Name: Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 39 min
Total time: 49 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 140 g (1 cup) all purpose flour, dip and sweep; 50 g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ⅛ teaspoon salt (optional); 2 large eggs, room temperature; 210 g (1 cup) granulated sugar; 135 g (½ cup + 1 and ½ tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted; 120 g (½ cup) milk, room temperature; 1 and ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract; 60 g (¼ cup) hot water

If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug, you need to try this incredible Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe. It’s soft, moist, and packed with rich chocolate flavor, yet comes together in less than 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for an everyday treat or an elegant dessert, this cake will quickly become your go-to when you want something delicious and effortless.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image is split into two parts side by side. On the left, there is a close-up of two raw egg yolks and egg whites in a clear glass bowl over a white marbled surface, with a metal whisk resting inside, next to a small pile of white sugar. On the right, the same mixture appears beaten, showing a smooth, light yellow, frothy texture with tiny bubbles, with the metal whisk in the bowl above the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

All the ingredients in this Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe are straightforward and accessible, yet each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of texture, moisture, and chocolatey goodness. From the rich cocoa powder to the creamy butter and warm vanilla, these essentials come together beautifully.

All-purpose flour (140 g / 1 cup): Provides the cake’s structure and a tender crumb when measured properly using the dip and sweep method.
Unsweetened cocoa powder (50 g / ½ cup): Adds that deep, luscious chocolate flavor that’s not overly sweet.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Gives the cake a light and airy rise, making it wonderfully tender.
Salt (⅛ teaspoon, optional): Enhances flavors, balancing the sweetness and enriching the chocolate.
Large eggs (2, room temperature): Help bind ingredients together while contributing to the cake’s moist texture.
Granulated sugar (210 g / 1 cup): Sweetens the cake just right, creating that perfect harmony with the cocoa.
Unsalted butter (135 g / ½ cup + 1 ½ tbsp, melted): Adds richness and moistness, creating the cake’s tender crumb.
Milk (120 g / ½ cup, room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist for a soft bite.
Pure vanilla extract (1 ½ teaspoons): Brings a lovely aromatic depth that complements the chocolate beautifully.
Hot water (60 g / ¼ cup): Intensifies the chocolate flavor and helps dissolve the cocoa completely, keeping the cake luxuriously moist.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease an 8 ½ by 4 ½ inch loaf pan thoroughly and line it with parchment paper, leaving about 2 inches of overhang on each side for easy removal later. You can also grease and flour the pan if you prefer, but parchment paper makes the cake pop right out.

Step 2: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat halfway, then remove it from the heat and stir until fully melted. Allow it to cool slightly so it won’t cook the eggs when you add them later.

Step 3: Sift and Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt if you’re using it. This helps to evenly distribute the rising agent and cocoa for a consistent, chocolatey cake.

Step 4: Combine Eggs and Sugar

In a separate bowl, whisk the room temperature eggs and granulated sugar just until they are combined. It’s quick and easy but ensures your batter is smooth and ready to absorb the other ingredients.

Step 5: Add Butter, Milk, and Vanilla

Stir the melted butter, milk, and pure vanilla extract into the egg and sugar mixture until everything is combined seamlessly.

Step 6: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients and stir gently with a whisk or spoon until almost combined. This step is important to keep the cake tender and avoid overmixing.

Step 7: Add Hot Water

Slowly add the hot water while continuing to mix until the batter is smooth. The hot water intensifies the chocolate flavor and keeps the cake moist and soft.

Step 8: Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for about 39 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—you want it to come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs attached. Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely for another 20 minutes.

How to Serve Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe

The image shows multiple slices of a dark chocolate cake loaf placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a rich, deep brown color with a moist, slightly dense texture visible in the crumb. The slices are stacked closely behind one another, showing the inside of the cake with tiny holes that suggest softness. The top of each slice has a shiny, darker brown chocolate glaze that contrasts with the slightly lighter interior. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

This Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe shines perfectly on its own, but you can also dress it up with a dusting of powdered sugar for a simple elegance. For a richer option, spread with homemade chocolate ganache or a dollop of whipped cream tinted with vanilla or espresso for a stunning finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your slice with fresh berries or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to complement the chocolate without overwhelming it. A cup of coffee or a bold black tea also makes an excellent partner, balancing the richness of this delightful cake.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the loaf thinly and serve it as petite bites for a party platter. Another idea is to layer slices with mascarpone and fruit preserves to create a quick and indulgent dessert trifle. It’s also fantastic as a base for bread pudding with nuts and chocolate chips.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once your chocolate loaf cake has cooled, keep it in an airtight container to maintain its softness and moisture. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 3 days, or up to a week if refrigerated. Just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before enjoying for the best flavor and texture.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil or place it inside a freezer-safe bag after removing as much air as possible. It keeps for up to 3 months this way. For practical use, slice before freezing so you can thaw individual pieces as needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or toast them lightly in the oven to revive the soft, chocolatey goodness. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and prevent the cake from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use cake flour instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use cake flour for a slightly lighter and more tender crumb, but make sure to adjust the measurement since cake flour is less dense. If you want to try it, use about 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons of cake flour for every 1 cup of all-purpose flour.

Is it necessary to use hot water in the batter?

The hot water is key because it helps to bloom the cocoa powder, intensifying the chocolate flavor and creating a moist texture. Skipping it would make the cake less rich and slightly drier.

Can I substitute butter with oil?

While oil works well in many chocolate cakes, this particular recipe relies on butter for its distinctive richness and flavor. If you must substitute, use a neutral oil, but your cake’s texture and taste may differ slightly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

The best indicator is a toothpick inserted in the center coming out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Be careful not to overbake because it will dry out the loaf. A little moisture on the toothpick is actually a good sign of a soft cake.

Can I add mix-ins like nuts or chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Adding chopped nuts or chocolate chips boosts texture and flavor. Just fold them into the batter gently at the end before pouring into the pan to keep the batter light and airy.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe is one of those treasures you want to keep in your baking arsenal. Simple, quick, and so satisfying, it’s a dessert that impresses without stress. I promise once you try it, this cake will become a beloved classic in your kitchen, ready for any occasion or a quiet moment of indulgence at home.