If you’ve been searching for the perfect sweet treat that combines moist cake with pockets of melty chocolate, then look no further than this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful loaf cake that feels like a comforting hug in dessert form, packed with mini chocolate chips throughout and finished with a luscious peanut butter chocolate drizzle. Whether you’re baking for a cozy afternoon snack, a casual brunch, or an impressive yet easy dessert, this cake brings warmth and joy with each bite. Let me take you through how to make and enjoy this irresistible Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe at home—you’ll be hooked from the very first slice!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl filled with creamy, pale yellow batter mixed with small, dark chocolate chips throughout. A wooden spatula with a white silicone tip is dipped into the batter on the right side, lifting some mixture. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully straightforward but crucial for delivering that perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color. Each one plays an essential role in creating a delicious, tender loaf cake that’s bursting with chocolatey goodness.

All-purpose flour (1 and 3/4 cups / 219g): Provides the structure and crumb of the loaf cake, make sure it’s spooned and leveled for accuracy.
Baking powder (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Leavens the cake just right, giving it a tender rise without making it crumbly.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors in the batter.
Unsalted butter (3/4 cup / 170g): Softened to room temperature for easy creaming with sugar, adds richness and moisture to the cake.
Granulated sugar (3/4 cup / 150g): Sweetens the loaf and helps create that lovely tender crumb.
Large eggs (2): At room temperature to help create the perfect batter texture and bind all ingredients.
Sour cream (1/4 cup / 60g): Adds tangy moisture for a tender crumb and enhances the cake’s overall richness.
Pure vanilla extract (1 and 1/2 teaspoons): Provides warmth and depth of flavor that accents the chocolate chips wonderfully.
Whole milk (1/2 cup / 120ml): At room temperature, adds moisture and helps bring the batter together smoothly.
Mini chocolate chips (1 cup + 1/2 cup / 180g + 90g): These are the stars of the show—adding luscious pockets of chocolate throughout the cake.
Creamy peanut butter (2 Tablespoons / 30g): Used in the optional topping to create a rich, fudgy drizzle that complements the chocolate perfectly.

How to Make Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Then generously grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan—this ensures the cake will release easily after baking. Trust me, greasing well makes all the difference when it comes to achieving that perfect slice!

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This step is crucial as it evenly distributes the leavening so the cake rises uniformly and prevents any salty clumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle or whisk attachment, beat the softened butter and sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture becomes smooth, fluffy, and creamy—about 3 minutes. Don’t rush this step, as proper creaming helps incorporate air for a light, tender crumb.

Step 4: Add Eggs, Sour Cream, and Vanilla

Scrape down the bowl to gather everything together. Then add the eggs and beat on high speed for 1 full minute to create a smooth, silky base. Next, mix in the sour cream and vanilla extract. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy or curdled after this—that’s exactly how it should be at this stage.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Milk

Slowly pour the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. As the mixer runs, gradually add the milk. Be careful not to over-mix here—just combine until the batter is uniform and slightly thick. If you spot any lumps at the bottom, a few gentle manual stirs with a spatula will do the trick.

Step 6: Fold in Chocolate Chips

Now for the fun part—fold the mini chocolate chips into the batter gently to distribute them evenly without deflating your batter’s lovely texture. The swirls of chocolate chips in every slice are what make this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe truly special.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and spread it out evenly. Pop it into the oven and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. Around 55 minutes, start checking with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out mostly clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Every oven varies, so watch the cake closely as it bakes, and if the top browns too quickly, tent with foil to prevent burning.

Step 8: Cool and Optional Topping

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least an hour. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly without crumbling when sliced. For an extra indulgent touch, melt some chocolate chips with creamy peanut butter and drizzle this mixture over the still slightly warm cake. It will harden into a fudgy layer that tastes like a dream!

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe

A close-up of a loaf cake with one visible thick slice showing a light golden inside filled with many small dark chocolate chips scattered throughout. The cake has a rough textured top covered with a thick layer of glossy melted chocolate spread unevenly. The cake sits on a black wire rack over a wrinkled purple cloth, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For lovely presentation and flavor pops, consider dusting the loaf cake with powdered sugar or adding a sprinkle of extra mini chocolate chips on top. A light drizzle of melted chocolate or peanut butter adds visual appeal as well as rich flavor contrast.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for desserts, or try it alongside a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon pick-me-up. Fresh berries add a touch of brightness to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Slice the cake into generous pieces and serve on rustic wooden boards for a charming look, or arrange slices with fresh mint leaves and a drizzle of chocolate on a platter for casual entertaining. You can also cut the loaf into cubes and skewer them with fruit for fun dessert kabobs.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover cake can be stored at room temperature, tightly covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container, for up to 3 days. This keeps the crumb soft and moist while preserving the flavors perfectly.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy this Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe later, it freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and it will taste freshly baked.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth, microwave individual slices for about 15-20 seconds or warm the whole loaf wrapped in foil at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes. This softens the cake and melts the chocolate chips for an irresistible treat.

FAQs

Can I use regular chocolate chips instead of mini chocolate chips?

Absolutely! Regular-sized chocolate chips work just fine, though mini chips distribute more evenly, giving you little bursts of chocolate throughout every bite.

Is it necessary to use sour cream in this recipe?

Sour cream adds extra moisture and tang, resulting in a tender crumb. You can substitute with Greek yogurt if needed, but it’s best not to skip it entirely.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute butter with a dairy-free margarine and use a plant-based milk alternative to make this recipe dairy-free. Just ensure your sour cream substitute is also dairy-free or use a similar moisture-rich alternative.

What is the best way to prevent the cake from drying out?

Be sure not to over-bake your cake and store any leftovers properly at room temperature or in the fridge wrapped well. The sour cream and butter in the recipe already help keep it moist.

Can I add nuts to this chocolate chip loaf cake?

Definitely! Walnuts or pecans add wonderful crunch and flavor. Just fold about 1/2 cup of chopped nuts into the batter along with the chocolate chips.

Final Thoughts

This Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake Recipe is one of those truly comforting desserts that never disappoints. It’s easy, approachable, and studded with enough chocolate to satisfy any sweet tooth. Whether you’re baking it for yourself or to share with loved ones, this loaf cake brings warmth, flavor, and a touch of everyday magic to your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try and make it your next go-to treat—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!