Dense Buttery Chocolate Cake (Printable Version)

Dense, buttery chocolate cake with rich flavor and a luxurious texture.

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Cake

01 - 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 4 large eggs
04 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
05 - 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
06 - 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
07 - 1 teaspoon baking powder
08 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
09 - 1/2 cup whole milk
10 - 1/2 cup sour cream
11 - 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional)

→ For the Chocolate Ganache (Optional)

12 - 1/2 cup heavy cream
13 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or a bundt pan.
02 - In a large bowl, beat the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy (about 3-5 minutes).
03 - Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
04 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
05 - Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk and sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 - If using, gently fold in the chocolate chips.
07 - Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with only a few moist crumbs.
08 - Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
09 - Heat heavy cream until warm (but not boiling), then pour over the chocolate chips. Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
10 - Slice and enjoy your rich, chocolatey pound cake!

# Additional Notes:

01 - For extra moisture, use buttermilk instead of whole milk.
02 - To enhance the chocolate flavor, add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients.
03 - Storage: Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.