Chocolate loaf cake recipe from My Baking Addiction is a favorite in my kitchen. This delicious chocolate loaf cake delivers rich, moist texture with deep cocoa flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.
I have made this chocolate loaf cake recipe several times, each batch turning out wonderfully consistent and full of chocolate goodness.
While following the original bakery-style approach closely, I added a bit of extra coffee to enhance the chocolate depth and swapped vegetable oil for melted butter for a slightly richer crumb.
Now, I am ready to guide through the step-by-step process of making this chocolate loaf cake recipe.
Describe Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
This chocolate loaf cake recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen because it combines rich chocolate flavor with a moist, tender crumb that feels indulgent without being complicated.
The chocolate loaf cake recipe ingredients are easy to find, and the process is straightforward, making it accessible even for those new to baking.
Each slice offers a perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate intensity, thanks to the addition of coffee that enhances the taste naturally.
The smooth chocolate glaze on top adds an extra layer of decadence. Baking this chocolate loaf cake recipe brings homemade comfort and satisfaction, making it a great choice for any day you want something special.
How To Prepare Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe?
Recipe Details
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 55 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Course: Dessert / Snack
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Classic American-style cake
Yield: 10 servings
Kitchen Utensils Needed
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (two or three)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the loaf cake:
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup soft light brown sugar
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk (room temperature)
- 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unflavored vegetable oil (canola oil works well)
- ½ cup strong hot coffee
For the chocolate glaze:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup milk
How To Make Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
1. First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by either greasing and dusting it with flour or lining it with parchment paper so the cake won’t stick.
2. Next, in a big bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients: cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk (at room temperature) until everything is smooth and combined.
3. Carefully pour the hot coffee into the wet mixture. Don’t worry if the batter becomes a bit runny that’s totally normal. Stir it in well.
4. Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix you just want everything combined to keep the cake nice and tender.
5. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Put it in the oven and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.
6. When it’s finished baking, take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack so it can cool completely.
7. For the glaze, melt butter and cocoa powder together over low heat in a saucepan until smooth. Take it off the heat and whisk in powdered sugar and milk until you get a smooth glaze that’s easy to pour. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing and serving.
Notes: Using hot coffee enhances the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist. Make sure all wet ingredients are at room temperature for the best texture. You can substitute vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor. The glaze can be stored in the fridge for up to a week; gently warm before using.
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 28g |
Why My Recipe Works
This chocolate loaf cake recipe works because it balances rich cocoa and hot coffee, enhancing the chocolate flavor without overpowering it.
Using both melted butter and vegetable oil keeps the cake moist and tender while providing a subtle richness. Room temperature ingredients help create a smooth, even batter, ensuring the cake rises properly.
The combination of baking powder and baking soda offers just the right lift and texture. Finishing with a chocolate glaze adds sweetness and a glossy touch that ties everything together perfectly.
Why Peoples Like Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe?
People enjoy this chocolate loaf cake recipe because it delivers a rich, satisfying chocolate flavor that isn’t too sweet.
The moist, tender crumb makes it enjoyable to eat without feeling heavy. The addition of coffee enhances the chocolate depth, making the taste more complex and appealing.
Its versatility allows it to be served as a simple snack, dessert, or even with coffee or tea. The chocolate glaze adds a smooth, decadent touch that many find irresistible.
Overall, chocolate loaf cake recipe a comforting, flavorful treat that appeals to a wide range of tastes and occasions.
How To Decorate And Serve
To decorate, start by pouring the chocolate glaze evenly over the cooled loaf, letting it drip naturally down the sides for a casual, inviting look.
For an extra touch, sprinkle some chocolate shavings, chopped nuts, or a dusting of cocoa powder on top. Serve the cake sliced into thick pieces, either warm or at room temperature.
Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to complement the rich chocolate flavor. This simple decoration and serving style highlight the cake’s homemade charm while making it look irresistible.
Expert Tips And Tricks
1. Make sure eggs, milk, and butter are at room temperature before mixing. This helps everything blend smoothly and creates a better texture.
2. Sifting cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, and soda removes lumps and aerates the mixture, resulting in a lighter cake.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients just until mixed. Overmixing can develop gluten, making the cake dense and tough.
4. Use freshly brewed, hot strong coffee to bring out the chocolate’s richness without bitterness.
5. Insert a toothpick in the center around 45 minutes. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready.
6. Let the cake cool completely on a rack before pouring glaze, so it sets properly without melting into the cake.
Optional Add-In’s And Variations
➤ Chopped Nuts: Adding about half a cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds gives the cake a delightful crunch and a richer texture. The nuts add a nice contrast to the soft crumb and bring a toasty, nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with chocolate.
➤ Chocolate Chips: Mixing in half a cup of semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips throughout the batter creates little pockets of melted chocolate in every slice. This makes the cake even more indulgent and adds extra bursts of chocolate in each bite.
➤ Dried Fruit: Incorporating dried cranberries, cherries, or even raisins (around ¼ cup) adds a subtle tartness and chewiness that balances the sweetness of the cake. The fruity flavor adds complexity and a pleasant surprise in the texture.
➤ Swirls of Peanut Butter or Cream Cheese: Before baking, swirl in ¼ cup of peanut butter or cream cheese into the batter. This creates creamy pockets or layers inside the cake, adding richness and a different flavor dimension that complements the chocolate.
➤ Spices and Espresso: For a twist, add a teaspoon of cinnamon, chili powder, or instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. Cinnamon and chili add warmth and a hint of spice, while espresso deepens the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
Can I Use Regular Coffee?
You can use regular brewed coffee, but strong hot coffee works best because it enhances the chocolate flavor deeply without making the cake taste like coffee.
Make sure the coffee is fresh and hot when added to the batter to help the flavors blend well. This small step really boosts the overall richness of the cake.
Can I Replace Oil With Butter?
Yes, melted butter can replace vegetable oil and will give the cake a richer, more buttery flavor. Butter adds a slightly denser texture but keeps the cake moist and tender.
The flavor difference is noticeable and often preferred by those who enjoy a buttery taste in their chocolate desserts.
How Do I Know When It’s Baked?
Insert a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done baking.
If batter sticks to the toothpick, continue baking for a few more minutes, checking regularly to avoid overbaking, which can dry out the cake.
Can This Be Gluten-Free?
You can use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour, but results might vary based on the brand and ingredients.
Choose a blend that includes binding agents like xanthan gum for the best texture and rise. Baking times may also change slightly, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.
Storage Recommendations
Store the chocolate loaf cake recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days to keep it moist and fresh. If you need to keep it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For extended storage, slice the cake and freeze the pieces individually wrapped in plastic and then placed in a freezer-safe bag; they can last up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm gently before serving to restore its soft texture.
Conclusion
This chocolate loaf cake recipe offers a straightforward method that guarantees success every time. I’ve made it many times and found it turns out moist, rich, and full of chocolate flavor.
I’m excited to share this recipe with you because it’s reliable and delicious, perfect for anyone who wants a homemade treat without fuss. After making it, friends and family always enjoy the cake, often asking for more.
I hope you’ll love it as much as I do. Give chocolate loaf cake recipe a try and enjoy the satisfaction of baking a wonderful chocolate loaf cake recipe from start to finish.
More Chocolate Cake Recipes You’ll Love
Chocolate Cherry Cake Recipe [Cherry-Filled]
Chocolate Cake With Vanilla Icing – Best Homemade
Chocolate Strawberry Cake Recipe [Filling And Frosting]
Costco Chocolate Cake Recipe – Copycat Recipe
Chocolate Rice Cakes Recipe – Healthy Homemade
Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls (two or three)
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Saucepan (for glaze)
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
For the loaf cake:
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup soft light brown sugar
- ½ cup white granulated sugar
- ½ cup whole milk room temperature
- 2½ tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 1¾ teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup unflavored vegetable oil canola oil works well
- ½ cup strong hot coffee
For the chocolate glaze:
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- First, heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by either greasing and dusting it with flour or lining it with parchment paper so the cake won’t stick.
- Next, in a big bowl, sift together all the dry ingredients: cocoa powder, flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, whisk the brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, melted butter, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and milk (at room temperature) until everything is smooth and combined.
- Carefully pour the hot coffee into the wet mixture. Don’t worry if the batter becomes a bit runny that’s totally normal. Stir it in well.
- Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently with a spatula. Be careful not to overmix you just want everything combined to keep the cake nice and tender.
- Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Put it in the oven and bake for about 50 to 55 minutes. To check if it’s done, stick a toothpick into the center — it should come out clean.
- When it’s finished baking, take the cake out and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully move it to a wire rack so it can cool completely.
- For the glaze, melt butter and cocoa powder together over low heat in a saucepan until smooth. Take it off the heat and whisk in powdered sugar and milk until you get a smooth glaze that’s easy to pour. Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake and let it set before slicing and serving.
Notes
Nutrition Facts Of Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Fat | 18g |
| Carbohydrates | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Sugar | 28g |
Hi! I’m Sophia, your trusted cake guide with years of hands-on baking experience. I’m passionate about creating delicious and wholesome cakes that bring happiness to every occasion and home. Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned baker, I’m here to share tips, recipes, and inspiration to make your baking journey enjoyable and rewarding. From classic flavors to healthy twists, my goal is to help you discover the joy of baking and sharing beautiful cakes with family and friends.