A Moist Chocolate Loaf Cake is the perfect indulgence for any chocolate lover. This rich, fudgy, and tender cake is packed with deep chocolate flavor, enhanced by buttermilk and hot coffee for ultimate moisture. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as an afternoon treat, or as a dessert, this one-bowl chocolate loaf cake is simple to make yet incredibly satisfying.
With a soft crumb, a deep cocoa taste, and just the right amount of sweetness, this chocolate loaf cake is perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s versatile and easy to customize with add-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Let’s dive into this decadent treat!
Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Loaf Cake
✔ Super Moist & Rich – Thanks to buttermilk and hot coffee, every bite is ultra-soft and chocolatey.
✔ Easy One-Bowl Recipe – Simple steps, no complicated techniques.
✔ Versatile & Customizable – Add nuts, chocolate chips, or a drizzle of ganache.
✔ Perfect for Any Occasion – Enjoy it with coffee, ice cream, or on its own!
✔ Stays Fresh for Days – Stays moist even after a few days.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup (125g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50g) cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (150g) granulated sugar
- 1½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ½ cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (120ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (120ml) hot coffee or hot water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Add eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
Step 4: Incorporate Dry & Wet Mixtures
- Add half of the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and gently mix.
- Pour in the buttermilk and mix again.
- Add the remaining dry ingredients.
- Stir in the hot coffee or hot water, mixing until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and enjoy!
Variations
Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake
- Fold in ½ cup chocolate chips into the batter before baking.
Nutty Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Add ½ cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds) for extra crunch.
Marbled Loaf Cake
- Mix ⅓ of the batter with 2 tablespoons melted white chocolate and swirl it into the main batter.
Orange Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Add zest of 1 orange and drizzle with an orange glaze (powdered sugar + orange juice).
Mocha Loaf Cake
- Add 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a stronger coffee flavor.
Gluten-Free Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Use a gluten-free flour blend in place of all-purpose flour.
Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Replace eggs with 2 flax eggs (2 tbsp ground flaxseed + 6 tbsp water).
- Use plant-based milk + vinegar instead of buttermilk.
Peanut Butter Swirl
- Swirl ¼ cup peanut butter into the batter before baking.
Double Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Add ½ cup cocoa nibs or dark chocolate chunks for extra chocolate richness.
Spiced Chocolate Loaf Cake
- Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a warm, spiced flavor.
Tips for the Perfect Chocolate Loaf Cake
✔ Use Quality Cocoa Powder – Dutch-processed cocoa gives a richer flavor.
✔ Don’t Overmix the Batter – Overmixing makes the cake dense instead of soft.
✔ Use Hot Coffee Instead of Water – It enhances the chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.
✔ Check for Doneness – A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
✔ Let it Cool Before Slicing – This ensures clean slices and the best texture.
How to Store Your Chocolate Loaf Cake
Room Temperature (Up to 3 Days)
- Store in an airtight container or wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
Refrigerator (Up to 1 Week)
- Keep in an airtight container and let it sit at room temperature before serving.
Freezing (Up to 3 Months)
- Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil.
- To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or for a few hours at room temperature.
Reheating
- Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes.
Serving Suggestions
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple touch.
- Drizzle with chocolate ganache for extra decadence.
- Serve with whipped cream, ice cream, or fresh berries.
- Pair with coffee, milk, or hot chocolate for the ultimate treat.
FAQs
1. Can I make this cake without coffee?
Yes! Just replace it with hot water or hot milk.
2. Why is my loaf cake dry?
Overbaking or using too much flour can cause dryness. Check for doneness at 45 minutes and avoid overmixing the batter.
3. Can I make this in a different pan?
Yes! This recipe works in a 9-inch round pan or as muffins (bake for about 18-20 minutes).
4. How do I make this cake extra fudgy?
Use extra melted chocolate in the batter or add chocolate ganache on top.
5. Can I make this with whole wheat flour?
Yes, but the cake may be denser. Try half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour for a balance.
Conclusion
This Moist Chocolate Loaf Cake is a rich, fudgy, and incredibly easy dessert that will satisfy any chocolate craving. Whether you enjoy it plain, topped with ganache, or customized with add-ins, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Try it today and enjoy the ultimate chocolate indulgence!