Freshly Baked Chocolate Loaf Cake
A rich, moist chocolate loaf cake with a soft crumb and deep chocolate flavor. It’s simple enough for everyday baking but delicious enough for guests.
Ingredients
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1½ cups (190 g) all-purpose flour
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½ cup (50 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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½ teaspoon baking soda
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¼ teaspoon salt
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¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
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½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ cup (180 ml) buttermilk
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½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee or hot water
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¾ cup (130 g) chocolate chips, optional
1. Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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 bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another large bowl, whisk the eggs, granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth.
Whisk in the buttermilk.
4. Combine
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined.
Slowly pour in the hot coffee or hot water and mix until the batter is smooth. The batter will be fairly thin—that’s normal.
Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
5. Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Bake for approximately 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Avoid overbaking, as this can make the loaf dry.
6. Cool
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift it out using the parchment paper.
Transfer it to a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before slicing.
Optional Chocolate Topping
For an extra-rich finish, melt:
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½ cup chocolate chips
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2 tablespoons heavy cream
Stir until smooth and drizzle over the cooled loaf.
Helpful Tips
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Don’t overmix the batter after adding the flour.
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Hot coffee intensifies the chocolate flavor without necessarily making the cake taste like coffee.
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Let the loaf cool before cutting so it holds its shape.
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Store tightly covered at room temperature for about 3 days, or refrigerate for longer storage.
Serving Idea
Serve slices slightly warm with fresh berries, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of chocolate sauce.
