This Moist Chocolate Loaf Cake is the perfect easy and healthy dessert for chocolate lovers. It's made with wholesome and simple ingredients, ensuring a guilt-free indulgence that satisfies your sweet tooth without compromising on flavor. Whether you're craving a decadent treat for a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a delightful slice of chocolate goodness, this moist and rich loaf cake delivers every time.
Baking homemade cakes is one of my passions. However, making a full layered cake is a time-consuming endeavor. However, making delicious chocolate bread and adding icing to it is a simple and easy way to satisfy chocolate cravings without all the effort and fuss.
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Healthy Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake Ingredients:
This easy chocolate loaf cake recipe is great because it is made with simple ingredients you can pick up from your local grocery store.
Dry Ingredients:
- Spelt Flour - Spelt flour is a whole grain flour that adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture to baked goods. It's rich in nutrients like fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals, making it a healthier alternative to refined flour. You can use it in my Vegan Spelt Flour Banana Bread recipe as well!
- Cacao Powder or unsweetened Cocoa Powder - is the essence of chocolate flavor in the cake. Cacao powder is rich in antioxidants called flavonoids, which have been linked to various health benefits, including reduced inflammation, improved heart health, and better blood flow. Additionally, cocoa powder is low in calories and can add a rich chocolate flavor without adding significant fat or sugar. Use Dutch process to achieve a dark chocolate color.
- Coconut Sugar - Coconut sugar is a natural sweetener made from the sap of coconut palm trees. It has a lower glycemic index compared to regular sugar, meaning it causes a slower rise in blood sugar levels. Additionally, it contains small amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants compared to refined sugar.
- Baking Soda - Baking soda reacts with acidic ingredients like apple cider vinegar to produce carbon dioxide to help the chocolate loaf cake rise.
- Baking Powder - Baking powder contains both an acid and a base and can react with liquid and heat to produce gas.
- Ground Flaxseed - Ground flaxseed acts as a binder in vegan baking, replacing eggs when made into a flax egg. It's also rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and lignans, which have been associated with various health benefits, including heart health and improved digestion.
- Sea Salt - Sea salt enhances the flavor of your cake and helps balance the sweetness. While it doesn't offer significant health benefits compared to regular table salt, it does contain small amounts of minerals like magnesium, potassium, and calcium.
- Vegan Chocolate Chips - Vegan chocolate chips add decadence and richness to your cake. Dark chocolate, in particular, is known for its antioxidant properties and may offer some cardiovascular benefits when consumed in moderation. Use any leftovers to make my Oil-Free Vegan Cookie Dough Bark!
Wet Ingredients:
- Malt Syrup - Malt syrup adds sweetness and moisture to your cake. It's made from malted barley and contains some vitamins and minerals.
- Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter - This acts as a fat component in your cake and adds richness. Sunflower seed butter is a good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Vanilla Extract - Vanilla extract enhances the flavor of this simple chocolate loaf cake.
- Unsweetened Apple Sauce - Apple sauce adds moisture and sweetness to this delicious cake while also acting as the perfect oil substitute in healthy baking.
- Apple Cider Vinegar - Apple cider vinegar reacts with baking soda to create bubbles, helping your cake rise. It also adds a slight tangy flavor.
- Unsweetened Soy Milk - You can use any plant-based milk of your choice. However, soy milk is the best plant-based milk to use to achieve the perfect moist cake. It's also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Water - You will need a little bit of filtered water to create the flax egg.
Chocolate Ganache:
- Vegan Chocolate Chips - These create a rich and creamy, simple chocolate glaze for your cake.
- Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter - Adds creaminess and richness to the ganache as well as the perfect nutty flavor.
- Unsweetened Soy Milk - Helps thin out the ganache and achieve the desired consistency.
See the recipe card for quantities.
How To Make This Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake:
This vegan chocolate loaf cake is one of my favorite chocolate cake recipes to make because it's an easy recipe and has the perfect decadent chocolate flavor.
- Preparing the Loaf Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
- Making the "Flax Egg":
- In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. Mix until combined and set aside to form the "flax egg" for 5-10 minutes.
- Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl or bowl of an electric mixer, mix together the spelt flour, cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined.
- Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the flax egg and wet ingredients to the mixing bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Adding Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cooling and Preparing Ganache:
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Making the Chocolate Ganache:
- While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips. Once melted, add the Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter and soy milk, and mix until a smooth texture is achieved.
- Decorating the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and smooth it with a spatula. Top with additional vegan chocolate chips.
- Serving:
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving your delicious vegan chocolate loaf cake. For best results, refrigerate for about 30 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy!
Hint: Ensure that you are using fresh Sunbutter when making this recipe. If you are using a dried-out container, you may not achieve the same moist chocolate loaf cake that you would if you were using a fresh jar.
Substitutions:
This easy chocolate loaf cake recipe is great because there are plenty of easy substitutions that can be made if needed. Here are some of the common ones.
- Flour - If you can't get your hands on spelt flour, you can use all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour in its place. Keep in mind that this will affect the texture and baking time. If the batter looks a little dry, add a touch of soy milk, if it looks too watery, add more flour. When baking, make sure to check if the inside is done with a toothpick.
- Sugar - The coconut sugar in this recipe can be replaced with a handful of sweeteners. I recommend using maple crystals if you still want a natural sweetener. If you are open to using refined sugars, you can use dark brown sugar or pure cane sugar. All of these work as a 1 : 1 substitute for coconut sugar.
- Malt Syrup - Malt syrup is one of the more unique ingredients in this recipe. It's available at most health food stores. However, if you can't get your hands on malt syrup, you can use a variety of liquid sweeteners in its place. Pure maple syrup, raw honey (if not strictly vegan), agave nectar, and molasses are all great options.
If you have any questions about a particular substitution not listed, leave a comment, and I'll get back to you as quickly as possible!
Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake Variations:
From time to time, it's fun to add a little bit of spice to classic recipes to try something new yet still familiar. Here are some of my favorite chocolate loaf cake variations.
- Coffee - A great way to add rich flavor to chocolate desserts is to add coffee to the chocolate mixture. You can add 2 teaspoons of espresso powder or instant coffee to the flour mixture to achieve the perfect rich flavor in this chocolate loaf cake.
- Cream Cheese Frosting - If you're not a huge chocolate lover, you can replace the chocolate frosting with cream cheese frosting. My Homemade Cashew Cream Cheese Frosting pairs great with this loaf cake!
- Chocolate Caramel - You can drizzle some of my 2 ingredient vegan caramel on top for a delicious rich and sweet taste.
Equipment:
To make this vegan chocolate loaf cake, you'll need the following equipment:
- Loaf Pan: You'll need a standard-sized loaf pan to bake the cake. Make sure it's greased and lined with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Mixing Bowls: You'll need a couple of mixing bowls—one large bowl for mixing the dry ingredients, a small one for making the flax egg, and another for mixing the chocolate ganache ingredients (unless you make it on the stovetop).
- Whisk: A whisk is handy for combining the dry ingredients thoroughly and breaking up any lumps.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: You'll need a spatula or wooden spoon to mix the wet and dry ingredients together. Make sure to use a gentle folding motion to avoid overmixing.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are crucial in baking, so you'll need measuring cups and spoons for both dry and wet ingredients.
- Saucepan or Microwave-Safe Bowl: If you're making the chocolate ganache on the stovetop, you'll need a small saucepan. Alternatively, you can use a microwave-safe bowl if you prefer to melt the chocolate in the microwave.
- Oven: Of course, you'll need an oven to bake the cake. Make sure it's preheated to the correct temperature before you start baking.
- Wire Rack: A wire rack is useful for cooling the cake after it's been baked. It allows air to circulate around the cake, preventing it from becoming soggy.
Optional equipment:
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: While not essential, a hand mixer or stand mixer can make mixing the ingredients easier and ensure a smooth batter.
That's about it! With these basic kitchen tools, you'll be all set to make this delicious vegan chocolate loaf cake.
As always, you can find all my go-to equipment on my Amazon storefront or my shop page.
Storage:
To store your vegan chocolate loaf cake, follow these steps:
- Wrap or Cover: Once the cake is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil or transfer it to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to accommodate the cake without squishing it.
- Refrigerate or Store at Room Temperature: Depending on the ingredients and climate, you can store the cake at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If your kitchen is cool and dry, the cake can typically be stored at room temperature for up to 2-3 days. If it's warmer or more humid, it's best to store the cake in the refrigerator to prevent spoilage. The cake will stay fresh for up to 5-7 days when refrigerated.
- Avoid Odorous Foods: If storing the cake in the refrigerator, be mindful of strong-smelling foods nearby, as the cake can absorb odors. Consider storing it in a separate section of the fridge or in an airtight container to prevent this.
- Freezing (Optional): If you want to store the cake for longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can slice the cake and wrap individual slices for easier portioning. Frozen cake can typically be kept for up to 2-3 months. To thaw, simply transfer the wrapped cake or slices to the refrigerator overnight or let them sit at room temperature for a few hours.
By following these storage guidelines, you can keep your vegan chocolate loaf cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible!
Top Tip:
I have always loved baking cakes, and I'm not going to lie; I am pretty good at it. One of my best tips for making super moist cakes is to completely wrap it in aluminum foil while it's still hot and then freeze it overnight. When you are ready to serve, allow it to come to room temperature and frost. This will ensure that you have a perfectly moist chocolate loaf cake (and yes, it's worth the wait).
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can make this cake gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of spelt flour. Additionally, make sure all other ingredients, such as baking powder and chocolate chips, are certified gluten-free.
Yes, you can omit the chocolate ganache if you prefer a simpler cake or if you're watching your sugar intake. The cake itself is delicious even without the ganache.
Can I add nuts or dried fruits to the cake batter?
Absolutely! You can add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans, or dried fruits like cranberries or raisins to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Related Vegan Chocolate Recipes:
Looking for more delicious vegan chocolate recipes? Make sure to check out some of the other ones on my website!
If you try this Healthy Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake Recipe, I’d really love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. I’d also really appreciate a recipe card rating! Make sure to share it on social media and tag @theallnaturalvegan to be featured! Thank you for supporting The All Natural Vegan!`
The Best Healthy Vegan Chocolate Loaf Cake
Equipment
- 1 whisk
- 1 Loaf pan
- Parchment paper
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ⅓ cup spelt flour
- ⅔ cup cacao powder
- 1 cup coconut sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- ¼ teaspoon sea salt
- ½ cup plant based chocolate chips
Wet ingredients:
- ¼ cup malt syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup unsweetened soy milk
- ⅓ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Chocolate Ganache:
- ⅔ cup plant based chocolate chips
- 3-4 tablespoon soy milk
- 2 tablespoon Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter
Instructions
Preparing the Loaf Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang for easy removal later.
Making the "Flax Egg":
- In a small bowl, combine the ground flaxseed and water. Mix until combined and set aside to form the "flax egg" for 5-10 minutes.
Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl or bowl of an electric mixer, mix together the spelt flour, cacao powder or unsweetened cocoa powder, coconut sugar, baking soda, baking powder, and sea salt until well combined.
Combining Wet and Dry Ingredients:
- Add the flax egg and wet ingredients to the mixing bowl of dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Adding Chocolate Chips:
- Gently fold in the vegan chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Baking the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cooling and Preparing Ganache:
- Once baked, remove the loaf pan from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
Making the Chocolate Ganache:
- While the cake is cooling, make the chocolate ganache. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the vegan chocolate chips. Once melted, add the Sunbutter No Sugar Added Sunflower Seed Butter and soy milk, and mix until a smooth texture is achieved.
Decorating the Cake:
- Once the cake has cooled, pour the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake and smooth it with a spatula. Top with additional vegan chocolate chips.
Serving:
- Allow the ganache to set for a few minutes before slicing and serving your delicious vegan chocolate loaf cake. For best results, refrigerate for about 30 minutes prior to serving. Enjoy!
More Vegan Cake Recipes:
Are you a fellow cake lover? Make sure to check out some of the other cake recipes on my website!
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