Our Favorite Loaf Cakes

Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake — Photo: © Phoebe Lapine

Loaf cakes are decidedly less show-stopping than their layer-cake counterparts, but that certainly doesn't make them less delicious. Yes, they lack goopy fillings and fluffy icings, but their beauty lies in their simplicity — and ease of preparation. They're quick to make and a breeze to transport, plus perfect to share at any time of day. And while they're superb in their naked state, we won't stop you from serving yours with a fruit compote or a scoop of ice cream. From classic pound cake to a fragrant fall-spiced yam loaf, here are our favorite loaf cake recipes.

01 of 11

Jacques Pépin's Favorite Pound Cake

This is the fundamental loaf that started it all. The French call pound cake quatre-quarts ("four-fourths") because the original was made with equal parts flour, sugar, eggs, and butter. Jacques Pépin's mother, aunt, and cousin all have their versions. He likes to fold in candied citrus peels to make a French fruit cake; he also loves plain slices dipped in espresso.

Get the Recipe

02 of 11

Orange-Scented Buttermilk Cake Loaves

The solution to baking for 20 is to stick with easy desserts like this golden loaf cake, which can be made a day in advance. Butter, tangy sour cream, and buttermilk provide moisture and gentle flavor, which is enhanced by just a touch of orange zest, vanilla, and cinnamon. Enjoy it unadorned or dress it up with fruit and whipped cream.

Get the Recipe

03 of 11

Chocolate Marble Pound Cake

This loaf's beautifully swirled marriage of classic chocolate and vanilla pound cake pairs perfectly with coffee, no matter the time of day. The cake can be wrapped in foil and refrigerated for one week or frozen for up to two months.

Get the Recipe

04 of 11

Matcha Pound Cake with Almond Glaze

For this recipe, blogger Molly Yeh combines toasty matcha green tea with a sweet almond glaze to make a delicious, moist loaf that begs to be sliced.

Get the Recipe

05 of 11

Gluten-Free Lemon Drizzle Cake

This classic British loaf cake is incredibly moist because it's made with olive oil instead of butter, which also gives the batter a rich golden color. The addition of poppy seeds makes it a perfect alternative to your morning muffin, while the lemon drizzle dresses up the cake for company.

Get the Recipe

06 of 11

Cheddar Cheese Pound Cake with Brandy Caramel Apples

Cheddar Cheese Pound Cake with Caramelized Apples — Photo by Sarah Crowder / Food Styling by Chandra Ram

This pound cake gets a bit of a savory edge from the mellow cheddar cheese mixed into the batter and sprinkled on top. It's excellent with afternoon coffee or tea on its own, but the Brandy Caramel Apples move it clearly into dessert territory (add a scoop of ice cream to take it over the top).

Get the Recipe

07 of 11

Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Zest Glaze

Blueberry Lemon Cake Recipe — Caitlin Bensel

This one-bowl loaf cake is exceptionally easy to make. Since the batter calls for oil instead of butter, there's no need for a creaming step — just quickly beat together the ingredients until smooth, then fold in the blueberries.

Get the Recipe

08 of 11

Honey Cake

This gluten-free loaf was inspired by German cake recipes from a 13th-century cookbook. With its malty, molasses notes, buckwheat honey gives the cake its signature flavor. Serve it with a smear of creamy mascarpone cheese and an extra drizzle of honey.

Get the Recipe

09 of 11

Yam Cake

Our yam loaf is spiced with both fresh and ground ginger, as well as cinnamon and a little freshly ground pepper. A tangy cream cheese glaze provides the perfect complement for this autumn treat.

Get the Recipe

10 of 11

Nutella-Swirl Pound Cake

This pound cake is made especially rich by swirling in the chocolate-hazelnut spread Nutella. Serve it with coffee ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Get the Recipe

11 of 11

Graham Cracker Pound Cake

This clever and unique cake has crushed graham crackers folded into the batter. It's wonderful to eat plain, but Kansas City pastry chef Megan Garrelts serves hers with sage-glazed figs and spiced walnut gelato.

Get the recipe

Updated by

Maria Yagoda