Peppermint Chocolate Loaf with White Chocolate Ganache
A moist and flavorful peppermint chocolate loaf topped with a decadent white chocolate ganache, perfect for festive gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Total Time: 75 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons hot water
- 4 oz (1/2 cup) butter, softened
- 200 grams (1 cup) granulated sugar
- 50 grams (1/2 cup) Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1/3 cup sour cream
- 125 grams (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 oz good quality white chocolate, finely chopped
- 240 grams (2 cups) powdered sugar
- 4–5 tablespoons milk, divided
- 1 candy cane, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare your loaf pan by greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon espresso powder with 2 tablespoons hot water until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is well incorporated. Add prepared espresso, vegetable oil, and peppermint extract, mixing until combined.
- In another bowl, whisk together cocoa powder, flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients along with milk and sour cream, stirring until no flour pockets remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Meanwhile, prepare the ganache by melting the white chocolate and mixing in powdered sugar and enough milk for a pourable consistency.
- Once cooled, pour the ganache over the loaf and sprinkle with crushed candy cane.
Notes
For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use almond milk and dairy-free sour cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
