Thursday, March 13, 2014

Chocolate Loaf Cake with a Mint Cream Cheese Swirl {Recipe}

Can I join in on the discussion about the crazy weather? I'm sure everybody is just as tired of hearing about it as they are tired of the crazy weather itself, but...come on! Like everywhere else it seems, Virginia has been freezing cold one day and warm enough to wear shorts the next. This past Tuesday was an amazing 80 degrees and today the high is 40 with a wind chill of 25 degrees. In fact, I just went to check the weather and it informed me that it is "much colder than yesterday." And it looks like they are calling for snow on Monday. Again. I have seen enough snow this winter to last me 3 winters. I think I can count on this cake to help me make it through, though.


I don't have much to say about this cake, other than it is delicious. I mean, just look at all the chocolate chips on top. It is a perfectly moist chocolate loaf cake with a delicious minty cream cheese ribbon swirled throughout it. It has a perfect balance of mint and chocolate. The mint does not overpower the chocolate, but it is definitely there.





Chocolate Loaf Cake with a Mint Cream Cheese Swirl
{Printer Version Here}
Source: Once Upon a Tier. Heavily adapted from Tutti Dolci
Yields ~12 servings

Ingredients:
Mint Cream Cheese Swirl:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons sour cream
4 Tablespoons powdered sugar
1 teaspoon mint extract
2 drops green food coloring (optional)

Chocolate Loaf Cake:
1 1/4 cups flour
1/3 cup cocoa powder (I used dark cocoa powder)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened
1 cup sugar
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup sour cream
Chocolate chips for topping

Directions: 
For the Mint Cream Cheese Swirl:
1. Using an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, mint extract, and food coloring (if using) until combined and smooth. Transfer to another bowl and set aside.

For the cake:
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray an 8x4 inch loaf pan with nonstick baking spray.  

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.

4. Using an electric mixer with the paddle attachment (no need to wash the bowl or paddle from the cream cheese), beat the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla until combined. Add half of the flour mixture and mix on low speed until just combined. Add the sour cream and mix until combined. Add the remaining flour mixture and, once again, mix until just combined. 

5. Spread one third of the batter into the loaf pan. Drop half of the cream cheese mixture by spoonfuls onto the batter. Spread another third of the batter over the cream cheese. Drop remaining cream cheese mixture by spoonfuls. Top with remaining batter. Using a knife or skewer, swirl the batter and cream cheese together. Smooth the top with a spatula. Top with as many chocolate chips as you would like (nobody is judging). 

6. Bake for 55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Remove from the pan and cool completely. Slice and devour. Enjoy!     
 



24 comments:

  1. I've got to try this! Oh, the weather's been finicky here too, just without the snow.

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    1. I hope you do try it! I think you would like it. :)

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  2. Woah...I think I need a slice of this in my life. Today. Thin Mint cookies were always my favorite girl scout cookie flavor, and I bet this cake is similar!

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    1. Haha, David, it does taste similar! If they are your favorite cookie, then you would really like this cake! Thanks for stopping by!

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  3. Oh my gosh mint and chocolate is one of my favorite combinations. Soo is chocolate and peanut butter.

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    1. You would really enjoy this cake then! Hmm..something chocolate and peanut butter might just have to be next! :) Thanks for your comment!

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  4. Wow!!!!!!!!!!! This looks ssssssssoooooooooooooooooo good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This is probably my favorite recipe by far! Lol wish I had a piece. It looks mouth-watering......mmmmmmmm...Definitely going to attempt to make it.

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    1. Haha thanks, Taylor! I hope you do make it!

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  5. Honestly, this winter has left all of us lots to talk (rant) about! I'm with you and just ready for Spring. I can feel it. : ) This cake looks so neat with that mint swirl! And count me as a huge fan of chocolate and mint!

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    1. Thanks, Monica! Chocolate and mint is such a great combination..but almost everything goes great with chocolate, doesn't it? :)

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  6. Oh my goodness, Jenn! This dreamy loaf cake of yours reminds me of Black Bottom Cupcakes. (I love those things!) This cake, with those gooey ribbons of cheesecake goodness, and all those chocolate chips, is calling my name! Thanks for sharing, girl. Meanwhile, have a fabulous Friday and weekend!

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    1. I never thought about that, but you are so right! Thanks for stopping by, Stacy. I hope you have a wonderful weekend as well!

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  7. Pretty sure it doesn't get better than these flavors. Wow! This loaf cake looks so delicious! Thank you so much for sharing on Saturday Night Fever!

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  8. Can't get over how chocolate and delicious this loaf cake looks, please cut me a slice!

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  9. Jenn, could this get any better?! That swirl of mint cream cheese is genius! And the loaf looks is moist and decadent! Do you deliver ? ;)

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    1. Thanks, Mary Frances!! It was extremely moist!

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  10. Oh my gosh, my husband would be all over this cake! I'm totally making it...I love choco cream cheese, but adding the mint is such a great idea :)

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    1. Thanks, Amy! If you do make it, I'd love to hear how you like it!

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  11. My kids would be thrilled if I made them this!

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    1. I hope you make it for them! Thanks for stopping by, Pam!

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  12. This is my favorite cake, yummy! thanks for sharing this lovely recipe...

    Simon

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    1. Thank you, Simon!! I am go glad you liked it!

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Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment! Your comments make my day!