Chocolate cake with green tea

Cocoa and green tea loaf - a delicacy that harmoniously combines two unique flavors, offering not only a wonderful taste but also a distinctive visual appeal. This loaf is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, alongside a cup of tea or warm milk, and is an excellent choice for moments when you want to impress family and friends with a simple yet sophisticated recipe. In this recipe, we will explore each step of the preparation, providing useful tips and information about the ingredients used.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The history of the loaf is fascinating, with diverse origins in traditional cuisine. This type of cake has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of conviviality and indulgent moments. The cocoa and green tea loaf brings a modern twist to this tradition, combining the sweetness of chocolate with the subtle bitterness of green tea, creating a unique tasting experience.

Ingredients

- 2 cups of flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- A pinch of salt
- 12 tablespoons of soft butter, at room temperature
- 3 tablespoons of melted butter (unsalted)
- 1 cup + 1/3 cup of sugar
- 2 large eggs (or 3 if small)
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 2 teaspoons of cocoa
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of green tea powder (matcha)

Preparation of the cocoa and green tea loaf

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the loaf.

2. Prepare the pan: Grease a loaf pan with butter and dust it with flour to prevent sticking. This simple trick will help you achieve a perfect loaf that reveals itself easily.

3. Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the flour, baking powder, and salt. This combination will help achieve a fluffy texture.

4. Prepare the butter and sugar mixture: In a large bowl, cream the 12 tablespoons of soft butter with the sugar until the mixture becomes creamy and airy. This step is essential to incorporate the necessary air for a light texture.

5. Add the eggs and vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, incorporate the vanilla extract, which will add a pleasant aroma to the loaf.

6. Incorporate the dry ingredients and milk: Add the flour mixture alternately with the milk, starting and ending with the flour. Mix gently to avoid developing gluten, which could lead to a dense loaf.

7. Prepare the cocoa mixture: In another bowl, mix the 3 tablespoons of melted butter with cocoa until you achieve a smooth paste. This mixture will add a rich chocolate flavor.

8. Separate the batter: Add half of the prepared batter to the cocoa bowl and mix until well combined. In the other bowl, add the green tea powder to the remaining batter and mix until homogeneous.

9. Assemble the loaf: In the prepared pan, first add half of the green tea batter. Then, in the center, add the cocoa batter, and on top, the remaining green tea batter. Using a skewer or fork, create a few swirls in the batter for an artistic look.

10. Bake the loaf: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes at 180 degrees Celsius. Then, reduce the temperature to 160 degrees Celsius and let it bake for another 25 minutes, or until it passes the toothpick test (the toothpick should come out clean).

11. Cool and serve: Once the loaf is ready, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step will keep the moisture and prevent cracking.

Serving suggestions

The cocoa and green tea loaf is delicious served plain, but you can accompany it with a cup of warm milk or a cup of green tea to enhance the flavors. You can also add a chocolate glaze or a bit of whipped cream for an even more decadent experience.

Variations and useful tips

- Vary the flavors: You can experiment with other types of tea, such as hibiscus tea or Earl Grey, to achieve different flavors.
- Add ingredients: You can add chopped nuts or dark chocolate to the cocoa mixture for a crunchy texture.
- Calories and nutritional benefits: Each serving of loaf contains approximately 250 calories, and green tea adds important antioxidants for health.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use salted butter? Yes, but you will need to reduce the salt in the recipe.

2. What do I do if I don't have green tea powder? You can omit the green tea or replace it with cocoa powder for a classic chocolate loaf.

3. How do I know when the loaf is done? Use a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the loaf is cooked.

In conclusion, the cocoa and green tea loaf is a simple yet elegant recipe that will bring a touch of refinement to every meal. With each bite, you will discover a perfect combination of textures and flavors that will delight both the eyes and the taste buds. Whether you enjoy it with loved ones or indulge yourself, this loaf promises unforgettable moments. Enjoy cooking and bon appétit!