Delicious Chocolate Peppermint Loaf (Printer-Friendly)

A fudgy chocolate loaf with peppermint essence, ideal for holiday treats and special occasions.

# List of Ingredients:

→ Loaf

01 - 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
02 - 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
03 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
04 - 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
05 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
06 - 1 cup granulated sugar
07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 1/2 cup sour cream
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup vegetable oil
11 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
12 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
13 - 1/2 cup boiling water

→ Peppermint Glaze

14 - 1 cup powdered sugar
15 - 1 tablespoon milk (adjust as needed)
16 - 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
17 - Crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings (optional, for topping)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
02 - Whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl. Set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk sugar, eggs, sour cream, milk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and peppermint extract until smooth.
04 - Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
05 - Stir in boiling water carefully; the batter will become thin, which helps create a moist texture.
06 - Pour batter into prepared pan and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If browning is too rapid, cover the top with foil.
07 - Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
08 - Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and peppermint extract until smooth. Adjust milk quantity as needed for desired consistency.
09 - Drizzle glaze over cooled loaf and optionally sprinkle crushed candy canes or chocolate shavings on top.

# Additional Suggestions:

01 - For best results, use high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa powder to enhance richness.
02 - Incorporating boiling water ensures a tender, moist crumb.
03 - Add extra peppermint extract to the glaze if a stronger mint flavor is desired.
04 - Consider folding mini chocolate chips into the batter for an intensified chocolate experience.