🍫 Chocolate Cream Cheese Pound Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1 ½ cups (340g) unsalted butter, softened

• 1 package (8 oz / 226g) cream cheese, softened

• 2 ½ cups (500g) granulated sugar

• 6 large eggs

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ cup (45g) unsweetened cocoa powder

• 2 tablespoons milk (only if batter is too thick)

For the Ganache:

• 1 cup (170g) semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate

• ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream

• Optional: chocolate shavings, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare Pan
   Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a loaf pan or bundt pan.

2. Make the Cream Base
   In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth.
   Gradually add sugar, beating until light and fluffy.
   Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
   Mix in vanilla extract.

3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
   Sift together the flour and salt. Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients. Do not overmix.

4. Create Chocolate Batter
   Divide the batter into two equal portions.
   Mix unsweetened cocoa powder into one portion to create the chocolate layer.
   Add milk if needed for consistency.

5. Layer & Swirl
   Alternately spoon the vanilla and chocolate batters into the prepared pan, starting and ending with chocolate.
   Use a skewer or knife to gently swirl the layers for a marbled effect.

6. Bake
   Bake for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
   Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

7. Prepare the Ganache
   In a heatproof bowl, place the chocolate.
   Heat the cream until it just begins to simmer, then pour it over the chocolate.
   Let sit for 1 minute, then stir until smooth and glossy.

8. Finish & Serve
   Pour the ganache over the cooled cake.
   Top with chocolate shavings if desired.
   Let the ganache set slightly before slicing and serving.

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✨ Enjoy a slice of this rich, creamy, and chocolatey delight — perfect with coffee or tea!