Chocolate Loaf Cake With Simple Glaze

Name: Chocolate Loaf Cake With Simple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Sweet Inspiration

I cannot express how much I adore this Chocolate Loaf Cake with Simple Glaze. It's a delightful treat that truly captivates the senses. Each bite is packed with rich chocolate flavor, enhanced by the simplicity of the glaze that balances everything perfectly. Whether enjoyed as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or as a scrumptious dessert at dinner, this cake has quickly become a favorite in my house. Plus, it's easy to whip up, making it perfect for any occasion.

Created by

Isadora Pembroke

Last updated on 2026-02-01T18:41:36.323Z

One day, I decided to turn my love for chocolate into a decadent loaf cake, and the results were nothing short of magical. I experimented with different ratios of cocoa and flour, landing on a combination that creates a moist texture and an intense chocolate flavor. During testing, I learned that a little baking soda goes a long way in giving the cake a lovely rise.

Whenever I'm in the mood for something sweet, I whip up this cake and drizzle it with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. This easy glaze elevates the dessert without overwhelming the rich chocolate taste, and it adds a beautiful finish. It’s simple yet sophisticated, perfect for any gathering!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with a simple, elegant glaze.
Moist and tender crumb that stays fresh for days.
Perfectly easy and quick to make, great for all baking levels.

The Importance of Each Ingredient

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Loaf Cake plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect texture and flavor. The buttermilk not only adds moisture but also provides a subtle tang that balances out the sweetness. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make your own by adding a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to a cup of milk. Let it sit for about five minutes before using it in the batter.

Using cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor, but quality matters. Look for Dutch-processed cocoa for a smoother, richer taste. The baking soda is key for leavening, giving the cake a light, tender crumb. Be sure to check that your baking soda hasn't expired; fizzing when mixed with vinegar can confirm it's still active.

Baking and Cooling Tips

Baking time is critical; check the cake around 45 minutes, but it might take up to 50. Your cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the edges as they can brown faster. If you notice the top browning too quickly, you can lightly cover it with foil to prevent burning while the center bakes through.

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This prevents it from becoming soggy. Cooling completely before glazing is vital, as a warm cake can cause the glaze to melt and drip too much, losing that beautiful presentation.

Glazing Techniques and Storage

The glaze is a simple yet elegant finish for the chocolate loaf. If you want a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a runnier one, add more milk gradually. It should be glossy and pourable but not too drippy. Drizzle it from a spoon for a casual look, or use a piping bag for more control—especially if you're making this for a special occasion.

This cake stores beautifully at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to a month. Thaw it at room temperature, and consider refreshing it in the oven for a few minutes for that just-baked taste.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your chocolate loaf cake:

Ingredients for the Cake

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Ingredients for the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Once you have everything ready, let's start baking!

Instructions

Follow these steps to bake your delicious chocolate loaf cake:

Preheat and Mix Dry Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, mix together the buttermilk, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.

Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make the glaze. Adjust the consistency as needed.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.

Enjoy your homemade chocolate loaf cake!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, you can add chocolate chips to the batter or sprinkle crushed nuts on top of the glaze.

Serving Suggestions

This Chocolate Loaf Cake can be enjoyed on its own, but for an extra treat, consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Fresh berries also complement the rich chocolate flavor, adding a refreshing contrast. For coffee lovers, pairing a slice with your favorite brew elevates the experience even more.

If you’re looking to impress at a gathering, consider making mini versions in a muffin tin. Adjust the baking time to about 20-25 minutes, and you’ll have delightful individual servings. These are perfect for sharing and make for charming additions to dessert tables.

Possible Variations

Feel free to experiment with mix-ins! Adding chocolate chips to the batter can enhance the chocolate intensity and create surprise pockets of gooeyness. If you want to incorporate nuts, walnuts or pecans add a nice crunch and contrast. Just keep an eye on the cake as nuts can affect baking times slightly.

For a more festive twist, you could flavor the glaze with orange zest or a splash of espresso, which complements chocolate beautifully. A bit of cinnamon can also be added to the batter for an unexpected yet delightful warmth, perfect for the fall season.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use cocoa powder instead of chocolate?

Yes, unsweetened cocoa powder works perfectly in this recipe.

→ How should I store leftover cake?

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.

→ Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The cake tastes even better the next day once the flavors have melded.

→ Is buttermilk necessary for this recipe?

Buttermilk adds moisture and flavor, but you can substitute with whole milk or Greek yogurt mixed with a little vinegar.