Chocolate Loaf Cake is a decadent and moist dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating a special moment or just craving a chocolate treat, this loaf cake delivers rich chocolate flavor with minimal effort. Its soft, tender crumb makes it ideal for slicing and serving with a cup of coffee or tea. This easy-to-make cake is also perfect for gifting or bringing to family gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich, chocolatey flavor in every bite
- Moist and tender crumb, perfect for slicing
- Quick and easy to prepare, no complicated techniques
- Ideal for desserts, snacks, or breakfast treats
- Can be dressed up with chocolate glaze or powdered sugar
- Perfect for gifting or sharing with friends and family
Ingredients

- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil or melted butter
- Vanilla extract
- Hot water or coffee (enhances chocolate flavor)
- Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Step-by-Step Instructions

- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract.
- Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
- Stir in hot water or coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
- Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Tips & Variations
- Use brewed coffee instead of hot water for a deeper chocolate flavor.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture.
- Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze before serving.
- Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
- Make mini loaves or muffins for easy portioning and gift-giving.
Storage & Freezer Instructions
- Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Wrap in plastic wrap or foil; lasts up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Slice and freeze in airtight bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Serving & Pairing Ideas

- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.
- Drizzle with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Garnish with nuts or chocolate shavings for presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes! Use plant-based milk and vegan butter or oil to make this cake dairy-free without sacrificing flavor.
How long does the cake stay fresh?
At room temperature, it lasts 3 days. Refrigerated, it keeps up to a week. Sliced portions can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I add other flavors?
Absolutely! Orange zest, coffee, or a pinch of cinnamon can be added to enhance the flavor.
Is it okay to use chocolate chips or nuts?
Yes! Chocolate chips add extra richness, and nuts provide a crunchy texture that complements the cake.
Ready to Make It?
This Chocolate Loaf Cake is a moist, flavorful, and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm, sliced for breakfast, or gifted to friends, it’s guaranteed to satisfy chocolate lovers.
You Might Also Like
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- Chocolate Mousse Brownies – Rich, fudgy brownies topped with creamy chocolate mousse.
Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 loaf (10–12 slices)
Description
Chocolate Loaf Cake is a moist, rich, and easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion. Its tender crumb and deep chocolate flavor make it ideal for slicing, serving with coffee, or gifting to friends and family.
Ingredients
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar
Cocoa powder
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Eggs
Milk
Vegetable oil or melted butter
Vanilla extract
Hot water or coffee
Optional: chocolate chips or nuts
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil or melted butter, and vanilla extract.
4. Gradually mix wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until smooth.
5. Stir in hot water or coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor. Fold in chocolate chips or nuts if using.
6. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and smooth the top.
7. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Notes
Use brewed coffee instead of hot water for a deeper chocolate flavor.
Add a handful of chocolate chips or chopped nuts for texture.
Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate glaze before serving.
Substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly healthier version.
Make mini loaves or muffins for easy portioning and gift-giving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Cake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 190mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg