Ingredients
Method
- Prepare the Oven and Pan Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F).
- Prepare the Pan: Grease and flour a standard loaf pan, or line it with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients Cream Butter and Cream Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together using an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar and Eggs: Gradually add the granulated sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine the Dry Ingredients Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the cake flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and sea salt.
- Combine and Fold Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in Chocolate: Gently fold in the finely chopped dark chocolate until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Serve: Slice and serve the cake as is, or with a dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
Notes
Variations
- Chocolate Mint Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing minty flavor. You can also top the cake with chocolate mint ganache.
- Mocha Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Incorporate 1 tablespoon of instant coffee granules into the batter for a rich coffee flavor that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
- Chocolate Orange Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Add the zest of one orange and 2 tablespoons of orange juice to the batter for a citrusy twist that complements the chocolate.
- Nutty Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Fold in 100 grams of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, into the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Chocolate Raspberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Swirl in 100 grams of raspberry puree into the batter before baking or top the finished cake with fresh raspberries.
- Chocolate Coconut Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Mix in 100 grams of shredded coconut for a tropical twist. You can also top the cake with a coconut glaze.
- Chocolate Chip Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Add 100 grams of chocolate chips to the batter for extra chocolatey goodness. Use semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips based on your preference.
- Spicy Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a subtle heat that enhances the chocolate flavor.
- Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake with Ganache:
- Top the cooled cake with a rich chocolate ganache made from 200 grams of dark chocolate and 100 ml of heavy cream for an indulgent finish.
- Lemon Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake:
- Add the zest of one lemon and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the batter for a unique flavor combination that balances the richness of the chocolate.
