This delicious chocolate layer loaf is really more cake than bread. With a mix of sponge, almonds and rolled oats its definitely designed to be a filling treat which fuels the mind and body. With a tempting cocoa top-layer its unique appearance makes its an intriguing lunch time snack which is perfect for the lunchbox.
Ingredients
- 125g Caster Sugar
- 125g Softened butter
- 1 tsp vanilla essence
- 2 large eggs
- 125g Self-raising flour (sifted)
- 2tsp Cocoa Powder
- 40g halved roasted almonds
- 45g rolled porridge oats
Getting Stuck In!
- To prepare lightly grease and line a 450g loaf tin and pre-heat your oven to 180 degrees celsius. Using an electric whisk, beat the sugar and margarine together in a large mixing bowl until a light and fluffy consistency is achieved.
- Whisk in the vanilla essence and gradually add the eggs, whisking well after each addition and carefully fold in the flour with a wooden spoon – ensuring not too much air is let into the mix.
- Divide the mix in half and place one half in a separate bowl. Gently mix in the cocoa powder to one portion of separated mix and stir gently with a wooden spoon.
- Place the vanilla mixture into the lined baking tin and smooth the top. Spread the chocolate mix over the vanilla layer.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes until springy and firm to the touch When removing from the oven leave to cool in the tin on a cooling tray for 30-60 minutes before removing and finely slicing to serve.
Serving with cold custard can make this lunch box treat the perfect dinner dessert too! Simply heat gently on a heatproof dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes before pouring hot or cold custard on top. If you are thinking of serving up that perfect gift, why not wrap your loaf (sliced into 12 thin pieces) in some decorative tissue paper before serving. I promise this won’t be a treat which goes unappreciated!
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