Quadruple Chocolate Cake By Hand

Our answer

Nigella's Quadruple Chocolate Loaf Cake (from FEAST) is a rich, dense chocolate cake that is made in a food processor for ease. It is possible to make the cake with an electric mixer (either hand-held or freestanding) and also with a bowl and wooden spoon and plenty of elbow grease. We would not particularly recommend using an "all in one" method of mixing for this cake due to the liquid included, which could make it more difficult to get a smooth batter, as well as the possibility of the liquid splashing out of the bowl.

We would suggest that you start by sifting or thoroughly whisking together the flour, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) and cocoa powder and setting this aside for a moment. Cream together the butter and caster (superfine) sugar until pale, then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and sour cream (don't worry if the mixture looks a little split after the cream is added). Turn the speed to slow and mix in half of the cocoa mixture, followed by the water and then the remaining cocoa mixture. Fold the chocolate chips in by hand using a rubber spatula then scrape the mixture into the prepared loaf tin and bake following the recipe instructions.