A rich, moist, and chocolatey loaf cake with a tender crumb and deep cocoa flavor. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but delicious enough for a special treat.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Chocolate Loaf:
- 1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
- ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips
Optional Chocolate Glaze:
- ½ cup (90 g) chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon butter
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving some paper hanging over the sides for easy removal.
2. Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
3. Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar for about 2–3 minutes, until light and fluffy.
4. Add the eggs
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add the vanilla extract and mix until combined.
5. Combine the batter
Add about one-third of the dry ingredients to the butter mixture and mix gently. Add half of the buttermilk and mix.
Continue alternating the dry ingredients and buttermilk, ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until the batter comes together.
6. Add chocolate chips
Fold the chocolate chips into the batter gently. Avoid overmixing, as this can make the loaf dense.
7. Fill the pan
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
8. Bake
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
If the top starts browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil during the last 15 minutes.
9. Cool
Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10–15 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
🍫 Optional Chocolate Glaze
- Place the chocolate chips and heavy cream in a heatproof bowl.
- Microwave in short 15–20 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until smooth.
- Stir in the butter.
- Let the glaze cool for a few minutes, then drizzle it over the cooled loaf.
🔪 Serve
Slice the chocolate loaf once completely cooled. Serve plain, with chocolate glaze, powdered sugar, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
💡 Tips for the Best Chocolate Loaf
- Use room-temperature eggs and butter for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix after adding the flour.
- For an extra moist loaf, avoid overbaking.
- Let the loaf cool completely before slicing for cleaner pieces.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Bake Time: 50–60 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8–10 slices
