Super Easy and Moist One Bowl Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

One Bowl Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake is a soft and delicious dessert, perfect for breakfast or a snack for adults and children. It is the richest and most delicious version of the classic loaf cake and can be prepared in just a few minutes with the help of an electric whisk: all you need to do is mix the eggs with sugar, milk and butter, then add the flour, yeast and finally the chocolate chips, lightly floured. This trick, in fact, will prevent the chips from sinking into the mixture, for a final result with a melting consistency and a well-balanced taste.

What is a Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake?

Loaf cakes, such as the classic plumcake, have a rich history rooted in European baking traditions. These cakes have evolved from early European recipes for simple, sweet breads, which were often baked in loaf-shaped pans for convenience. Over time, they became more elaborate with the addition of various flavorings and ingredients. The chocolate chip loaf cake, a popular variant, traces its origins to the invention of chocolate chips in the 1930s by Ruth Wakefield, the creator of the famous chocolate chip cookie. This innovation quickly spread to other baked goods, including loaf cakes. Combining the rich, buttery texture of the loaf with pockets of melted chocolate, it became a beloved treat, offering a perfect balance of sweetness and texture for afternoon snacks or desserts.

Pro Tips for The Best Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

• Ensure that your butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature. This will help create a smooth batter and result in a lighter, fluffier texture.
• Sifting the flour and baking powder together will help incorporate air into the dry ingredients, which contributes to a more airy and tender loaf cake.
• When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix gently until just incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense loaf, as it can develop the gluten in the flour.
• Every oven is different, so start checking the cake around the 45-minute mark. Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.
• Once baked, allow the loaf cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps it maintain its shape and prevents it from breaking.

Is a Loaf Cake the Same as a Pound Cake?

A loaf cake and a pound cake are similar but not exactly the same. Both are baked in a loaf pan, but the key difference lies in the ingredients and texture. A pound cake traditionally uses a simple ratio of one pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour, creating a dense and rich cake.

Loaf cakes, on the other hand, can vary in texture and ingredients, often being lighter and more versatile with added flavors like fruits, nuts, or chocolate.

Can I Substitute the Butter With Oil?

Yes! However, keep in mind that oil will make the cake slightly moister and softer compared to butter, which adds a richer flavor. For a direct substitution, use about 3/4 of the amount of butter called for in the recipe. For example, if the recipe calls for 100g of butter, use 75g of oil. The texture might be a bit different, but the cake will still turn out delicious.

How Do I Keep The Chocolate Chips From Sinking to The Bottom of The Loaf Cake?

Tossing the chocolate chips in a little flour before adding them to the batter helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking. This ensures an even distribution of chocolate throughout the loaf.

How Can I Serve This Loaf Cake?

Once baked and left to cool, you can cut it into slices and enjoy it in all its goodness with a cup of coffee or hot tea. You can sprinkle the surface with a little powdered sugar and serve it at the end of a meal, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of custard. Alternatively, you can also use a chocolate glaze as a topping!

Can I Make a Mini Loaf or Mini Muffins With This Recipe, Instead?

Yes, easily! For mini loaves, reduce the baking time to around 20-25 minutes, and for mini muffins, bake them for 12-15 minutes. Just keep an eye on them, checking with a toothpick for doneness, as smaller portions cook faster than a full-sized loaf.

Can Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Be Made Ahead of Time?

Yes! Once baked, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Does Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Freeze Well?

Yes, it does! Once it’s fully cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to a month. To enjoy, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the oven before serving.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

To store any leftover, make sure it’s completely cooled first. Then, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you want to extend its freshness, you can refrigerate it, but be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

Break the eggs into a bowl.

Add the sugar.

Work the ingredients with an electric whisk for about 10 minutes, until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Add the milk.

Also add the soft butter and work everything for a few moments with the whisk.

Sift the flour and yeast directly onto the dough.

Mix gently with a spatula from the bottom up so as to not deflate the mixture.

Separately, pour a teaspoon of flour on the chocolate chips and mix them, so that they do not sink into the mixture during cooking.

Add the chocolate chips to the mixture and mix gently with the spatula using movements from the bottom up.

Grease and line a loaf cake mold of about 23x11cm with parchment paper.

Pour in the mixture, level it and bake at 360°F/180°C for about 40 minutes in a static oven.

Let the loaf cake cool before enjoying it as you please!