring.
  6. Pour half of the chocolate batter into the prepared pan, then add dollops of the pink batter, and top with the remaining chocolate batter.
  7. Using a knife, swirl lightly to create a marbled effect.
  8. Optionally, sprinkle milk chocolate chips on top.
Baking
  1. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  2. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
  3. Slice and enjoy the surprise pink heart inside!

Notes

Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for the best mixing and texture. Don’t overmix the batter; mix until just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.