This decadent chocolate espresso loaf is a delightful combination of rich cocoa and robust coffee, delivering a deep and satisfying flavor. The loaf is incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of yogurt and avocado oil, and is further enhanced by the optional chocolate chips, which create pockets of melted chocolate throughout. The crowning glory is a silky chocolate ganache, adding an extra layer of indulgence. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate or coffee, this loaf is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire.
Why You'll Love This:
You’ll love this chocolate espresso loaf for its deep, rich flavors and moist, tender crumb. The combination of chocolate and espresso is a match made in heaven, providing a balanced yet intense flavor that lingers on the palate. The recipe is easy to follow, yet yields a loaf that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet bakery. The chocolate ganache adds a luxurious touch, making each slice a decadent treat. Perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own, this loaf is a chocolate lover’s dream come true.
Perfect Occasion:
This chocolate espresso loaf is perfect for special occasions like birthdays, brunches, or holiday gatherings where you want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert that looks and tastes exquisite. It’s also a fantastic treat to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon, making it ideal for cozy weekends at home. The richness of the chocolate and espresso makes it a satisfying dessert for evening gatherings, especially when paired with a glass of milk or a dessert wine.
Decoration Tips:
For an elegant presentation, pour the chocolate ganache over the cooled loaf, allowing it to drip down the sides for a rustic yet refined look. You can garnish the top with chocolate shavings or a sprinkle of espresso powder to hint at the flavors within. If you’re serving this loaf for a special occasion, consider adding a few fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar for a pop of color and contrast. For a festive touch, top with edible gold leaf or a few chocolate-covered espresso beans.
Ingredients:
For the Chocolate Espresso Loaf:
- 2 tablespoons instant coffee
- 1 tablespoon hot water
- 220g all-purpose flour
- 35g Dutch process cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Pinch of salt
- 160g brown sugar
- 70g granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 80ml avocado oil
- 90g Greek yogurt
- 70ml whole milk
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)
For the Chocolate Ganache:
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x5 inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine the instant coffee with hot water, stirring until dissolved. Set aside.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch process cocoa powder, baking soda, and a pinch of salt until well combined.
- In another mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, avocado oil, Greek yogurt, and whole milk. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-blended, then stir in the coffee mixture.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just combined and no flour clumps remain. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender crumb.
- If using, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- While the loaf cools, prepare the chocolate ganache. Heat the heavy cream in a small saucepan until it’s warm but not boiling. Remove from heat and add the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the chocolate to melt.
- After 5 minutes, stir the mixture until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth, forming a glossy ganache.
- Once the loaf has cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. Let the ganache set before slicing and serving.
Enjoy!