Are you craving a moist, delicious cake that's surprisingly easy to make? Look no further! This decadent chocolate chip pound cake is the perfect answer for satisfying your sweet tooth. It's a classic recipe elevated with the irresistible crunch of chocolate chips, making it ideal for birthdays, afternoon tea, or simply a delightful treat any day of the week. This recipe is perfect for both beginner bakers and experienced cooks seeking a simple yet impressive dessert. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this homemade masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 3/4 cups (350g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions:
Getting Started:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This ensures your cake releases easily after baking.
Making the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This combines the dry ingredients evenly and prevents lumps in your batter.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This is best done with an electric mixer for a smooth, airy texture.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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In a small bowl, gently whisk the buttermilk.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
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Gently fold in the chocolate chips. This prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake.
Baking and Cooling:
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Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your cake during the last 10 minutes to prevent over-baking.
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Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Pound Cake:
- Room temperature ingredients: Using softened butter and room temperature eggs helps create a lighter and fluffier cake.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a wooden skewer or toothpick to check if the cake is baked through. If it comes out with moist crumbs, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allowing the cake to cool completely before frosting (if desired) prevents the frosting from melting.
Variations:
- Nuts: Add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Different chocolate: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or white chocolate.
- Citrus zest: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a refreshing twist.
- Glaze: Drizzle a simple glaze made with powdered sugar and milk or lemon juice over the cooled cake.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 350-400 Fat: Approximately 20-25g Sugar: Approximately 25-30g
This easy chocolate chip pound cake recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy every delicious bite!