Published: Jan 24, 2018 · Modified: Oct 13, 2021 by Amanda Powell · This post may contain affiliate links.

Chocolate Loaf Cake

Name: Chocolate Loaf Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1/4 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 cups granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/3 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup espresso (room temperature*); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1 teaspoon white vinegar; 1 cup water

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A simple chocolate loaf cake that is a cinch to bake up - and you'll love that it is still wholesome enough to have as a special breakfast!

chocolate ganache being drizzled over loaf

I am always searching for solid recipes that I know I can trust and go back to again and again. When I found this chocolate loaf cake from the Fall/Winter Simple Fare cookbook by Karen Mordechai, I knew I had an instant winner on my hands.

Ingredients

My favorite part about this cake is how simple the ingredients are.

Cocoa powder - It's surprising that this cake doesn't require a ton of cocoa powder, and yet it is still chocolaty. I've been using Dutch-processed cocoa powder because I feel it has a deeper chocolate flavor, and plus, look at that color! Natural cocoa powder works well here too though!
Flour - I prefer all-purpose flour for a texture that is sturdy enough that this wonderfully moist cake doesn't collapse the second you slice it, but isn't too tough that the cake turns rubbery.
Sugar - I prefer regular granulated sugar, but I've heard people using light brown sugar turbinado, and even coconut sugar with success. Just know something like brown sugar will give you a light molasses flavor, which actually does pair well with the chocolate. If 1 cup is too much, you can try cutting back to ¾ cup.
Baking soda - We use this to leaven the cake. Just the right amount gets us that wonderful texture inside.
Salt - I like to use sea salt in all my baking. I feel it does the best with bringing out the flavors in everything.
Oil - The original recipe calls for refined coconut oil, but I use any neutral-flavored oil I have available.
Espresso - This helps bring out the flavors of the chocolate. I will use regular coffee sometimes. When I made my most recent loaves, I've been using 1 tablespoon instant coffee and enough water to make ¼ cup coffee and the flavor is incredible.
Vanilla - The vanilla balances the chocolate. If you really want some incredible flavor, you can also add a teaspoon of chocolate extract.
Vinegar - The vinegar is important to give the cake rise. Since we have no acid for the baking soda to react with when we use Dutch-processed cocoa powder, we have to add in our own acidity. I prefer white vinegar, but apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar will work in a pinch.
Water - We use it to add more moisture and get the batter to just the right texture without any dairy that can interfere with that pure chocolate goodness.

Why it works

This chocolate loaf cake is actually vegan! I'm not vegan, but I think that's a very big plus because now I have a delicious cake I can serve to more people and trust it will be enjoyed.

It only takes 10 minutes to prep, and is quick to bake up. It is also forgiving enough to withstand a little over baking. In short, it's the perfect recipe for a beginner baker, while still being delicious enough to appeal to everyone.

overhead showing off slices of the chocolate cake

How to make

Mixing together this cake is ridiculously easy. It's just a matter of mixing together the dry ingredients, then mixing together the wet ingredients before combining the wet and dry together. Liberally grease and flour a 9 x 5 loaf pan and bake!

The most important thing is to remember to preheat your oven so you can bake your loaf cake the moment it is mixed together.

The reaction between the baking soda and vinegar works fast and waiting for the oven to heat up will mean we lose out on some of that chemical reaction resulting in a denser and smaller cake.

Serving tips

I ate mine with a nice dollop of creme fraiche as is recommended in the cookbook and it manages to make an incredible recipe that much more amazing.

You can also toast up slices (although it's my personal recommendation to enjoy how melt-in-your-mouth moist the cake is first) and slather with butter and spices.

The original recipe is also plain, but in my photos, I decided to add a topping of a delicious ganache. It really makes it loaf more decadent and perfect if you want it as a dessert.

slices of cake on plate with bite missing

Storage tips

Typically, I keep my cake my cake in an airtight container, or wrap well in aluminum foil. It will last for about 4 days this way.

You can freeze this cake, too! Keep it in an airtight container and freeze for up to a month. To thaw, leave it at room temperature for a few hours.

Related recipes

If you love this recipe you may love my coffee-flavored cake or coffee cupcakes. My chocolate olive oil cake is also really good. The chocolate dutch baby, chocolate madeleines, and edible brownie batter are all really popular. You should also check out my chocolate frosting, giant double chocolate cookies, and double chocolate cupcakes.

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