Chocolate Loaf Cake
This chocolate loaf cake is rich, moist, and deeply chocolatey, with a tender crumb that slices beautifully. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and perfect for everyday baking, afternoon coffee, or a not-too-sweet dessert.
Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon vinegar)
Optional Add-Ins:
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
Optional Chocolate Glaze:
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 cup heavy cream
Instructions:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line with parchment paper if desired.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Do not overmix.
Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, heat the cream until just steaming. Pour over the chocolate chips, let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Helpful Tips:
Use good-quality cocoa powder for the best flavor.
Do not overbake to keep the cake moist.
The cake tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve plain with coffee or tea.
Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
Dust lightly with powdered sugar if skipping the glaze.
Storage:
Store at room temperature, wrapped tightly, for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze slices for longer storage.
This chocolate loaf cake is simple, comforting, and perfectly indulgent — a reliable recipe you’ll come back to again and again.