Author: If you are looking for a simple, chocolatey bake that feels just right for any day of the week, this chocolate loaf cake recipe is such a good one to keep on hand. It has a rich chocolate flavor, a soft moist texture, and plenty of dark chocolate chips tucked through every slice.
It is the kind of cake that works for an afternoon tea treat, a weekend baking project with the kids, or a little something sweet to have ready for guests. The chocolate and white chocolate drizzle makes it look extra special, but the recipe itself uses simple ingredients and is easy enough for a regular weekday bake too
This chocolate chip loaf cake is rich without being overly heavy, with cocoa powder in the batter and melted dark chocolate on top for even more chocolate flavor. It is somewhere between a classic chocolate cake and a slice of chocolate bread, with a tender crumb that is lovely with a cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
The mixture comes together in a large mixing bowl, and there is no need for anything complicated. Just make sure your unsalted butter is softened to room temperature before you begin, as this helps it cream smoothly with the sugar for the best results.
Ingredients You’ll Need for your Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
You can find the full ingredient amounts in the recipe card below, but here is a quick look at what makes this loaf so good, and to check through to make sure you have everything you’ll need.
- All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder brings that deep chocolatey taste.
- Baking powder and baking soda help the loaf rise.
- Unsalted butter, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract make a soft, sweet batter.
- Buttermilk keeps the cake tender and moist.
- Dark chocolate chips add little pockets of melted chocolate throughout the loaf.
- Dark and white cooking chocolate make the pretty drizzle over the finished cake.
If you do not have buttermilk, regular milk with a small splash of vinegar is an easy substitute. Let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to your wet ingredients.
How to Make Chocolate Loaf Cake
Start by preheating the oven and preparing your loaf pan. You can grease and flour the pan as directed in the recipe card, or line your loaf tin with parchment paper if you prefer easy removal.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
This helps everything distribute evenly through the batter.
In a separate large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract. Scrape down the bottom of the bowl as needed so everything is well combined.
Next, alternate adding the dry ingredients and buttermilk, mixing on low speed and stopping as soon as the batter comes together.
Fold in the chocolate chips, then spoon the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
Bake until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven and loaf form, so start checking toward the lower end of the suggested time.
Let the cake rest in the pan for around 10 minutes, then carefully move it to a wire rack or cooling rack to cool completely before adding the drizzle.
The Double Chocolate Drizzle
The dark chocolate and white chocolate drizzle is what gives this loaf cake its bakery-style finish. Melt each chocolate separately with a little butter, either in a small saucepan over low heat or in a heatproof bowl in short bursts in the microwave.
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle both chocolates over the top in loose lines. There is no need to make it perfect. The more relaxed, homemade look is part of the charm.
For an even richer finish, you could swap the dark chocolate drizzle for a simple chocolate ganache. A spoonful of peanut butter swirled into the dark chocolate would also be delicious if you love a chocolate peanut butter combination.
Tips for the Best Results
Use softened butter rather than melted butter so it can properly cream with the sugar.
Do not overmix once you start adding the flour. Mixing only until combined helps keep the finished cake tender.
Allow the loaf to cool fully before drizzling. Warm cake will melt the chocolate and make it run straight down the sides.
For clean slices, let the drizzle set for a few minutes before cutting.
Serving Ideas
This cake is delicious exactly as it is, but a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream is always a good idea. It is also lovely served with berries, a cup of hot coffee, or as part of a relaxed afternoon tea spread.
Although it is perfect for special occasions, this is one of those chocolate cake recipes that does not need a reason. Sometimes it is just nice to have a homemade chocolate cake waiting in the kitchen.
How to Store Chocolate Loaf Cake
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, keep it in the fridge, then let slices sit out for a few minutes before serving for the best texture.
You can also wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze them for up to two months. Let them thaw at room temperature whenever you need a quick chocolate treat.
Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe Card
This rich and moist chocolate chip loaf cake is packed with cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips, then finished with an easy dark and white chocolate drizzle. It makes 10 to 12 slices and is perfect for sharing, afternoon tea, or whenever you need a simple homemade chocolate treat.
Chocolate Loaf Cake
This rich and moist chocolate loaf cake is filled with dark chocolate chips and finished with an easy dark and white chocolate drizzle. It is a simple homemade cake with plenty of chocolate flavor, perfect for slicing up for dessert, afternoon tea, or whenever you feel like baking something sweet.
Ingredients
- For the Loaf:
- • 1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
- • ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- • 1 tsp baking powder
- • ½ tsp baking soda
- • ½ tsp salt
- • ½ cup (1 stick or 113 g) unsalted butter, softened
- • 1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar or xylitol
- • 2 large eggs
- • 1 tsp vanilla extract
- • ½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- • ½ cup (90 g) dark chocolate chips
- For the Chocolate and White Drizzle:
- • ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- • 1 tbsp unsalted butter (for chocolate drizzle)
- • ¼ cup ( 50g) white cooking chocolate
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
6. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
8. Make the Drizzles:
- Chocolate Drizzle: In a small saucepan, add the dark chocolate chips and 1/2 tbsp of unsalted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
- White Drizzle: In another small saucepan, add the white cooking chocolate and ½ tbsp of unsalted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
9. Drizzle the Loaf: Once the loaf is cool, drizzle both the chocolate and white chocolate glaze over the top in a decorative pattern.
10. Serve: Slice and enjoy your Chocolate Valentine Loaf! For an extra festive touch, you can garnish with sprinkles or heart-shaped decorations.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Amount Per Serving: Calories: 330
More Cake Recipes
Whether you are baking for a birthday, afternoon tea, or simply because you fancy a homemade treat, a good cake recipe always comes in handy. Take a look through our other easy cake recipes for more delicious ideas to try.
- Easy Homemade Pumpkin Roll Cake
- Mama’s Famous Cheesecake
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread
- No-Bake Kool-Aid Pie Recipe
More Chocolate Recipes to Try
If you can never have too many chocolate recipes saved for later, you are in the right place. From rich, fudgy treats to easy chocolate desserts for sharing, there is always a good reason to bake something chocolatey.
- Triple Chocolate Cheesecake
- Easy Chocolate Delight Recipe
- Chocolate Donuts
- Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Soft and Chewy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
Share This Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
If you make this chocolate loaf cake, I would love to hear what you think! Please share the recipe with a friend who loves chocolate, and tag us on social media if you post a photo of your finished cake. It always makes me happy to see what you are baking in your kitchens.
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