Craving Something Sweet? Try These Loaf Cake Recipes For Easy Baking

Making a cake does not have to be something elaborate. Just plain recipes with no fuss and lack of high-tech equipment or hours spent in the kitchen are what you really need. And if you ever find yourself craving something sweet but not waste a whole day in the kitchen, loaf cakes will save you. These simple yet satisfying cakes are perfect for all occasions, be it a rainy evening with a hot cup of chai or a casual get-together with friends.

Loaf cakes are the epitome of stress-free desserts, requiring minimal effort, yet yielding maximum flavor. The best part? You don't need to worry about layers or frosting. You just mix, pour, and bake! Whether fruity, nutty, or a more classic flavor, you can be sure there is a loaf cake out there for you.

If you’re looking for inspiration to get your baking journey started, we’ve rounded up some must-try loaf cake recipes. So, get on that apron and get ready to impress yourself and others with these easy-to-make treats!

What is a Loaf Cake?

A loaf cake is a simple, moist cake that is baked in a rectangular or loaf-shaped pan. The consistency of loaf cakes is dense and usually doesn't need any frosting. Great for an instant dessert or snack, this bread could be made in a variety of flavors-including fruits, nuts, or spices. Loaf cakes are very versatile and can be served plain or glazed. They're wonderful for breakfast or with a cup of tea.

Classic Banana Bread

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe bananas (mashed)
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and grease a loaf pan. Grease a loaf pan. Mash the bananas in a bowl. In another bowl, mix flour, baking soda, and salt. Beat the butter with sugar until creamy, add eggs, then vanilla. Gradually add dry ingredients mixed with mashed bananas and stir just until combined. Pour the batter into the loaf pan and bake for 60 minutes or until a knife comes clean. Cool it before slicing.

Lemon Poppy Seed Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup butter (melted)
• 1/3 cup milk
• 2 tbsp poppy seeds
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon extract

Method:

Preheat the oven to 180°C. Grease a loaf pan and prepare it. In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and poppy seeds. In another bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, butter, milk, lemon juice, and lemon extract together. Combine the wet and dry ingredients and mix gently. Pour the batter into a prepared pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes at 180°C. Let it cool and serve with powdered sugar dust as an added glaze.

Carrot Cake Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup grated carrots
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, salt in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla extract. Add grated carrots to the wet ingredients, then combine wet and dry ingredients. Pour mixture into greased loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Chocolate Chip Loaf Cake

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ cup butter (softened)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cream butter and sugar to fluffy, then add eggs and vanilla. Mix in dry ingredients followed by chocolate chips. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake for 55-60 minutes. Cool before slicing.

Orange Almond Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1¾ cups almond flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ¼ tsp salt
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ cup orange juice
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp orange peel (finely grated)

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C and grease loaf pan. Combine almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs, honey, orange juice, and vanilla. Add dry ingredients followed by orange peel. Pour in the pan and bake for 45-50 minutes.

Apple Cinnamon Loaf

Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup apples (chopped)
• ½ cup vegetable oil

Method:

Preheat oven to 180°C. Combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Beat eggs and sugar together and froth to a thick foam, adding oil. Combine dry ingredients and chopped apples and mix lightly. Bake in loaf pan for 50-55 minutes then cool before slicing.

Quick Tips to Remember

Grease Your Pan Well: Grease your loaf tin and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Do Not Overmix: Fold the batter lightly so the texture isn't dense.

Cooling Before Serving: The loaf needs to cool completely lest it crumbles.

How to Serve

Loaf cakes are very versatile with serving. It can be taken plain accompanied by tea or coffee or can be dressed up with drizzled chocolate, whipped cream, or fresh fruits. For an indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

How to Store Loaf Cake

To keep your loaf cake fresh, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. Keep it at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.