When you say chocolate cake, this Buttermilk Chocolate Loaf Cake recipe is worth keeping! It's easy to make with the basic flour mixture and large eggs. Chocolate lovers will find this dessert and snack soft and comforting. It's fluffy and very filling, with the right amount of sugar and chocolate in every bite!
If you love this cake, try these delicious dishes: Cassava Cake and Banana Chocolate Chip Pound Cake.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This moist chocolate loaf cake is beginner-friendly, dairy-filled, and perfect for chocolate cravings. The buttermilk adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness and makes the cake extra moist.
Plus, it’s quick to make, ideal for beginner bakers or anyone looking for a simple but indulgent treat. The wet ingredients and dry ingredients combine seamlessly, creating a perfect ratio for a soft and delicious cake.
Ingredients
Listed below are all the ingredients you will need:
- Sugar
- Butter
- Buttermilk
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- Baking powder
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Chopped nuts (optional)
See the recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Oven
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bread pan.
Mix the Batter
2. In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.

3. Add eggs and buttermilk, mixing until well combined.
4. Add all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.

Bake the Cake
5. Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan.
6. Bake for 40–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Serve
7. Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Substitutions & Variations
- Ingredient Swap
Substitute with the same amount of vegetable oil for a moister crumb. - Variation
Add in some chocolate chips if you love sugar-loading. It would definitely take your bread to a higher level of deliciousness!
Are you a peanut butter lover? Swirl in a generous amount of peanut butter in the batter just before popping them into the oven. - Mistake to Avoid
Make sure you don't over-mix the batter. It will make the cake dense and form lumps. Use a whisk or mixer on low to combine the ingredients. - Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for 3–4 days. For extra moisture, you can glaze the cake lightly with a chocolate glaze after it cools.
- Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months in the fridge. Thaw at room temperature or microwave for 10–15 seconds. You’ll enjoy moist crumbs just like the day it was baked!

FAQs
Buttermilk Chocolate Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ cup butter softened
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅓ cup chopped nuts optional
Instructions
Prepare the Pan and Oven
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bread pan.
Mix the Batter
- In a large bowl, beat sugar and butter together until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs and buttermilk, mixing until well combined.
- Add all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix until fully incorporated.
Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared bread pan.
- Bake for 40–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Serve
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- If using three small loaf pans, bake for 35–40 minutes.
- If using an 8x4 or 9x5 loaf pan, bake for 40–60 minutes.
- You can add ⅓ cup of chopped nuts for extra texture and flavor.
Watch The Recipe Video!
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Recipes for Every Moment
Craving a chocolatey snack that doesn’t take long to make? This Buttermilk Chocolate Loaf Cake comes together in no time and is the perfect treat for your sweet tooth!





Eish says
Why does my mixture went too thin 🙁
Lainey says
Hi Eish! Oh I am sorry to hear that, and I apologize for the delay in responding. If you followed the measurements, the bread should be just enough, not too thin and not too dry.
Georganne Foss says
This is a great recipe.
Thank you!
Lainey says
Hi Georganne,
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate it! Are you a fan of chocolate bread?
fabiana demizu says
I love this so much. It's Wonderful
Lainey says
Thank you, Fabiana! I appreciate your kinds words. I hope you can try this easy chocolate bread recipe. Please share a photo on IG or FB and tag me. Thank you!
L says
This came out perfect! I used hazelnuts and baked 55 minutes.
Sweet says
Oh this is surely yummy! Yey!