Chocolate Loaf Cake With Simple Glaze

Name: Chocolate Loaf Cake With Simple Glaze
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup hot water; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 2 tablespoons milk; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Oven Food

I love baking this Chocolate Loaf Cake with Simple Glaze because it perfectly satisfies my chocolate cravings. The rich cocoa flavor combined with the buttery texture makes this cake moist and utterly irresistible. I appreciate how easily it comes together without requiring any complicated techniques. Whether you’re preparing it for a gathering or just a cozy night in, this loaf cake is a delightful treat that never fails to impress. Let's dive into making this wonderful dessert together!

Created by

Ivy Sanderson

Last updated on 2026-02-01T17:57:35.942Z

Baking this Chocolate Loaf Cake was an adventure in itself! I decided to add a simple glaze over it, which transformed an already delightful cake into something truly special. I found that using a combination of both melted chocolate and cocoa powder gave the cake a depth of flavor that had everyone raving!

I was pleasantly surprised to see how seamlessly the glaze complements the cake's texture. It hardens just enough to give a subtle crunch before revealing the moist cake inside. Trust me, this is a recipe you'll want to try multiple times!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

Understanding Key Ingredients

The combination of all-purpose flour and cocoa powder in this recipe is crucial for achieving a tender crumb and rich chocolate flavor. Using 1 ¾ cups of all-purpose flour ensures the cake has enough structure to rise properly, while ¾ cup of cocoa powder adds a deep, satisfying chocolate essence. If you're in a pinch for cocoa, a high-quality Dutch-processed cocoa can elevate the flavor, giving it a mellower, earthy note that complements the sweetness beautifully.

Buttermilk plays a vital role in this cake by contributing to its moistness and nuanced flavor. The acidity in buttermilk reacts with baking soda, helping the cake rise to the perfect height. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and letting it sit for about 5 minutes before adding it to your batter.

Perfecting the Baking Process

When pouring the batter into your loaf pan, be sure to tap it lightly on the counter after pouring to release any air bubbles that could create holes in your finished cake. Additionally, rotating the pan halfway through baking helps ensure even cooking, especially if your oven has hot spots. You'll know the cake is done when it springs back when gently pressed, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Cooling the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack is essential. This time allows it to firm up slightly, preventing it from breaking apart when you flip it out. If you find the edges nearing the sides of the pan and feeling too resistant, run a knife around the perimeter to loosen it before inverting.

Ingredients

For the Cake

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

For the Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoons milk
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan. In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. In another bowl, mix the buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Carefully stir in the hot water.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Make the Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, cocoa powder, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar if needed.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drizzle down the sides. Allow the glaze to set before slicing.

Pro Tips

Try adding a splash of orange juice to the glaze for a fresh citrus twist that complements the chocolate beautifully!

Storing and Serving Tips

To keep your Chocolate Loaf Cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, consider freezing slices individually wrapped in plastic, then placed in a freezer-safe bag. This allows you to enjoy a slice whenever a chocolate craving strikes! Just let it thaw on the counter for about 30 minutes before indulging.

When serving, consider pairing the cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This contrast of temperatures and textures elevates the overall experience, making each bite a delightful harmony of rich chocolate and creamy sweetness. Additionally, a sprinkle of sea salt on top can amplify the flavors, enhancing the chocolate's richness.

Variations and Additions

If you're looking to add a personal touch to the loaf cake, consider folding in a cup of mini chocolate chips or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. This will give an extra burst of flavor and texture with every slice. You might also experiment with different glazes—try a simple orange or raspberry glaze for a fruity twist, which works beautifully with the deep chocolate flavor.

For a richer cake experience, you can also incorporate a layer of cream cheese frosting between slices or atop the glaze. The tangy cream cheese complements the sweetness of the chocolate cake wonderfully, creating a sophisticated treat that is perfect for celebrations or special occasions. Just remember to let the glaze set before layering too much frosting to maintain a beautiful presentation.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary slightly.

→ How should I store the leftover cake?

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

→ Can I freeze the chocolate loaf cake?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

→ Is there a substitute for buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.