Mini Chocolate Loaves

They’re perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party, sharing a gift with friends, or simply treating yourself. With a moist crumb, rich cocoa flavour, and the perfect balance of sweetness, these mini loaves will quickly become your go-to recipe whenever you crave a chocolatey indulgence. Before you start mixing ingredients, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your oven reaches the correct temperature by the time the batter is ready, giving your mini loaves a head start on baking.

Next, grease your mini loaf pans with non-stick spray or butter, and line them with parchment paper if desired. This step will make it easier to remove the loaves once baked, preventing any sticking or breaking. Whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Make sure to sift the cocoa powder beforehand if it has lumps; this will ensure a smoother batter. Whisking the dry ingredients together combines them evenly and aerates the mixture slightly, contributing to a lighter texture in the final loaves.

Combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and melted butter in a separate large mixing bowl. Beat or whisk until the mixture is smooth and the sugars have dissolved slightly into the butter. This process helps create a tender crumb, as the butter coats the sugar particles. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This ensures that the eggs emulsify into the butter mixture properly, helping to trap air for a lighter texture. Stir in the vanilla extract, which enhances the chocolate’s complexity. Stir in the sour cream (or Greek yoghurt) and milk.

These ingredients keep the batter moist and rich. The sour cream, in particular, helps create a tender crumb and reacts with the baking soda to give a better rise. Make sure the milk is at room temperature; cold milk can cause the butter to solidify prematurely, creating lumps in the batter. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula or spoon. Be careful not to over-mix at this stage; you want to combine everything just until the flour is incorporated. Over-mixing can lead to dense, tough loaves as it develops the gluten too much.

If you’re adding chocolate chips, now is the time to fold them in gently. Spoon the batter into the prepared mini loaf pans, filling each about 3/4 full. This will leave room for the loaves to rise as they bake. If desired, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top of each loaf for an attractive finish. Place the mini loaves in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Baking times may vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your mini loaf pans. To check for doneness, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the centre of a loaf.

It should come out mostly clean, with a few moist crumbs clinging to it (a sign that the loaves will stay moist once cooled). Once baked, allow the mini loaves to cool in their pans for about 10 minutes. This gives them a chance to firm up slightly, making them easier to remove from the pans. After 10 minutes, transfer the loaves to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

Optional Finishing Touches:

Chocolate Glaze: For an extra touch of indulgence, you can drizzle a simple chocolate glaze over the cooled loaves. Melt 1/2 cup of chocolate chips with 2 tablespoons of butter and stir until smooth. Drizzle over the tops of the loaves for a shiny, rich finish.

Powdered Sugar: Dust with powdered sugar for a simple yet elegant touch.

Berries: Serve alongside fresh berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, for a pop of colour and added freshness.

Storage and Freezing:

Store your mini chocolate loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If refrigerated, they’ll keep for up to a week—just be sure to bring them to room temperature before serving for the best texture. These Mini Chocolate Loaves are a fantastic option for any occasion, from brunches and parties to simple afternoon treats. Their rich, chocolatey flavour and moist texture make them irresistible, while their mini size adds an element of charm.