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Black Forest Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake with Cherry Glaze

Black Forest Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake - featured image

This easy Black Forest Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake combines rich cocoa, gooey chocolate chips, and sweet cherries, topped with a vibrant cherry glaze. Perfect for potlucks, birthdays, or cozy family gatherings, it’s a fuss-free dessert that’s moist, tender, and irresistibly delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (can substitute with gluten-free blend)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or vegan butter)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (dairy-free options work)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup pitted cherries, chopped (fresh or frozen, thawed and drained)
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp cherry juice (from thawed frozen cherries or jarred)
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
  • Extra chocolate chips (for garnish, optional)
  • Whole cherries (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract.
  5. Mix in sour cream and milk until smooth.
  6. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients in two batches, mixing gently until just combined.
  7. Fold in chocolate chips and chopped cherries with a rubber spatula.
  8. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
  9. Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  10. Cool cake in pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
  11. For the glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, cherry juice, and almond extract (if using) until smooth and pourable.
  12. Drizzle glaze over cooled cake. Garnish with extra chocolate chips and whole cherries if desired.
  13. Let glaze set for about 20 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use room temperature ingredients and blot cherries to avoid excess moisture. Gluten-free and dairy-free adaptations work well. Do not overmix the batter after adding flour. The loaf can be baked as muffins or in a bundt pan; adjust baking time accordingly. Store leftovers tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze individual slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: black forest cake, chocolate chip loaf, cherry glaze, easy dessert, loaf cake, chocolate cherry, potluck dessert, birthday cake, family baking, gluten-free option