Mccall'S Best Chocolate Loaf
A rich, moist chocolate loaf cake with deep cocoa flavor, complemented by the subtle sweetness of brown sugar and the tang of sour cream. Perfect for dessert or a decadent snack, this loaf appeals to chocolate lovers and those seeking a comforting treat with a tender crumb.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a small bowl, pour boiling water over the unsweetened chocolate and let it cool.
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and flour a 9 x 5 x 3-inch loaf pan.
- Sift the plain flour with salt and baking soda; set aside.
- In a large bowl of an electric mixer at high speed, beat the butter, vanilla, light brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- At low speed, beat in the flour mixture; alternate with sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
- Beat in the cooled chocolate mixture just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have almond flavoring, you can substitute with an extra teaspoon of vanilla. Make sure to sift the flour mixture well to avoid lumps. For a twist, add chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. This loaf can also be made as cupcakes; adjust the baking time to around 20-25 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
This chocolate loaf is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea. For a special occasion, consider drizzling it with chocolate ganache or serving alongside Poppy Seed Muffins for a delightful brunch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chocolate loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, slice and warm in the microwave for a few seconds or enjoy it cold for a delightful texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mccall'S Best Chocolate Loaf contains roughly 673 calories, with 3g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 966mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate?
Yes, you can use dark chocolate, but keep in mind that it will add sweetness to the loaf. For every 1 ounce of unsweetened chocolate, replace it with 1 ounce of dark chocolate and reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly to maintain balance.
What can I do if I don't have sour cream?
If you don't have sour cream on hand, you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt or even buttermilk. Both alternatives will maintain the moisture in the loaf and provide a similar tangy flavor.
How can I tell when the loaf is done baking?
To check if the loaf is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the loaf is ready. If it has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).