Our very best loaf cake recipes
Thea Everett
If you’re looking for ways to brighten up your week, how about a lovely loaf cake? We’ve got updated classics, trusty lemon drizzles, and seasonal wonders like a bedazzling pomegranate drizzle cake.
The beauty of a loaf cake is that it transports very well, so they make great gifts to be delivered to loved ones in lockdown, or to slice up and take for refuelling on a long walk. There’s nothing better than a slice of cake for an afternoon pick-me-up. And the flavour possibilities are endless. So grab your loaf tin, and let’s get mixing.
How to make a loaf cake
The top tips
Anyone who has ever baked a cake will know that sometimes the smallest mistake can have a big impact! For loaf cake success, start with room temperature ingredients, cream your butter and sugar thoroughly, and always follow the recipe. It’s also crucial to know your oven. Sit the tin in the middle shelf for the most even bake, and turn your loaf cake round half-way through if you know your oven is hotter on one side.
How to line a loaf tin
Grease the base and sides of your loaf tin with butter or oil, then lay your tin on a piece of greaseproof paper for your measurements. Measure a piece of paper that is long enough to cover the base and the longest sides of the tin. Cut out the measured strip, and lay it inside the tin. Next, cut another piece of greaseproof paper for the opposite angle (so long enough to cover the base and go up the short sides of the tin). Lightly grease the top of the first piece of paper, then sit the piece you’ve just cut in place. The whole tin should now be covered in paper. Let’s bake!
13 best-ever loaf cake recipes
Banana, chocolate and tahini loaf
Our banana, chocolate and tahini loaf is a thing of beauty. Spiced with cardamon and with a nuttiness from the sesame seeds and tahini, it’s a joyful combination of flavours.
This beauty of a cake looks impressive but is actually very easy to put together. The juicy, ruby-red pomegranate seeds will bring a welcome bit of colour to your afternoon tea.
This gleaming cake is tantalising and uses a yogurt pot to measure out ingredients – minimising washing up! A gorgeous recipe to make with children or just to enjoy if you’ve got a couple of brown bananas on your hands.
Did you know that some cakes actually get better with time? This soft, squidgy ginger cake is loaded with spice and makes a tempting teatime treat.
This easy and classic lemon drizzle uses the juice and zest of 3 lemons, because in this context, trust us – you can never have too much! For birthdays, rainy days, and heck, any days – this is a trusty recipe to have up your sleeve. Hit that save button.
This bounty cake takes everything you know and love in a Bounty bar and puts it into cake form: coconut sponge with white chocolate ganache, coated in dark chocolate and topped off with coconut shavings.
Pecan and cinnamon monkey bread
Studded with pecans and drizzled with vanilla icing, this soft, stickily sweet cinnamon monkey bread is simply irresistible. This loaf is so good, you’ll find it goes very quickly.
For an iced loaf cake of dreams, try Georgina Hayden’s spiced carrot halwa cake – the brown sugar butter cream is miraculous.
Mango, lime and ginger loaf cake
Short on time, but still hungry for cake? Not to worry, this zesty lime and mango number can be knocked up in just 10 minutes. It’s full of flavour, and is sure to cheer up a dull day.
Date and ginger cake with caramel glaze
For a cake that is as good a dessert as it is an afternoon pick-me-up, try this date and ginger loaf with caramel glaze.
This apple and banana loaf makes for a wonderful breakfast. It is the recipe to turn to when your fruit bowl is looking a little past its best. From wrinkly and browning fruit to this beauty of a cake in no time – ovens, we love you.
Malt loaf benefits from maturing, during which time it will become stickier and richer. Wrap in baking paper and keep in a tin for a few days. Soon, you’ll have a wonderfully rich, sticky malt loaf. Perfect slathered with lots of salted butter.
Coconut and cardamom loaf cake
If you’re looking for something you may not have tried before, this coconut and cardamom cake hits the spot. It’s luxurious yet light, scented with cardamom and decorated with lemon icing and dried rose petals.
Check out all of our loaf cake recipes right here.
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