Black Magic Hidden Pumpkin Loaf

BLACK MAGIC HIDDEN PUMPKIN LOAF

Ingredients:

For the Pumpkin Batter:

• 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour​

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder​    

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda​

• 1/4 teaspoon salt     ​

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon​

• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg​

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves​

• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger     ​

• 1/2 cup (100g) granulated sugar​

• 1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable oil​

• 1 large egg​

• 3/4 cup (180g) pumpkin puree​

• Orange food coloring (as needed)​

For the Chocolate Batter:

• 1 3/4 cups (220g) all-purpose flour​

• 1/2 cup (60g) unsweetened cocoa powder​

• 1 teaspoon baking powder    

• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda​    

• 1/4 teaspoon salt​

• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar​

• 1/2 cup (100g) packed brown sugar​

• 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil​

• 2 large eggs​

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract​

• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk​

• Black food coloring (as needed)​    

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pumpkin Cake:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8-inch square baking pan.​

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices.​

• In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, oil, egg, and pumpkin puree. Mix until smooth.​

• Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.​

• Add orange food coloring until the desired shade is achieved.​

• Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.​

• Allow the cake to cool completely, then cut into slices and use a pumpkin-shaped cookie cutter to cut out pumpkin shapes.​

2. Prepare the Chocolate Batter:

• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.​

• In another bowl, combine the sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.​

• Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the wet ingredients, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.​

• Add black food coloring until the batter reaches a deep, dark hue.​

3. Assemble the Loaf:

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.​

• Pour a thin layer of the chocolate batter into the bottom of the loaf pan.​

• Stand the pumpkin-shaped cake cutouts upright in a row along the center of the pan.​

• Carefully pour the remaining chocolate batter over and around the pumpkin shapes, ensuring they are fully covered.​

4. Bake:

• Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.​

• Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.​

5. Serve:

• Slice to reveal the hidden pumpkin design inside and serve as a bewitching treat for your guests.