Chocolate loaf cake recipe is a delightful treat that combines the rich, velvety flavor of chocolate with the simplicity of a classic loaf cake.
This chocolate loaf cake recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers who want to indulge in a moist, decadent cake that’s easy to prepare.
This rich, moist cake brings together the warmth of cocoa and the sweetness of sugar in a way that’s simply irresistible.
What I love most about a chocolate loaf cake recipe is its versatility—you can dress it up with a drizzle of ganache, add a handful of nuts for texture, or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar.
In this recipe, I’ll guide you through the steps to create a chocolate loaf cake that’s both easy to make and utterly delicious, perfect for any occasion.
How To Make Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe?
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Yield: 1 loaf (approximately 8 servings)
Equipment Needed
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients in the cake.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I find that using a hand mixer makes this step easier, but you can also do it by hand with a whisk.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
5. Incorporate Sour Cream
Stir in the sour cream until fully combined. This adds a delightful tang and keeps the cake moist.
6. Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
7. Fold in Chocolate Chips
Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. This ensures that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
8. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, slice and serve your delicious chocolate loaf cake.
Nutrition Facts Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
| Calories | 350 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Protein | 5g |
| Cholesterol | 70mg |
| Sodium | 180mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Sugars | 25g |
Easy Serving Suggestions
This Chocolate Loaf Cake is perfect on its own, but if you’re looking to elevate it even further, try these serving ideas:
1. With Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light contrast to the rich chocolate.
2. Berry Topping: Fresh raspberries or strawberries make a lovely fruity accompaniment.
3. Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Tips and Variations
1. Tips:
Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
1. Check Early: Oven temperatures can vary, so start checking your cake at the 45-minute mark.
2. Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
2. Variations:
1. Nutty Addition: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for some crunch.
2. Mocha Flavor: Mix in a tablespoon of instant coffee granules with the dry ingredients for a subtle mocha flavor.
3. Glazed Finish: Drizzle a simple chocolate glaze over the cooled cake for an extra layer of chocolatey goodness.
What Happens If You Overmix Cake Batter?
Overmixing cake batter can lead to a dense, tough texture in your cake. When you mix too much, you overdevelop the gluten in the flour, which can result in a chewy, bread-like consistency rather than the light and fluffy texture you want in a cake.
Additionally, overmixing can cause the cake to rise too quickly in the oven and then collapse, leading to a dense, sunken center.
What Is The Difference Between A Loaf Cake And A Cake?
The main difference between a loaf cake and a regular cake lies in their shape and presentation. A loaf cake is baked in a rectangular loaf pan, giving it a distinctive bread-like shape.
In contrast, regular cakes are usually baked in round or square pans. The texture and ingredients of a loaf cake can be similar to other cakes, but the loaf form often makes it denser and more suitable for slicing.
How Can Kids Help Make The Chocolate Loaf Cake?
Kids can help make a chocolate loaf cake by assisting with simple tasks like measuring ingredients, mixing the batter, and lining the loaf pan with parchment paper.
They can also help by adding ingredients like chocolate chips or nuts to the batter. Additionally, once the cake has cooled, kids can enjoy decorating the top with a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate glaze.
Supervision is essential to ensure safety, especially when using the oven.
Conclusion
A chocolate loaf cake recipe is more than just a sweet treat; it’s a celebration of rich, comforting flavors.
This recipe offers a straightforward path to a moist, chocolatey cake that’s perfect for any moment—whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo.
The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility; it pairs wonderfully with a morning coffee, stands alone as a delightful dessert, or can be dressed up with a drizzle of ganache or a scoop of ice cream.
The secret to a perfect chocolate loaf cake recipe isn’t just in the ingredients but in the love and care you pour into making it. Take your time, relish the process, and enjoy each satisfying bite.
More Delicious Chocolate Cake Recipes
The Best Triple Chocolate Mousse Cake
Best Delicious Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe
The Best Chocolate Orange Cake Recipe
Delicious Molten Chocolate Muffins
Skor Bar Chocolate Cake – A Perfect Blend
Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
Equipment
- 9×5 inch loaf pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Hand mixer (optional)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Instructions
Preheat and Prepare
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides for easy removal later.
Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This will ensure an even distribution of the dry ingredients in the cake.
Cream Butter and Sugar
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. I find that using a hand mixer makes this step easier, but you can also do it by hand with a whisk.
Add Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract. The batter should be smooth and slightly thick.
Incorporate Sour Cream
- Stir in the sour cream until fully combined. This adds a delightful tang and keeps the cake moist.
Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. Avoid overmixing to prevent a dense cake.
Fold in Chocolate Chips
- Gently fold in the chocolate chips using a rubber spatula. This ensures that the chips are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with your spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack. Once completely cool, slice and serve your delicious chocolate loaf cake.