Chocolate loaf cake

Instructions

1. Step 1

   Heat the oven to 160C/fan 140C/gas 3. Butter a 900g loaf tin and line with a long strip of baking paper, leaving the ends overhanging (this will help you remove the loaf later). Whisk together the butter and sugar with an electric whisk until pale, then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well between each addition. Fold in the flour, baking powder, espresso, cocoa, chocolate chunks and chilli flakes. Scrape the batter into the tin and bake for 50-55 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean. Cool in the tin.

2. Step 2

   For the ganache, heat the cream in a small pan with the espresso over a low heat until just steaming. Tip the chocolate into a heatproof bowl, pour over the warm cream mixture and let it stand for 30 seconds. Mix until smooth and glossy. Stir in the chilli powder, taste and add a pinch more, if you like. Cool until thick but still spoonable, then spoon over the cake, letting some ganache drip down the sides. Leave to set for 15 minutes, scatter with a few more chilli flakes and a pinch of sea salt flakes, if using, then slice.