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Ultimate Homemade Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe

Rose
This Ultimate Homemade Chocolate Loaf Cake is rich, moist, and packed with deep cocoa flavor. Made with simple pantry staples and no mixer required, this easy one-bowl recipe delivers a soft, tender crumb and perfectly balanced chocolate taste. Ideal for dessert, snack time, or brunch, it’s a dependable homemade classic.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 8 slices
Calories 240 kcal

Equipment

  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • mixing bowls
  • whisk
  • spatula
  • parchment paper
  • wire cooling rack

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (125g)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (50g)
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar (150g)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (113g)
  • 1/2 cup milk (120ml)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup hot water (120ml)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9x5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined and free of lumps.
  • In a large bowl, whisk the eggs and sugar until slightly pale. Add the melted butter, milk, and vanilla extract, and whisk until smooth.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined. Slowly pour in the hot water and mix until the batter is smooth. Do not overmix.
  • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then lift it out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

Measure flour using the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dense cake. Use hot (not boiling) water to bloom the cocoa powder for deeper flavor. Do not overmix the batter. Start checking for doneness at 35 minutes. Cool completely before slicing for clean cuts. Optional additions include 1/2 cup chocolate chips, 1 teaspoon orange zest, or 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder.

Nutrition

Calories: 240kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 4gFat: 11gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 55mgSodium: 120mgPotassium: 150mgFiber: 2gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 350IUCalcium: 40mgIron: 1.5mg
Keyword chocolate loaf cake, easy chocolate loaf, homemade chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake
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