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Indulge Yourself: Air Fryer Chocolate Pound Cake

The air fryer has revolutionised cooking, bringing the joy of fried foods without the guilt. But did you know that it can also be your new best friend in baking? One delightful recipe to try in your air fryer is the luscious Chocolate Pound Cake. This moist, rich cake, perfect for any occasion, is simple to prepare and promises to satisfy your sweet tooth. Let’s dive into the world of this delectable dessert!

What is Pound Cake?

Pound cake gets its name from its traditional recipe, which called for a pound each of flour, butter, sugar, and eggs. The result is a dense yet tender cake that serves as a fantastic base for a variety of flavours and toppings. While the classic pound cake is wonderful in its own right, adding chocolate elevates it to a whole new level, making it ideal for chocolate lovers.

Why Use an Air Fryer?

Air fryers use rapidly circulating hot air to cook food, similar to a convection oven. This method allows for even baking and can often result in a superior texture compared to traditional baking methods. Plus, an air fryer heats up much quicker than a conventional oven and can reduce cooking time, making it an excellent choice for busy bakers.

Air Fryer Chocolate Pound Cake Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 ½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (50g) unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• Optional: Chocolate chips for added decadence

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Batter:

   • In a mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-5 minutes.
   • Add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

2. Combine Dry Ingredients:

   • In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.

3. Mix It All Together:

   • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix as this can make the cake tough.

4. Prepare for Baking:

   • Grease a 7-inch (18cm) round cake tin or loaf tin suitable for your air fryer. If you prefer, you can line the tin with parchment paper for easy removal.

5. Air Fry the Cake:

   • Pour the batter into the prepared tin and smooth the top. Place the tin in the air fryer basket.
   • Set the air fryer to 160°C (320°F) and cook for about 25-30 minutes. Keep an eye on the cake; it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the centre comes out clean.
6. Cool and Serve:
   • Once baked, carefully remove the tin from the air fryer and let it cool for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
   • For a touch of indulgence, dust the cooled cake with icing sugar or drizzle with a chocolate glaze.

Serving Suggestions

The rich flavour of this Chocolate Pound Cake stands on its own, but you can elevate it further with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries or a raspberry coulis can add a delightful contrast to the cake’s chocolaty goodness.

Final Thoughts

Air fryer Chocolate Pound Cake is an effortless way to enjoy a classic dessert with a fraction of the fuss. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with friends and family, this cake is sure to impress. So why not dust off your air fryer and bring a bit of chocolatey joy into your kitchen today? Happy baking!