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Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake

Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake: A Sweet Surprise Inside

The Hidden Heart Chocolate Loaf Cake is a delightful dessert revealing a charming pink heart within a rich chocolate exterior, perfect for Valentine’s Day.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Cooling Time 1 hour
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 8 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pink Sponge
  • 175 g baking spread Can substitute with unsalted butter.
  • 175 g caster sugar Regular granulated sugar works too.
  • 3 large eggs Ensure they're at room temperature.
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract Using pure vanilla extract is best.
  • 175 g self-raising flour Can substitute with plain flour and add baking powder (2 tsp per 200g).
  • pink food coloring Opt for professional-grade gel for best results.
For the Chocolate Sponge
  • 35 g cocoa powder Ensure to use unsweetened cocoa powder.
  • 1.5 tbsp milk Can use dairy or non-dairy milk.
  • 0.5 tsp baking powder Used when using plain flour.
For the Buttercream
  • 100 g butter Softened and unsalted, best at room temperature.
  • 200 g icing sugar Sift for a smoother finish.
For Decoration
  • heart sprinkles Optional decoration.

Equipment

  • loaf tin
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Silicone Spatula
  • Whisk

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 160°C fan/180°C/350°F/Gas Mark 4. Prepare a 2lb loaf tin by greasing it or lining it with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: Make the pink sponge: Cream together baking spread and caster sugar, add eggs and vanilla, then fold in self-raising flour with pink food coloring. Bake for approx. 50 mins.
  3. Step 3: Create the chocolate sponge: Cream baking spread and caster sugar, add eggs and milk, then fold in self-raising flour, cocoa powder, and baking powder. Layer in the loaf tin and bake for another 50 mins.
  4. Step 4: Prepare the buttercream: Beat softened butter until fluffy, add icing sugar, vanilla, and milk to mix until smooth. Optionally mix in melted dark chocolate.
  5. Step 5: Frost and Decorate the Cake: Once cooled, frost the cake with buttercream and top with heart sprinkles if desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1sliceCalories: 320kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 4gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 200mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 1gSugar: 25gVitamin A: 500IUCalcium: 50mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter. Don’t overmix to maintain texture. Refrigerate heart cutouts before baking for better shape retention.

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