Ultra-Moist Chocolate Loaf Cake with Chocolate Ganache

Rich Homemade Chocolate Cake Recipe for Dessert Lovers

If you are searching for the ultimate chocolate cake recipe, this ultra-moist chocolate loaf cake with silky chocolate ganache is everything a chocolate lover dreams of. Deeply chocolatey, incredibly soft, and finished with a glossy ganache glaze, this cake delivers bakery-quality results using simple pantry ingredients.

The image above perfectly captures what makes this dessert so irresistible: a dense yet tender chocolate crumb, layers of rich chocolate filling, and a smooth ganache topping that gently drips down the sides. Whether served as a dessert, afternoon treat, or celebration cake, this homemade chocolate loaf cake is guaranteed to impress.

Why This Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe Is So Popular

Chocolate loaf cakes have become one of the highest-searched homemade dessert recipes, and for good reason. They are easier than layered cakes, require minimal decoration, and bake evenly every time.

Key Reasons This Recipe Works:

Uses cocoa powder and melted chocolate for intense flavor
Balanced fat and moisture for a soft crumb
Ganache locks in moisture and adds richness
Perfect texture for slicing without crumbling

This recipe is ideal for beginner bakers and experienced home cooks alike.

Ingredients for Moist Chocolate Loaf Cake

Dry Ingredients:

1 ¾ cups (220 g) all-purpose flour
¾ cup (75 g) unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

1 cup (200 g) granulated sugar
½ cup (100 g) brown sugar
2 large eggs (room temperature)
¾ cup (180 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
½ cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
½ cup (120 ml) hot coffee or hot water

Optional Add-Ins:

½ cup chocolate chips or chunks
¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt (extra moisture)

Chocolate Ganache Topping Ingredients

1 cup (170 g) dark or semi-sweet chocolate
½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for shine)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan and Oven

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a loaf pan with parchment paper and lightly grease.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, baking powder, and salt until well combined.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, oil, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

4. Create the Batter

Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients, mixing gently. Pour in hot coffee or water and stir until the batter becomes smooth and glossy.

Why Coffee Works: Coffee enhances chocolate flavor without making the cake taste like coffee.

5. Add Chocolate Chips (Optional)

Fold in chocolate chips or chunks for extra richness.

6. Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs.

Allow cake to cool completely before adding ganache.

How to Make Perfect Chocolate Ganache

Heat heavy cream until just steaming (not boiling).
Pour over chopped chocolate in a heatproof bowl.
Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until smooth.
Stir in butter if using.

Pour ganache over cooled cake and let it set naturally.

Texture and Flavor Description

Crumb: Extremely moist, soft, and velvety
Flavor: Deep chocolate with subtle bitterness
Topping: Glossy, smooth ganache with melt-in-mouth richness

This cake slices cleanly, making it perfect for serving guests or gifting.

Baking Science: Why This Cake Is So Moist

Oil instead of butter keeps the cake tender even when chilled
Brown sugar adds moisture and depth
Hot liquid blooms cocoa powder
Ganache seals moisture inside

These techniques are commonly used in professional bakery chocolate cakes.

Variations and Customizations

Chocolate Fudge Loaf Cake

Add a layer of thick chocolate spread or fudge sauce in the center before baking.

Double Chocolate Cake

Increase cocoa powder to 1 cup and add extra chocolate chips.

Chocolate Orange Cake

Add orange zest and replace hot water with orange juice.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Cake

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream
Pair with whipped cream and berries
Enjoy with coffee or hot chocolate
Dust lightly with cocoa powder for elegance

Storage and Freezing Tips

Storage:

Store covered at room temperature for 2 days
Refrigerate up to 5 days

Freezing:

Freeze slices individually for up to 3 months
Thaw overnight in refrigerator

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overmixing batter
❌ Overbaking (leads to dryness)
❌ Pouring ganache on warm cake
❌ Using low-quality cocoa powder

Nutrition Information (Approximate per Slice)

Calories: 320
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fat: 16 g
Protein: 5 g

Final Thoughts

This ultra-moist chocolate loaf cake with ganache is the kind of dessert that feels indulgent yet approachable. With its deep chocolate flavor, soft crumb, and glossy topping, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again—whether for family gatherings, holidays, or everyday chocolate cravings.