Chocolate Loaf Cake

Ingredients

• 1 and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (e.g., walnuts or pecans)

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. In a large mixing bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in both sugars until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and add the vegetable oil and vanilla extract. Mix until the liquid ingredients are fully blended.
4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined.
5. Gently fold in the buttermilk, ensuring the batter is smooth. If using chocolate chips or nuts, fold them in at this stage.
6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to eliminate air bubbles.
7. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
8. Allow the loaf cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.