Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

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This simple chocolate chip loaf cake is super fluffy, buttery, and loaded up with chocolate chips. It's a simple loaf cake that is perfect for pretty much any occasion.

Sometimes, it's best to stick to simple desserts. Look at this chocolate chip loaf cake, for example. The loaf cake is basically a classic moist butter cake toned down into a smaller version. It still packs the flavor of a big dessert but leaves out all of the fuss.

This chocolate chip loaf cake is both buttery and light all at the same time. It's rich but not overwhelming. It's a great dessert to have with a cup of tea, as a late-night treat, or even as a breakfast dessert.

The chocolate chip loaf cake is so buttery and light, thanks to the addition of butter (duh) and buttermilk. The butter whips with the sugar to create a light and fluffy texture, while the buttermilk adds a tender crumb. Combined with the chocolate chips, it creates a bite that is simple but so delicious.

Looking for more simple treats? My Best Classic Chocolate Chip Cookies and Apple Cake keep everything low-key without sacrificing any flavor.

A chocolate chip loaf cake wrapped in a green towel.

Why I Love This Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe

Simple and Easy - The cake doesn't make a fuss in the kitchen and is easy to put together.
All-purpose - The loaf cake is great for literally any occasion. It goes with a cup of tea or cake as the main dessert.
Great balance - The cake has a great balance of flavors. It's buttery and gets in that chocolate craving.

Ingredients Needed For Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

See below for all the details on what you'll need to make the full recipe.

Chocolate Chips - Both regular-sized or mini will work.
Buttermilk - Gives the cake a tender crumb.
Butter - Make sure it is at room temperature.
Sugar - Adds a subtle sweetness.

How To Make Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

Prepare.
Preheat the oven to 350 and prepare a 9x5-inch loaf pan with grease and parchment. Set to the side.
Whisk dry ingredients.
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set to the side.
Mix wet ingredients.
Cream the butter with the sugar until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Add in the eggs, buttermilk, and vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Combine the batter.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just about combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.
Bake the loaf cake.
Add the batter to the prepared pan. Add more chocolate chips to the top of the cake before placing in the oven. Bake the loaf cake for 65-75 minutes.
Cool and enjoy.
Let the cake fully cool in the loaf pan on a cooling rack. Slice when cool and enjoy.

A piece of chocolate chip loaf cake with slices in the back.

Make Ahead and Storage

If needed, the chocolate chip loaf cake can be made 1-2 ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container or wrap it in foil until ready to serve. Any extra chocolate chip loaf cake can be wrapped in an airtight container or frozen for 2-3 months. It will also freeze whole for 2-3 months.

Tips and Variations

Chocolate Overload - Want more chocolate? Add more chips of different varieties to add to the chocolate flavor.
Crisp Top - If the top of the loaf cake starts to get crisp and well done before the loaf is ready, cover it with foil and continue to bake.
Bake Time - Because of its thick batter, this cake will take a long time to fully cook in the oven. When done, it will start to separate from the edge of the pan.

Slices of chocolate chip loaf cake placed in a green towel.

FAQs

What is the difference between a loaf cake and a regular cake?

A loaf cake is baked in a loaf pan, while a regular cake is baked in a square or round tin.

Is loaf cake the same as pound cake?

No, a loaf cake is not the same as a pound cake. Most pound cakes are baked in loaf pans, but that does not make them the same.

How do you keep chocolate chips from falling to the bottom of the loaf cake?

If you find that your chocolate chips are falling to the bottom of the cake, give them a light coating of flour. This will allow the chips to have some grip in the batter and will prevent them from sinking.