There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about a Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake — golden on the outside, tender within, and studded throughout with melty chocolate morsels. This cake is a perfect pick-me-up whether you’re craving a cozy breakfast slice, a sweet afternoon treat, or a crowd-pleasing dessert. With its moist crumb and easy-to-follow method, the Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake brings bakery-worthy goodness straight to your kitchen. Ready to fall head over heels for your next favorite loaf?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering what you need for this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake is a breeze! These ingredients are staple kitchen heroes — each one brings something special to the texture, flavor, or appearance of your cake. Let’s break down why you don’t want to skip a single thing here.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy yet tender base of the loaf, giving it structure without heaviness.
- Baking powder: Offers lift, ensuring your loaf rises beautifully every time.
- Baking soda: Teams up with the sour cream or yogurt for extra fluffiness and the perfect crumb.
- Salt: Just a pinch makes all the flavors deeper and richer — never leave it out!
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings rich, creamy flavor and that classic buttery aroma to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Not just for sweetness — it helps create the loaf’s golden, irresistible crust.
- Large eggs (room temperature): These hold everything together, giving the loaf structure while keeping it moist.
- Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavor with its fragrant complexity.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: The secret to a lush, tangy crumb that stays tender for days.
- Whole milk: Ensures the batter is silky-smooth and bakes up with a gentle richness.
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (mini or regular): The star ingredient! Melty pockets of chocolate in every slice.
- All-purpose flour (for tossing chips): A quick toss prevents all those chocolate gems from sinking to the bottom.
How to Make Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set the stage for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take out your trusty 8×4-inch loaf pan, give it a light greasing, and line it with parchment paper. This keeps the loaf from sticking and makes for the easiest removal later — plus, less time spent scrubbing means more time enjoying cake!
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures even distribution, so every bite of your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake has just the right rise and delicate crumb.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Grab a large mixing bowl and beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. The air whipped in during this process adds extra tenderness and loft to your loaf, so don’t rush it — two to three minutes should do the trick!
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, crack in the eggs, beating well after each addition. Follow up with the vanilla extract, stirring until everything is smooth. This gives your cake richness, structure, and that comforting, homey aroma.
Step 5: Incorporate Dairy
Mix in the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk until your batter is creamy and cohesive. This combo guarantees a moist, melt-in-your-mouth result that sets this loaf apart from the rest.
Step 6: Mix in Dry Ingredients
Add your flour mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently. The secret here is not to overmix — stop as soon as the last streaks of flour disappear. This keeps your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake light and soft.
Step 7: Fold in Chocolate Chips
Toss the chocolate chips with a tablespoon of flour to coat, then fold them into the batter. This simple trick keeps the chips suspended throughout the batter, so you get chocolate in every slice rather than all at the bottom.
Step 8: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the surface. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. The kitchen will smell like warm chocolate paradise!
Step 9: Cool and Unmold
Let your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, lift it out using the parchment and transfer to a wire rack. Let it cool completely before slicing — if you can possibly wait!
How to Serve Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake
Garnishes
Dress up your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of chocolate glaze, or even a handful of extra mini chocolate chips on top. For special occasions, a few berries or a dollop of whipped cream make it extra festive, turning an everyday treat into a star dessert.
Side Dishes
This loaf is dreamy with a cup of strong coffee or a mug of creamy hot cocoa. You can serve it alongside a fresh fruit salad for a bright contrast, or pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a true dessert delight. Try offering it as part of a brunch buffet to spread a little joy.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake thickly for rustic charm, or go with elegant, thinner slices arranged on a pretty platter. You can cube it for a party-ready trifle layered with whipped cream and berries, or toast slices lightly and serve with a swirl of mascarpone for breakfast. For lunchbox treats, try wrapping individual slices in parchment for easy grab-and-go moments!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake as fresh as the moment it came out of the oven, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil once completely cooled. Leftovers will stay delicious at room temperature for up to three days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, consider popping it in the fridge to keep the chocolate from getting too soft.
Freezing
This loaf freezes beautifully! Simply wrap the whole cake or individual slices in plastic and place in an airtight container or freezer bag. It’ll maintain its flavor and texture in the freezer for up to two months. To thaw, just leave at room temperature for a few hours or gently reheat slices in the microwave.
Reheating
Craving that just-baked warmth? Place slices of Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or pop them in a low oven (300°F) for five minutes. This reactivates the melty chocolate chips and makes every bite taste fresh-from-the-oven amazing.
FAQs
Can I use different types of chocolate chips in this loaf cake?
Absolutely! Dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips all work wonderfully in a Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake. You can mix and match, or use what you have on hand. Each type Dessert, Snack.
What’s the best way to prevent chocolate chips from sinking to the bottom?
Tossing the chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter really helps. This extra coating gives the chips grip, keeping them evenly dispersed throughout the loaf instead of pooling at the bottom.
Can I make this loaf cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend at a 1:1 ratio for the regular flour. Check that your baking powder and chocolate chips are gluten-free too, and keep in mind that texture may vary slightly.
How do I know when the loaf cake is done baking?
Start checking at the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake is ready to come out of the oven.
Can I double the recipe to make two loaf cakes?
Definitely! Just double all the ingredients and bake in two loaf pans. You might need to add an extra couple of minutes to the baking time; keep an eye on color and do the toothpick test to make sure both cakes are just right.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy yet impressive treat, it doesn’t get more comforting or crave-worthy than a freshly baked Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake. Baking it at home means you get to enjoy all that gooey chocolate goodness whenever you want. I hope you give it a try and share it with friends or family — or maybe keep a few sneaky slices just for yourself. Happy baking!
Print
Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 slices 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and delicious flavor of this moist Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake. Perfect for any time of day, this easy-to-make treat is a crowd-pleaser for chocolate lovers of all ages.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup whole milk
Additional:
- 3/4 cup mini or regular semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour (for tossing chips)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×4-inch loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla, sour cream, and milk, mixing until smooth.
- Combine and Fold: Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, then gently fold in the chocolate chips tossed in flour.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the pan, bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Tossing the chocolate chips in flour helps prevent sinking.
- For an extra treat, drizzle with a simple chocolate glaze.
- Store leftovers wrapped at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
