Maple bread with a chocolate center

Ingredients

• 430 ml (1 3/4 cups) all-purpose flour
• 10 ml (2 tsp) of baking powder
• 1.25 ml (1/4 tsp) of salt
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) of softened unsalted butter
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) of sugar
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) of canola oil
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) of maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 125 ml (1/2 cup) of 14% sour cream
• Maple sugar to taste (optional)

For the chocolate center:

• 60 ml (1/4 cup) of melted milk chocolate
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) of cocoa
• 45 ml (3 tbsp) of hot milk
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) of sugar
• 15 ml (1 tbsp) all-purpose flour

For the maple glaze (optional):

• 95 ml (1/3 cup + 1 tbsp) of maple syrup
• 30 ml (2 tbsp) melted butter
• 250 ml (1 cup) of icing sugar

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
• In a bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder and the salt.
• In a second bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the oil, maple syrup, eggs, and sour cream. Beat until smooth.
• Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon until a smooth dough is formed.
• Butter a loaf tin or line it with parchment paper. Transfer two-thirds of the batter into the tin.
• In a small bowl, mix the ingredients for the chocolate center.
• Pour the chocolate mixture into the mold. Using the tip of a knife, swirl the mixture in a spiral pattern to create a marbled effect. Cover with the remaining batter.
• Bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let cool slightly on a wire rack before unmolding.
• If desired, prepare the icing by mixing the maple syrup with the butter in a bowl. Gradually add the icing sugar and stir until you obtain a smooth icing.
• Cover the top of the loaf with icing and, if desired, sprinkle with maple sugar.