Ingredients:

  • 1 cup (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs, at room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup (4 oz) sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze, optional)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze, optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese and unsalted butter. Using an electric mixer, beat them together on medium speed until smooth and creamy (about 2-3 minutes).
  3. Gradually add the granulated sugar and continue to beat until light and fluffy (another 2-3 minutes). Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
  5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the cream cheese mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Mix until just combined—do not overmix. Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a spatula.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and level the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze (optional). Stir until smooth and drizzle over the cooled cake.