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This super tender loaf cake is topped with a decadent hot fudge sauce with notes of caramelized brown butter and espresso.

slice of chocolate espresso loaf cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, brown butter espresso hot fudge, and flaky salt with the sliced loaf behind

Why You’ll Love a Chocolate Espresso Loaf Cake with Brown Butter Espresso Hot Fudge Sauce

So Soft – this chocolate espresso loaf cake has a super moist and tender crumb. It’s so incredibly soft and delicious.

Cozy – topping this loaf cake with a drizzle of hot fudge makes it even more rich and cozy. The warm hot fudge, with brown butter and espresso flavor, pairs perfectly with the soft chocolate cake. The warmth of the sauce makes it the perfect treat to enjoy while watching a movie, snuggling up with a book, relaxing on a cozy evening, or unwinding at the end of the day.

Customizable – the loaf cake has a light espresso flavor, allowing the chocolate to shine through. The brown butter espresso hot fudge sauce is where the espresso flavor really comes through to complement the subtle espresso flavor in the cake. You always have the option to tone down the espresso flavor by using less espresso powder or you can amp it up by using more.

Entertaining – this soft cake with its rich fudge sauce is the perfect after-dinner dessert to pair with (or in place of) a hot cup of coffee. It’s wonderful to serve at dinner parties, girls’ nights, movie nights, backyard gatherings, parties, and more.

brown butter espresso hot fudge pouring over a slice of chocolate espresso loaf cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream

FAQ

What is espresso powder?

Espresso powder is a bit different than what you’d use to make espresso. It’s very finely ground and dissolves easily, making it perfect for baking. It can be used in small amounts to enhance the chocolate flavor in baked goods or used more heavily to add a coffee flavor.

Where can I find espresso powder?

If your grocery store doesn’t have it, you can find espresso powder online from brands like King Arthur and Anthony’s.

What is dutch-process cocoa powder?

There are two common types of cocoa powder used in baking, natural and dutch-process. Dutch-process cocoa powder is natural cocoa powder that has been alkalized to remove the natural acidity, creating a mellow, more rounded, chocolate flavor.

Because these two types of cocoa powders have different acidities and react with levening agents differently, they are not always interchangable in recipes. With this recipe you can use natural cocoa powder if you prefer it or don’t have dutch-process, though this recipe was written to use dutch-process cocoa specifically. The result will have a lighter color, have slightly different cocoa flavor profile, and may be done baking a few minutes sooner.

How should I serve this cake?

Serve this cake with freshly-made hot fudge while the sauce is still warm. Place a slice of cake on a plate and pour over the fudge sauce. It’s also fantastic with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of flaky salt.

If you don’t want to make the cake day-of, it can be prepared the night before and stored in an air-tight container to keep it moist.

What do I do with leftover hot fudge sauce?

Store any leftover hot fudge sauce in a jar or air-tight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it again, heat it up in the microwave in short intervalls, stirring well in between. Alternatively, you can heat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until warm.

sliced chocolate espresso loaf cake, head-on to show the moist and tender inside texture

Equipment / Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need a standard loaf pan.

A majority of the ingredients are ones you’ll likely have on-hand. Most grocery stores should have dutch-process cocoa powder in the baking aisle, but if you’re unable to find it, you can find it on Amazon from brands like Anthony’s. You’ll also want espresso powder for this recipe.