Chocolate Loaf Cake – Seasonal Cravings
A rich, moist chocolate loaf perfect for sharing with loved ones, decorated with dark and white chocolate drizzles for a fun Valentine’s Day treat.
This delicious loaf cake is easily made with ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now. Feel free to substitute a gluten free all purpose flour for the regular flour if needed.
Ingredients
For the Loaf
- All-purpose flour: Forms the structure of the loaf for a tender, soft crumb.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Adds deep chocolate flavour without extra sweetness.
- Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise and stay fluffy.
- Baking soda: Works with buttermilk to create a light texture.
- Unsalted butter: Softened butter adds richness and moisture.
- Granulated sugar or xylitol: Sweetens the loaf while keeping it moist.
- Eggs: Provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warm, aromatic flavour.
- Buttermilk (or milk with vinegar): Adds tanginess and tenderness.
- Dark chocolate chips: Melt slightly in the loaf for pockets of chocolatey goodness.
For the Chocolate and White Drizzle
- Dark chocolate chips: Forms the smooth, rich chocolate drizzle.
- Unsalted butter (for chocolate drizzle): Adds shine and smoothness to the chocolate drizzle.
- White cooking chocolate: Provides a sweet, decorative contrast for the drizzle
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Step 3: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with dry ingredients.
- Step 4: Mix until just combined. Fold in the dark chocolate chips.
- Step 5: Pour batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool.
- Step 6: Make the drizzles: For the chocolate drizzle: Melt dark chocolate chips with ½ tablespoon butter over low heat, stirring until smooth. For the white drizzle: Melt white chocolate with ½ tablespoon butter over low heat, stirring until smooth.
Substitutions
- Butter alternative: Use vegan butter for a dairy-free version.
Sugar alternative: Xylitol or erythritol can replace granulated sugar. - Chocolate: Swap dark chocolate chips for milk or semi-sweet chocolate if preferred.
Variations
- Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for texture.
- Peppermint twist: Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter for a festive flavour.
- Mini loaves: Bake in smaller pans for individual gifts or party treats.
Equipment
You’ll need a 9×5-inch loaf pan to shape and bake the chocolate loaf evenly. A wire rack, mixing bowls, and small saucepans will help with cooling, mixing, and melting the chocolate for drizzling.
Storage
Store in an airtight container for 2-3 days. In the fridge, you can keep it for up to 5 days for longer freshness.
Freezing: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 1 month; thaw before serving.
Top tip
Do not overmix after adding dry ingredients to keep the loaf tender.
FAQ
Yes, add ½ teaspoon vinegar to milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Yes, add ½ teaspoon vinegar to milk to mimic buttermilk’s acidity.
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Chocolate Loaf Cake
Utterly moist and delicious, this buttery, soft chocolate valentines loaf recipe is a match made in heaven. Super simple to make, you’re going to fall head over heels for it.
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Servings: 10
Ingredients
For the Loaf:
- 1 ¾ cups 220 g all-purpose flour
- ½ cup 50 g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup 1 stick or 113 g unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar or xylitol
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup 120 ml buttermilk (or milk with a splash of vinegar)
- ½ cup 90 g dark chocolate chips
For the Chocolate and White Drizzle:
- ½ cup dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter for chocolate drizzle
- ¼ cup 50g white cooking chocolate
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
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Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
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Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Combine Mixtures: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Fold in the semisweet chocolate chips.
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Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Cool: Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Drizzles:
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Chocolate Drizzle: In a small saucepan, add the dark chocolate chips and ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
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White Drizzle: In another small saucepan, add the white cooking chocolate and ½ tablespoon of unsalted butter. Melt over low heat, stirring until smooth.
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Drizzle the Loaf: Once the loaf is cool, drizzle both the chocolate and white chocolate glaze over the top in a decorative pattern.
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Serve: Slice and enjoy your Chocolate Valentine Loaf! For an extra festive touch, you can garnish with sprinkles or heart-shaped decorations.
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.05g | Cholesterol: 36mg | Sodium: 194mg | Potassium: 110mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 83IU | Vitamin C: 0.04mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 0.3mg
Nutrition Disclaimer
All nutritional information provided is an estimate. For specific dietary needs or concerns, we recommend consulting a nutrition calculator or a qualified expert.
