• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Kitchen Docs
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
  • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • About
    • Subscribe
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Cakes and Cookies

    Easy Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake

    Published: Feb 2, 2018 · Modified: Sep 5, 2024 by Vaishali · This post may contain affiliate links · 10 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe

    Dive into this deliciously rich treat where smooth chocolate and bold coffee flavors blend perfectly in every bite. This Easy Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake is made with simple pantry ingredients and is sure to delight and satisfy your sweet cravings.

    Close up of baked coffee and chocolate loaf cake dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden board.

    I'm so excited to bring you the recipe of this coffee and chocolate loaf cake. It is perfect when you are craving a dessert that's not cloyingly sweet yet satisfies the dessert craving. I have a special liking for anything mocha or a combination of coffee and chocolate. Definitely a match made in heaven!

    I was browsing through some of the recipes that I have shared in the past and I realize that there are very few cake recipes that I have shared so far like my mocha almond marble bundt cake and the southern apple harvest cake with maple glaze. This easy loaf cake was inspired by a visit to a coffee shop during one of our travels long time ago and has been on regular rotation ever since. It pairs well with my Indian whipped cappuccino and is little V's most requested dessert!

    🌟 Why you'll love this recipe

    • Super easy to make and hard to mess up - trust me here! My 10 yo is pretty close to making this all by himself.
    • Made with simple pantry ingredients - nothing fancy here. You will find most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator and if you need to buy somethings, I can assure you that the closest grocery store will have it.
    • Super moist and deeply flavorful - The chocolate and coffee combination is in every single bite and it is so delectable. Perfect for just a snack, to serve with coffee, or to impress your guests at parties and during holidays.
    • Not cloyingly sweet - This loaf cake is decadent but the sweetness factor is just right. The unsweetened cocoa powder and the strong espresso makes it perfect!
    Jump to:
    • 🌟 Why you'll love this recipe
    • 📋 Recipe Ingredients
    • 👩‍🍳 Steps to make Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake
    • 💡 Vaishali's Tips!
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍓 Strawberries and Cream
    • ❄️ Storage and Freezing Instructions
    • ❓FAQs
    • 🍫 Related Recipes
    • Easy Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake

    📋 Recipe Ingredients

    This easy coffee and chocolate loaf cake recipe uses a simple list of ingredients that you probably have on hand. Before we get started, here are a few tips on ingredients to ensure your mocha loaf bake turns out perfectly.

    Blank Form (#3)

    Get this recipe in your inbox.
    Share your email and we will send it straight to your inbox. Plus, enjoy regular doses of recipe inspiration as a bonus!

    Ingredients for making coffee and chocolate loaf cake on a rustic wood table.
    • Butter: Just like for chocolate zucchini muffins, I would recommend using room temperature butter. So plan ahead! Unsalted butter is preferred but salted won't sink this recipe.
    • Eggs: I always use standard large size eggs (US size). Two large eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture and richness to the cake.
    • Cocoa Powder: Use good quality unsweetened cocoa powder to add that rich chocolaty flavor throughout. You be the judge of that, but the depth of flavor definitely comes from quality ingredients.
    • Coffee: We need brewed coffee, so if you are more of an instant coffee kind of person, let the instant coffee granules (about 2 teaspoon) sit in ½ cup of hot water while you prep your other ingredients. Or use your favorite brewed coffee.

    Don't forget to check out the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients along with the quantities.

    👩‍🍳 Steps to make Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake

    Plan ahead! The eggs and butter have to be at room temperature so make sure to take them out at least an hour before you plan to start making this recipe.

    Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Grease and lightly dust a loaf pan with cocoa powder (Image 1).

    Step 2: In the bowl of your stand mixer ( I love my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer) fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar until well mixed and light, about a minute at medium speed (Image 2).

    A greased loaf pan dusted with cocoa powder.
    Sugar and butter mixed together in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

    Step 3: Once the butter and sugar are light and creamy, add eggs, one at a time, and beat until silky and pale in color (Image 3).

    Step 4: In another mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder and salt through a fine mesh sieve (Image 4).

    A stainless steel bowl with butter, sugar, and eggs mixed together until fluffy and pale yellow in color.
    Dry ingredients for coffee and chocolate loaf cake including flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder in a fine mesh sieve over a stainless steel mixing bowl.

    Step 5: Pour the milk, coffee and vanilla extract into the eggs, butter and sugar mixture and give one more good mix. If the mixture looks curdled, do not worry, everything will be all right in the end. Slowly add in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients (Image 5).

    Step 6: Mix everything together until it is smooth (about 30 sec on medium speed, Image 6). Do not overmix the batter!

    Dry and wet ingredients of coffee and chocolate loaf cake in a stainless steel mixing bowl.
    Batter for coffee and chocolate loaf cake in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

    Step 7: Pour the cake batter into your greased loaf pan (Image 7).

    Step 8: Bake for 40 - 45 minutes and carefully take it out of the oven. The loaf should spring back slightly when pressed in the middle, and a toothpick inserted should come out with a few moist crumbs but no raw batter. Let cool for about 10 minutes (Image 8).

    Coffee and chocolate loaf cake batter in a greased and cocoa dusted loaf pan.
    Baked coffee and chocolate loaf cake

    💡 Vaishali's Tips!

    • Do not over mix the batter. You want the wet and dry ingredients to be just combined. Look for the “ribbon consistency” - when the cake batter drops into the bowl from a spoon, it falls like a ribbon, smooth and continuous - like a dream.
    • Greasing the loaf pan - The paper in which your butter stick was wrapped, works great for greasing the loaf pan.
    • Time to bake depends on your oven. Every oven is different. Start checking the cake at the 40-minute mark.
    Close-up of baked coffee and chocolate loaf cake dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden board.

    📖 Variations

    • Add a kick - add a generous pinch of cayenne pepper in with the dry ingredients. It adds a great dimension and kick to this cake.
    • Coffee and Chocolate Cupcakes - you can easily turn this recipe into cupcakes. Line a muffin tin with paper liners, fill ¾ full and bake for 15 minutes. 
    • Espresso Cake - replace the ½ cup cocoa powder with flour to make just coffee or espresso loaf cake.
    • Powdered Sugar - Finish the cake with a sprinkle of powdered sugar! Optional, but highly recommended!
    Halved strawberries in a ceramic tray served with whipped cream in a small white bowl.

    viral recipe!

    🍓 Strawberries and Cream

    A no-cook, 4-ingredient recipe that has gone viral! And rightfully so!!!

    Get the recipe →

    ❄️ Storage and Freezing Instructions

    • To store: This loaf cake is perfect for making ahead! Keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, and you'll find it actually tastes better every passing day.
    • To freeze: You can freeze the cake whole or sliced. For the whole loaf, wrap tightly in plastic wrap (I love my Chic Plastic wrap!), place in a freezer bag, and freeze. Alternatively, slice the cake and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 2 months and let it thaw at room temperature.

    ❓FAQs

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

    Loaf cake is baked in a loaf pan whereas regular cakes can be baked in round or square cake pans. Loaf cakes also resemble pound cakes in texture so the ratios of flour, fat, sugar, and eggs are also different than regular cakes.

    How to tell if a loaf cake is done baking?

    Gently press the center of the cake; it should spring back slightly. When a toothpick is inserted into the center, it should come out with a few moist crumbs. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, the cake needs more baking time.

    🍫 Related Recipes

    • Chocolate-Chip-Zucchini-Muffins_Sliced_Closeup_FI_scaled
      Chocolate Chip Zucchini Muffins
    • Indian Whipped Coffee_Beaten Coffee_ Dalgona
      Indian Whipped Coffee - Desi Cappuccino
    • Healthy chocolate chip banana and oat muffins made with whole wheat flour and greek yogurt
      Healthy Chocolate Banana and Oat Breakfast Muffins
    • IcedProteinCoffee
      Easy Iced Protein Coffee | Latte, Vegetarian, Make it Vegan

    If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment and let me know how you liked it! Share it on Instagram with the hashtag #thekitchendocs or share on Facebook, too.

    Love – Vaishali

    Close up of baked coffee and chocolate loaf cake dusted with powdered sugar on a wooden board.

    Easy Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake

    Vaishali
    Dive into this deliciously rich treat where smooth chocolate and bold coffee flavors blend perfectly in every bite. This Easy Coffee and Chocolate Loaf Cake is made with simple pantry ingredients and is sure to delight and satisfy your sweet cravings.
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 20 minutes mins
    Cook Time 40 minutes mins
    Cooling time 10 minutes mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 12
    Calories 198 kcal

    Equipment

    • Stand Mixer

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 stick unsalted butter 1 stick, at room temperature
    • 1 cup sugar
    • 2 large eggs at room temperature
    • ½ cup milk
    • ½ cup strong brewed coffee see notes
    • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 cup all purpose flour
    • ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder plus more for dusting the loaf pan
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • 1 tablespoon powdered sugar optional

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F or 190 degrees C. Grease and lightly dust a loaf pan with cocoa powder. The paper in which your butter stick was wrapped,works great for greasing!
    • In the bowl of your stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and sugar. You can, by all means, use a hand mixer over a deep mixing bowl.
    • Once the butter and sugar are light and creamy, add eggs, one at a time, and beat until silky (about 1 minute on medium speed).
    • In another mixing bowl, sift together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder,baking powder and salt.
    • Pour the milk, coffee and vanilla extract into the eggs, butter and sugar mixture and give one more good mix on low speed. If the mixture looks curdled, do not worry, everything will be all right in the end. I promise!
    • Slowly add in the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and mix everything together until it is smooth. Look for the “ribbon consistency” which is when the cake batter drops into the bowl from a spoon, it falls like a ribbon, smooth and continuous.
    • Pour the cake batter into your greased loaf pan. Bake for 40 - 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean. Take the cake out of the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes.
    • Once cooled sprinkle some powdered sugar. Slice and enjoy with a cup of coffee or toast it slightly and serve with a dollop of glorious vanilla bean ice cream.

    Video

    Notes

    Plan ahead! Butter and eggs have to be at room temperature.
    Every oven is different. Start checking the cake at the 40-minute mark.
    If making it for grown-ups only, add a generous pinch of cayenne pepper in with the dry ingredients. It adds a great dimension and kick to this cake.
    Do not over-mix the cake batter.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 198kcalCarbohydrates: 28gProtein: 3gFat: 9gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 49mgSodium: 149mgPotassium: 99mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18gVitamin A: 292IUCalcium: 45mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

     

    More Cakes and Cookies

    • Slice of carrot cake in a blue ceramic plate with a golden fork with some shredded carrots and pecan pieces in the background.
      Southern Carrot Cake Loaf with Pineapple
    • A marbled chocolate and orange loaf cake sliced and arranged on a white rectangular ceramic platter with slices of orange along the sides of the platter for garnish.
      Easy Marble Chocolate Orange Loaf Cake
    • Easy_Biscotti_Recipe_FI
      Easy Biscotti Recipe
    • Baked-Lemon-Blueberry-Donuts-with-Lemony-Mint-Glaze_Donut-stack-on-cooling-sheet_FI.jpg
      Baked Lemon Blueberry Donuts with Lemony Mint Glaze

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Baker C

      February 10, 2025 at 9:55 pm

      5 stars
      Have made this so many times and it never fails to impress!! Delicious and moist…deeply mocha!! Love it!!

      Reply
    2. Ishtesa Khan

      May 27, 2020 at 4:51 pm

      This recipe sounds good. Gonna try asap.

      Reply
    3. Roshani

      January 13, 2020 at 2:34 pm

      This is such a great recipe! Followed it to the dot, and it worked out beautifully.

      Reply
      • Vaishali

        January 13, 2020 at 11:40 pm

        Thank you Roshani. I am glad that you tried and liked the recipe. I really appreciate all your support..<3

        Reply
    4. Nailil

      July 08, 2018 at 7:00 am

      This looks really good! And pretty easy to make!

      Reply
    5. Mirlene

      July 08, 2018 at 5:33 am

      You had me at Mocha! I like this recipe. Pinning to try later. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
    6. Karla

      July 08, 2018 at 12:45 am

      Mocha cake is one of my favorite cakes,but I never cooked it myself before. I should give it a try, this looks so good!

      Reply
    7. Amy

      July 08, 2018 at 12:21 am

      Ummm, yes. This looks SO yummy. The only problem is what if I eat it all in one setting? 😂

      Reply
    8. Frances Beltran

      July 07, 2018 at 9:41 pm

      Yummy! Thanks for sharing this 🙂

      Reply
    9. Laura

      July 07, 2018 at 7:29 pm

      Ummm, this cake sounds delicious!! I honestly almost stopped reading and went over to your apple harvest cake instead (I'm such a sucker for apple in dessert!), but I'm so glad I didn't! Coffee and chocolate are two of my favorite things as well and I may be on my way down to the kitchen to make this cake right now..

      Reply
    5 from 3 votes (2 ratings without comment)

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hey, I'm Vaishali!

    Welcome! I am so excited to cook and talk life with you. Here, you will find my kitchen journal full of mostly healthyish recipes that are family friendly, use seasonal and fresh ingredients, plant forward, packed with healing Indian spices and indulgent desserts.

    More about me

    Spring Recipes

    • Close up of creamy risotto with asparagus and peas in a white ceramic bowl.
      Easy No-stir Spring Risotto with Asparagus and Peas

    • A lentil and roasted vegetable salad with spinach and feta cheese served in a white and blue ceramic bowl against a white marbled background.
      Lentil and Roasted Vegetable Salad with Feta and Greek Dressing

    • Aloo Gajar Mutter – A quick stir-fry of potatoes, carrots and peas with dry Indian spices

    • Slices of Citrus Scented Carrot Cranberry Loaf Cake
      Citrus Scented Carrot Cranberry Loaf Cake

    • Turmeric keto cauliflower rice recipe that comes together in one pot in less than 15 minutes. A great low carb alternatice to rice.
      Turmeric Cauliflower Rice or Gobhi Kutra

    • Vegan Instant Pot Lentil Carrot soup with turmeric
      Instant Pot Carrot and Lentil Soup

    Most Popular Recipes

    • Ravioli in Creamy Garlic and Spinach White Sauce
      Ravioli in Creamy Garlic and Spinach “White” Sauce

    • BestEverCinnamonRolls_FI
      Best Ever Cinnamon Rolls Recipe

    • IcedProteinCoffee
      Easy Iced Protein Coffee | Latte, Vegetarian, Make it Vegan

    • VegetablesinCreamSauce_Tandoori_FI
      Vegetables in Spiced Cream Sauce | Easy, Tandoori

    • Banana_Pudding_Recipe_closeup_flatlay_FI_plated
      Easy Banana Pudding Recipe

    • Blueberry Cobbler Recipe_Featured Image
      Easy Blueberry Cobbler Recipe

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2025 The Kitchen Docs

    Rate This Recipe

    Your vote:




    A rating is required
    A name is required
    An email is required

    Recipe Ratings without Comment

    Something went wrong. Please try again.