Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe

Easy Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe: Soft & Sweet Homemade Joy

Sweet chocolate chip loaf cake reimagines ordinary baking into a delightful experience that sparks joy in every home kitchen.

Moist, tender crumbs studded with rich chocolate morsels create an irresistible comfort treat that feels like a warm hug.

Bakers of all skill levels can master this straightforward recipe with ease and confidence.

Soft, fragrant slices promise pure indulgence without requiring complex techniques or expensive ingredients.

Families and friends will adore the simple yet decadent nature of this classic dessert.

Rich flavors and simple preparation make this cake a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

The combination of simple ingredients and minimal effort results in a spectacular outcome.

Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake That Feels Familiar and Satisfying

  • Indulge in Effortless Baking: This chocolate chip loaf cake requires minimal technical skills, making it perfect for novice bakers seeking a delightful homemade treat.
  • Comfort in Every Slice: Packed with rich chocolate chips and a tender crumb, the cake offers a cozy, nostalgic experience that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen.
  • Quick Weekday Dessert Magic: With a straightforward preparation process and just under an hour of baking time, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing dessert that works for unexpected guests or afternoon tea breaks.

Ingredient Breakdown for Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Perfection

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and foundation for the loaf cake, choosing unbleached flour for better texture.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened and room temperature for smooth mixing, adds richness and moisture.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Binds ingredients together and adds structure to the cake.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a soft, tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Gives a deep, warm flavor to the cake.
Chocolate Components:
  • Chocolate Chips: Adds bursts of chocolate flavor throughout the cake, semi-sweet chips work best for balanced sweetness.

Simple Steps to Bake a Classic Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Pan

Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C). Coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with grease and line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease the parchment surface lightly.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Sift together in a medium bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt

Set the mixture aside.

Step 3: Combine Liquid Ingredients

In a small bowl, whisk vanilla extract into milk. Set aside.

Step 4: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, blend softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Step 5: Add Eggs

Incorporate eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each addition.

Step 6: Combine Batter

Gently fold in half of the flour mixture. Pour in milk and mix remaining flour until smooth and fully combined.

Step 7: Add Chocolate Chips

Fold chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter.

Step 8: Fill Loaf Pan

Transfer batter into prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 9: Bake

Slide pan into preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out with minimal crumbs.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Remove pan from oven. Let cake rest on wire rack for 5 minutes. Carefully remove from pan and cool completely before slicing.

Notes to Make the Loaf Tender, Moist, and Chocolate-Streaked

  • Measure Precisely: Use standard measuring cups and spoons to ensure accurate ingredient proportions for a perfectly textured cake.
  • Soften Butter Strategically: Let butter sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
  • Prevent Chocolate Sink: Toss chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before adding to the batter to help them distribute evenly and prevent sinking.
  • Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick at a slight angle near the center to check for moist crumbs, avoiding overbaking which can dry out the cake.
  • Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool entirely on a wire rack to set the structure and enhance the flavors before slicing and serving.

Keeping Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Fresh After Slicing

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover chocolate chip loaf cake in an airtight container or wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days to maintain freshness and prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen cake stays delicious for up to 3 months.
  • Reheat: Bring refrigerated cake to room temperature before serving. For a warm treat, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly heated through.

Lovely Sips and Spreads to Pair with Loaf Cake

  • Pair with Creamy Coffee Companion: Brew a rich, medium-roast coffee with a splash of vanilla-flavored creamer to complement the chocolate chip cake's sweet, buttery notes. The warm coffee highlights the cake's chocolatey richness while providing a smooth, comforting contrast.
  • Indulge with Smooth Vanilla Delight: Serve a scoop of cold vanilla bean ice cream alongside a slice of the warm chocolate chip loaf. The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly against the cake's warm texture, creating a decadent flavor explosion that balances sweetness and temperature.
  • Enhance with Fruity Raspberry Twist: Drizzle fresh raspberry coulis or place a small dollop of raspberry preserves next to the cake slice. The tart, bright berry flavor cuts through the cake's richness, adding a refreshing and slightly tangy dimension to each bite.
  • Elevate with Caramel Wine Pairing: Pour a glass of sweet dessert wine like Moscato or a light tawny port. These wines' caramel and honey undertones harmonize beautifully with the chocolate chips and buttery cake, creating a luxurious dessert experience.

Unique Twists to Take the Chocolate Chip Loaf in New Directions

  • Nutty Chocolate Swirl: Fold chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter and create a marbled effect by swirling melted chocolate through the top before baking.
  • Espresso Chocolate Chip: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for a rich, deep coffee undertone that complements the chocolate chips.
  • Zesty Orange Chocolate Chip: Mix in freshly grated orange zest and replace half the milk with fresh orange juice to introduce a bright, citrusy flavor profile that pairs beautifully with chocolate.
  • Salted Caramel Drizzle: After cooling, drizzle homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce over the top of the loaf cake for an indulgent, sweet-and-salty finish.
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Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe

Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Indulgent chocolate chip loaf cake brings comfort and sweetness to kitchen counters across home bakeries. Rich chocolate morsels nestled in tender crumb create pure bliss you can savor slice by slice with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1½ cups plain flour
  • 1 cup chocolate chips
  • ½ cup butter, at room temperature
  • ½ cup whole milk

Sweeteners:

  • ¾ cup sugar

Leavening and Seasoning:

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking environment by warming the oven to 350°F. Create a non-stick surface in a 9×5-inch loaf pan with a parchment paper lining, ensuring thorough greasing.
  2. Sift dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt) into a medium bowl, creating a smooth, lump-free mixture.
  3. Whisk vanilla extract into milk in a separate small container, allowing flavors to meld.
  4. Using a large mixing bowl, transform butter and sugar into a light, airy cream through vigorous blending until the texture becomes pale and fluffy.
  5. Introduce eggs individually, thoroughly incorporating each one into the butter-sugar mixture, creating a smooth, cohesive base.
  6. Fold in half the flour mixture gently, then alternate with milk addition, completing the batter by stirring in remaining flour until perfectly integrated.
  7. Distribute chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter, ensuring a consistent chocolate experience in every slice.
  8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, carefully smoothing the surface for an even bake.
  9. Place in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick that should emerge with minimal crumbs.
  10. Once baked, allow the loaf to rest in the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack, completing the cooling process before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Perfectly moist and rich chocolate chip loaf cake that’s simple to make with basic pantry ingredients.
  • Ensure butter and eggs are at room temperature for smoother mixing and better cake texture.
  • Use high-quality chocolate chips for more intense and delicious flavor throughout the cake.
  • Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center – it should have minimal crumbs for ideal moisture.
  • Cool cake completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and maintain its beautiful structure.
  • Store wrapped tightly at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for extended freshness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts, Snacks
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 16 g
  • Saturated Fat: 10 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
David Bennett

David Bennett

Founder & Head Recipe Developer

Expertise

Culinary Nutrition​, Recipe Development​, Nutritional Counseling​, Food Science​

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Nutrition
  • Focus: Blending culinary arts with nutritional science to create health-focused cuisine.

Certified Nutrition Specialist® (CNS®)

  • Credential: Advanced certification in personalized nutrition therapy. ​

David Bennett is the lead recipe creator and nutrition expert at HealthyChoices.org, your friendly space for tasty meals that nourish body and mind. 

With a Culinary Nutrition degree from Johnson & Wales University and a Certified Nutrition Specialist® credential, David pairs practical nutrition with delicious cooking, creating recipes you’ll crave daily. 

At Healthy Choices, David shares easy, nutritious dishes and smart cooking tips to make healthy eating something everyone can enjoy, with no complicated diets needed.

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