Tuesday, July 20, 2010

TWD (rewind): Dressy Chocolate Loaf Cake


Over the last few weeks - months, really - I've missed several TWD recipes that I was really looking forward to making. As I get the chance, I'm going to go back and bake a few of them. Starting with this loaf cake.


Chocolate cake rarely impresses me. I usually find it too dry, and lacking in chocolate flavor. Oh boy, did this cake prove all of that wrong! It was amazing in every way: flavor, texture, appearance - even the batter was beautiful; it looked like fluffy chocolate mousse. The cake's inherent deliciousness, is elevated to an even higher level by the elements of filling and frosting. Even with all of that, it manages to seem miraculously light. This cake is a keeper.


The cake itself is deeply chocolate-y, the crumb is moist and tight - very reminiscent of a pound cake. Superb. After baking in a loaf pan, the cake is cut horizontally into 3 layers. Each layer is filled with a tart fruit jam - I used black currant; a perfect complement in flavor and texture to the cake. The frosting is amazingly simple. It is made of nothing more than melted chocolate and sour cream. As it cools it hardens, forming a bittersweet ganache-like texture with a sour cream tang. Wow. I'll be using this frosting again. I'll be making the whole cake again for that matter!


I love that this cake has so many elements, yet is so simple. Perfect for any occasion. Thanks to Amy Ruth of Amy Ruth Bakes for making this wonderful selection. You can find the recipe on her blog.

15 comments:

  1. What a great looking cake. I'm glad it lived up to your expectations. I'm bookmarking it right now in my copy of Baking.

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  2. Your cake looks lovely, Sarah! I look forward to seeing what else you make as you're catching up. We've had lots of great recipes lately.

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  3. :O I just found out what TWD is. Aw mannn, that's like the best game ever!

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  4. Sarah, I think that is the mostly delicious looking chocolate cake I ever seen. BOOKMARKED!!

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  5. I totally agree with you about this cake; loved it too! Delicious and so easy too. Love what you did with yours. Black currant is one of my favorite flavors. I suspect I was meant to be British because everything there is black currant flavored.

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  6. Sarah I am so glad you had a chance to make this little cake. I think it is a nice addition to the chocolate world and like you I loved the batter. Wasn't it so delicious? hehe Thanks so much for baking along and as always your photos are always so nice.
    AmyRuth

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  7. That Cake looks awesome! I want some.

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  8. that is a beautifully decorated cake! and sounds like it was delicious, too!!

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  9. Well isn't that striking! I'd love a piece. =)

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  10. yay! another opportunity to make something chocolate! I love your recipe choices!

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  11. ohhhhh, my husbands birthday is next week and my kids and I have been racking our brains on what kind of cake to bake! He likes carrot or a coconut cake but I am bored with that! Thanks for the inspiration!!! Looks beautiful. Dorie would be proud!

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