Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a treat that’s equal parts homey and utterly irresistible, look no further than this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake. Imagine the warm aroma of vanilla and melting chocolate swirling together as a golden loaf emerges from your oven, studded with gooey chocolate chips and finished with a silky glaze. This loaf cake is soft, moist, and delightfully nostalgic — the sort of bake that disappears slice by slice, whether served at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or for a cozy dessert.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake so magical is its short, classic ingredient list. Each element plays a role, from the moist bakery-style crumb to the rich, chocolaty flavor and gorgeous golden crust. Let’s break down what you’ll need—and why you shouldn’t skip a thing:

• All-purpose flour: Lays the soft but sturdy foundation for the cake’s tender crumb.
• Baking powder: Gives your loaf its lift for that beautiful rounded top.
• Baking soda: Reacts with the sour cream for extra softness in every bite.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Adds rich flavor and guarantees a moist, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while also creating a delicate crust.
• Large eggs: Provide structure and richness for a fluffy, well-risen loaf.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds out all the flavors and gives a hint of warmth.
• Sour cream: This secret ingredient ensures maximum moistness and a slight tang that balances the sweetness.
• Semi-sweet chocolate chips: The star—each bite bursts with molten chocolate!
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Adds that finishing sweetness and eye-catching sheen.
• Milk (for glaze): Creates the perfect pourable glaze consistency.
• Vanilla extract (for glaze): Layers even more luscious vanilla on top of every slice.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and line your loaf pan with parchment paper, making sure the edges hang over the sides for easy removal. This quick prep step ensures every slice of Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake comes out perfectly intact and golden.

Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only combines your leaveners evenly but also ensures you’ll get a uniform rise and even crumb throughout the loaf. Don’t rush this—well-incorporated dry ingredients make a big difference!

Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes. Creaming incorporates air and sets up your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake for that wonderfully soft texture.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Follow up with a splash of vanilla extract, giving the batter a warm and inviting aroma. You’ll see the batter start to come together, glossy and creamy.

Step 5: Combine and Alternate the Rest

With your mixer on low, alternately add the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour. This method keeps your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake oh-so-tender—be patient and scrape the bowl often to make sure everything is perfectly smooth.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Swap to a spatula and gently fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. A careful hand keeps the batter soft and ensures every slice is generously studded with melty chocolate.

Step 7: Pour, Bake, and Cool

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55-60 minutes, checking at the 50-minute mark. When a toothpick comes out clean (a few crumbs are okay, but not wet batter), it’s ready to come out. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and finish cooling on a wire rack.

Step 8: Optional Glaze

If you love an extra touch of sweetness, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over your cooled Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake and watch it set into a glossy, irresistible finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

Garnishes

Give your loaf cake a sprinkle of extra chocolate chips right after glazing for a pretty effect and even more chocolatey bites. Fresh berries or a dusting of powdered sugar can bring a colorful and elegant touch too, especially if you’re serving this cake for guests or a special occasion.

Side Dishes

This loaf cake goes beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a side of tangy Greek yogurt for breakfast. It’s equally at home with fresh fruit or a cup of rich coffee—think of it as the versatile superstar of your dessert table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn individual slices of your Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake into decadent desserts by sandwiching them with a layer of chocolate spread or raspberry jam. Or, cube the loaf and serve parfait-style in small glasses with whipped cream and chocolate shavings for a stunning make-ahead trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This loaf stays moist for days. Store leftover Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is especially warm, transfer to the fridge so it lasts just a little longer.

Freezing

Wrapped well in plastic (and foil, for extra protection), the unfrosted loaf can be frozen for up to 2 months. To enjoy, just thaw overnight at room temperature, add the glaze if using, and you’ve got a fresh-tasting treat ready for your next craving.

Reheating

Want that just-baked magic again? Briefly warm individual slices in a microwave for about 10-15 seconds, which brings back the glorious gooey chocolate chips and soft crumb. Warmed leftovers are especially dreamy with a scoop of ice cream or a pour of cream.

FAQs

Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream?

Absolutely! Full-fat Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream in this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake, lending a similar moistness and subtle tang without changing the overall texture.

How do I prevent the chocolate chips from sinking?

Coating the chocolate chips lightly with a spoonful of flour before folding them in helps them stay suspended throughout the batter, giving you a perfect distribution from top to bottom.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit?

Yes! Chopped toasted walnuts, pecans, or even dried cherries add a wonderful contrast to the gooey chocolate chips. Just keep mix-ins under 3/4 cup so the loaf retains its tender texture.

What’s the best way to slice this loaf?

Let the cake cool completely for the cleanest slices. Use a serrated bread knife and wipe it clean between cuts to ensure every slice of Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake is picture-perfect.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze is optional, but it adds a lovely sweetness and beautiful presentation. The cake tastes fantastic on its own, so glaze if you’re in the mood for something extra-special!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about the way this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake brings people together—whether you serve it warm out of the oven or sneak a slice with your coffee the next morning. I hope you give this recipe a go and let it become a beloved treat in your kitchen too!