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.
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?!
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.
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!
- 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.
- 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, I used the stir function on my mixer.
- 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.
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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.
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.
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:
- DUSTING | Using a sieve add a tablespoon of powdered sugar (confectioners sugar) and gently tap onto cooled cake.
- GLAZING | Make a simple vanilla butter glaze, or womp it up with a decadent chocolate ganache.
- FROSTING | Whip up your favorite frosting and smear over the top of the cake; you might try our easy Vanilla Buttercream, Brown Sugar Cream Cheese frosting, or a fluffy chocolate buttercream. <–last two are recipes within another cake recipe.
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.
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
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.
Cover with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container on the counter 3-5 days, may be refrigerated up to 7 days.
The oil, not over-creaming or over-whipping, good fats and room temperature ingredients.
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
- S’mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Rich Chocolate Zucchini Cake and Cupcakes
- Chocolate Fluffernutter Whoopie Pies
- Guinness Chocolate Cake with Irish Buttercream
- Rich Chocolate Zucchini Cake and Cupcakes
- Champagne Truffles an easy and decadent treat!
- Best Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies
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Ingredients
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 cups high altitude; I use organic unbleached all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder reduce to 1 teaspoon High Altitude
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda reduce to 1 teaspoon high altitude
- ½ teaspoon salt kosher or regular
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar 1 ¼ cups high altitude, I use all natural cane sugar
- 2 eggs room temperature (see notes to bring to temp quick)
- 1 cup whole milk recommended for moisture
- ½ cup avocado or grapeseed oil or other neutral oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or try a fancy bourbon vanilla extract
- 1 cup boiling water
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.
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Video
Notes
Use the best quality ingredients you can afford.
Do not over mix the batter.
Do not over bake the cake.
Nutrition
Dilek
Can l use spelt flour instead?
I have not tried it with spelt – if you regularly replace regular flour with spelt and it turns out okay, give it a try. Let me know how it turns out.
Lynn
Very nice chocolate loaf! I doubled the recipe and used 3 med size loaf pans as I was making these for gifts along with other types. Thanks to the reviewer that mentioned how thin the batter would be going into the pans… I would have thought I did something wrong had I not read that. As for adding chocolate chips, I added just to the top at about the halfway mark of baking. I worked out great!
YAY! So glad you liked it! Great tip on adding chocolate chips and glad to know that doubling fills 3 loaf pans!! Thank you for your kind words and happy gifting! Be sure to grab my free gift tags.
Pam
I made this cake in my long pullman loaf pan. It was amazing, so moist and hard to eat just one slice.
Right?!? So light and airy and amazing!! Thanks for your kind comment.
Linda
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!
Sugarboo
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!!!!????
WOW, thank you so much! I love hearing stories like yours and so glad that you made it yours! Love that you added espresso powder! YUM! Thanks gain for sharing!
Karen
You didn’t tell us the Glaze Ingredients.
Oops, sorry about that Karen, thanks for catching that, I put them in there now!
Amy Nash
This cake was delicious! I used a bundt pan too, but now I’m really interested in getting a pullman pan!
Sandra Shaffer
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!
Thank you so much Sandra!
Michaela Kenkel
This cake recipe is PHENOMENAL! I have made it twice already!
Julie A Menghini
I experimented making this cake and we loved it so much that it’s on my St. Patrick’s menu now. It’s so moist and tender.
Vicky-Little Chef Within
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!
Thank you so much Vicky! I am a sucker for cooking equipment, especially unusual things and this cake is perfect for this pan!
Tasia ~ two sugar bugs
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.
It’s so fun how versatile it is, thank you Tasia!