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Easy Chocolate Loaf Cake

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I discovered the simplest from-scratch chocolate cake recipe, no frosting required! This mouth-watering, easy chocolate loaf cake is light, almost spongy, not overly sweet, and it could not be easier to make, plus I have provided high altitude baking adjustments!

Do all cakes needs frosting? I think so! But I fully support you keeping it simple, it holds its own either way!

If you are a chocolate lover, you are in luck! Try these other reader favorites: Copycat Chocolate Chocolate Chip Nothing Bundt Cake, Fudge Chocolate Brownies, Chocolate Bread Pudding.

image of slice of easy chocolate loaf cake on white plate with fork, dusted with powdered sugar and whipped cream with chocolate jimmies, red napkin in background

RECIPE FOR EASY CHOCOLATE LOAF CAKE

If I have said it once, I have said it a 100 times, I am not a big cake or chocolate fan, WHAT!? I know, you probably cannot be friends with me :-).

However; the most important men in my life (my hubby and two boys) are HUMONGOUS chocolate cake fans, so I am always on the hunt for a quick and easy chocolate cake recipe.

When visiting my BFF a few weeks back, she made this incredibly easy, light, chocolate loaf cake recipe she found in a Wall Street Journal article. I was smitten, YES ME?!

Easy Chocolate Loaf Cake made in bundt pan, unfrosted chocolate cake on white plate

CAN I MAKE THIS SIMPLE CHOCOLATE CAKE IN DIFFERENT PANS?

Yes! I had more fun playing around with a variety of pans for this cake, see my suggestions below:

  • PULLMAN PAN OR LONG LOAF PAN: I love using my Pullman pan <– (my favorite pan brand, made in the USA!) for this recipe. You can also use a 12x4x3 inch loaf pan.
  • TWO REGULAR LOAF PANS: This recipe easily splits into two regular sized loaf pans, again, my favorite loaf pan is the USA pans!
  • BUNDT PAN : I had a funny suspicion this would bake beautifully in a bundt pan and it did!! I used a 12 cup bundt pan, which is the smallest you should use. If you use a 10 cup, please place it on a baking sheet.
  • 10 INCH ROUND CAKE PAN: This is a large cake pan; I have not tried in a springform pan, the original recipe warns against this.

Try it in two 8 or 9-inch pan round cake pans too. I haven’t tried it, but as long as your batter is not higher than ⅔ full it should work fine.

Easy Chocolate Loaf Cake Ingredient image. L-R Cocoa Powder, sugar, boiling water, milk, oil, baking powder, baking soda, vanilla, eggs, flour

RECIPE INGREDIENTS

What you are going to need to bake up this tasty, moist and easy chocolate loaf cake. Gather up the following:

  • FLOUR | simple all-purpose unbleached flour is the base for this easy chocolate loaf cake recipe.
  • COCOA POWDER| unsweetened, Dutch-process is best in this recipe, pretty standard and what I use most often.
  • BAKING POWER AND BAKING SODA | what provides the lift and rise to the recipe.
  • KOSHER SALT | I used kosher salt, but table or fine salt may also be used, brings out the flavors in the chocolate.
  • SUGAR | As always, I used all-natural pure cane sugar, regular granulated white sugar may be substituted
  • EGGS | Eggs will help bind the ingredients together, in this recipe it is important that they are room temperature* (see tips below)
  • MILK | whole milk is the only way I have tested this recipe, the extra fat is important in the texture of the cake, allow to come to room temp.
  • OIL | A neutral oil is best here, I used Avocado, Grapeseed oil would be great also, or any neutral oil.
  • PURE VANILLA | vanilla extract adds depth and just the right amount of flavor to the simple chocolate cake. I used both regular Vanilla and Bourbon Vanilla.
  • BOILING WATER | boiling water blooms the cocoa powder, bringing out the best of cocoa powder and releases the mega-chocolatey possibilities.

TFC TIP | If you forget to bring your eggs to room temperature (as I often do); place eggs in bowl, cover them with warm (not hot) tap water, allowing them to sit for 5 minutes until they are no longer cool to the touch.

WHAT IT MEANS TO BLOOM COCOA POWDER

When cocoa powder is “bloomed” it is mixed with a hot liquid (like in these Classic Whoopie Pies), stirred well to break up any lumps, and then left to sit for a minute or two.

The cocoa powder dissolves, which thickens the liquid and releases flavor particles within the powder. (Source)

HOW TO MAKE A QUICK AND EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prep grease pans well or line with parchment paper <–my favorite way!

  1. Place flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar into bowl of stand mixer, mix on lowest setting until combined. Or sift all of above ingredients (except sugar) into mixing bowl, then whisk in sugar.
  2. In another bowl (at least 4 cups), whisk together milk, eggs, oil and vanilla until blended.
Process shots. 1. Mixing dry ingredients in mixer 2. mixing eggs, milk, oil and vanilla in another bowl
  1. Gradually add wet ingredients and mix (or whisk) on low until smooth, with no lumps.
  2. Stir in boiling water to combine, I used the stir function on my mixer.
process shots for easy chocolate loaf cake 3. pouring milk and egg mixture into dry ingredients. 4. pouring boiling water into cake batter.
  1. Pour batter into prepared pan, bake on middle rack in center of oven, until wooden skewer inserted in middle comes out clean and cake bounces back when lightly pressed.
Process shots for easy chocolate loaf cake. 5. two images, left image of pouring batter into long loaf pan. 2nd image pouring batter into bundt pan.

BAKING TIMES FOR EASY CHOCOLATE CAKE

  • Bundt Pan | Check at about 35-40 minutes, if a few crumbs stick that’s fine, if gooey, place back in oven at 5 minute intervals. Mine was great at 40 minutes.
  • Pullman or Long Loaf Pan | Check at 35-40 minutes, mine was perfect at 42 minutes.
  • 2 Standard Loaf Pans | Mine were great at 43 minutes, check at 40.
  • 10″ round pan | about 50 minutes, check at 40 minutes.
Easy Chocolate Loaf Cake on wire cooling rack out of the oven

Remove cake from oven and allow to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Lift cake using parchment paper or run a butter knife around cake to gently release, inverting onto wire rack, peeling off parchment.

For bundt pan (see video) allow to cool 10 minutes, then using a cooling rack, place on top and invert, carefully lifting off bundt pan.

Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or frosting.

Two images of easy chocolate loaf cake. L image of glazed pink frosted bundt cake and second is sliced and powdered sugar dusted loaf cake

DUSTING, GLAZING AND FROSTING SUGGESTIONS

This cake is delicious all by itself, but if you are like me, frosting makes the cake! See suggestions below:

HIGH ALTITUDE CHOCOLATE RECIPE ADJUSTMENTS

We live in the Mile High City, about 5,280 feet above sea level; anywhere above 3,000 feet typically requires some adjustments for high altitude.

I have made all of the high altitude adjustments for you in the recipe card at the bottom, but do not worry if you are not high altitude, I have the original amounts there also.

A few of my popular high altitude adjusted recipes are: Best Easy Banana Bread, Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies, Texas Sheet cake.

landscape image of chocolate bundt cake drizzled with vanilla buttercream glaze on pedestal with gray tea towel

SIMPLE TIPS FOR THE BEST, MOIST CHOCOLATE CAKE

  • Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, yes, even the milk and the eggs.
  • Use the best quality ingredients you can afford.
  • Do not over mix the batter.
  • Do not over bake the cake.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can I freeze Simple Chocolate Cake?

Yes! If freezing be sure to cool completely, wrap in plastic wrap, then place in freezer baggie, up to 3 months. Thaw and frost as desired.

How Should I store the cake?

Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container on the counter 3-5 days, may be refrigerated up to 7 days.

What Makes a Cake Moist?

The oil, not over-creaming or over-whipping, good fats and room temperature ingredients.

Horizontal image of easy chocolate loaf cake in bundt form, drizzled with puddles of pink glaze, with sprinkles on the side.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

How can you serve easy chocolate loaf cake? Anyway you like it, but here are a few suggestions:

  • Dust with a little powdered sugar, chocolate jimmies and a little whipped cream
  • Warm a slice (without frosting) in the microwave 15-20 seconds, top with a scoop of chocolate or vanilla ice cream.
  • Enjoy as is with a cold glass of milk, or perhaps with a hot buttered rum or chai tea latte!

MORE EASY CHOCOLATE DESSERT RECIPES

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Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and comment below the recipe!

Best Easy Chocolate Loaf Cake on wire rack with powdered sugar dusting and sliced

Best Easy Chocolate Cake

Author: Kathleen • The Fresh Cooky © 2021
4.77 from 13 votes
I discovered the simplest from-scratch chocolate cake recipe! This mouth-watering, easy chocolate loaf cake is light, almost spongy, not overly sweet, and it could not be easier to make, plus I have provided high altitude baking adjustments!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Cake
Cuisine American
Servings 12 -16 servings
Calories 222 kcal

Ingredients
  

Vanilla Buttercream Glaze (optional)

  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted (salted or unsalted may be used, if using unsalted add a pinch of salt)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, see additional extract suggestions in notes
  • 3-4 tablespoons heavy cream, half and half, whole milk may be substituted

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and prep grease pans well or line with parchment paper <–my favorite way!
  • Place flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, salt and sugar into bowl of stand mixer. Or sift all of above ingredients (except sugar) into mixing bowl, then whisk in sugar.
    In another bowl (at least 4 cups), whisk together milk, eggs, oil and vanilla until blended.
  • Gradually add wet ingredients and mix (or whisk) on low until smooth, with no lumps.
    Stir in boiling water to combine.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan, bake on middle rack in center of oven, until wooden skewer inserted in middle comes out clean and cake bounces back when lightly pressed.
  • Remove cake from oven and allow to cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Lift cake using parchment paper or run a butter knife around cake to gently release, inverting onto wire rack, peeling off parchment.
    For bundt pan (see video) allow to cool 10 m minutes, then using a cooling rack, place on top and invert, carefully lifting off bundt pan.
    Allow to cool completely before dusting with powdered sugar or frosting.
  • Frost with favorite frosting, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or make this delicious glaze.
  • Baking Times
  • Bundt Pan | Check at about 35-40 minutes, if a few crumbs stick that's fine, if gooey, place back in oven at 5 minute intervals. Mine was great at 40 minutes.
  • Pullman or Long Loaf Pan | Check at 35-40 minutes, mine was perfect at 42 minutes.
  • 2 Standard Loaf Pans | Mine were great at 43 minutes, check at 40.
  • 10" round pan | about 50 minutes, check at 40 minutes.
  • GLAZE Instructions
  • Combine all ingredients and beat with mixer on medium until smooth. Use as is, spreading as a buttercream or for glaze, warm in microwave safe bowl for about 30 seconds for a pourable glaze. For the full instructions see the Vanilla Buttercream Glaze post.

Video

✱ Kathleen’s Tips

Storage | once cake is cooled completely, store in airtight container on counter 3-5 days. In fridge up to 7 days and freeze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and a baggie for up to 3 months.
High Altitude Instructions – see ingredient adjustments above.
Room Temp Eggs | Place eggs in bowl and pour warm (not hot) tap water over them, let them sit for 5 minutes or until they are no longer cool to the touch.
Tips for a Moist Chocolate Cake
Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature, yes, even the milk and the eggs.
Use the best quality ingredients you can afford.
Do not over mix the batter.
Do not over bake the cake.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Calories: 222 kcal Carbohydrates: 33 g Protein: 4 g Fat: 9 g Saturated Fat: 1 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 6 g Cholesterol: 25 mg Sodium: 246 mg Fiber: 1 g Sugar: 20 g

Nutrition Disclaimer

The Fresh Cooky is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Kathleen Pope, The Fresh Cooky.

About Kathleen Pope

Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

Hi, I’m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen. Read more about Kathleen here.

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16 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I made this cake about 5 days ago. I left a review after I made it., I used a long narrow loaf pan., I left it on the counter in a tight Tupperware type container, and it was even better after time had passed. I think it’s because the flavors meld together.. I still can’t believe how easy and so outstanding tasting this cake was! Anyone hesitating to make it? Make it! You will not be disappointed! Thank you again! And Happy New Year to you!

  2. I’ve been baking a few tom s a month for 45 years. I have tried many chocolate cake recipes but was always disappointed., I made this almost exactly like the recipe instructs except I didn’t have any milk so I used heavy whipping cream at 1/3 cup and 2/3 cup water to make one cup of whole milk. I also did what In’s Garyen does from the Foodtv channel., I added 1/2 teaspoon instant coffee to the boiling water. It gives anything chocolate a deeper, richer chocolate taste, and it really does work. I made this in a narrow loaf pan and it grew nice and high and didn’t burn at all. I baked on my convection option for 30 minutes and it cooked perfectly. Not gooey or undone, just perfect moist chocolate cake with a moist crumb! I’m so happy about this recipe., I will be making this a lot! Thank you for it! I was skeptical because I thought the boiling water would curdle the eggs but it didn’t do anything at all. It just blended everything to a nice silky batter. Incidentally, the batter is very thin. So anyone that notices that when they mix in the boiling water, don’t be alarmed, it all works out just the recipe instructs. Also, this recipe is great because they are all ingredients thst most people who bske already have in their pantry. I would like to make this with unsalted butter next time to see how it comes out. Oh, I used regular generic vegetable oil., but I think that avacado oil would add a really great flavor becaise it has a fruity bit of taste.,
    Thanks again! LOVE IT!!!!💕

  3. I just found the perfect chocolate cake! OMG, so tender and just the right amount of chocolate. Love bundt and loaf style cakes. This is a keeper!

  4. Oh my goodness this look so amazing and you have a Pullman Pan!!! I’ve never met anyone else that has that pan besides me. LOL! Can’t wait to try this out!

  5. This cake would be such a hit with my husband and oldest daughter!! They are the big chocolate cake fans in my family. I also love how it looks baked in that Pullman pan.