Chocolate Orange Coconut Snack Loaf

Name: Chocolate Orange Coconut Snack Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup coconut milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; 1/2 cup shredded coconut; 1/2 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Soft Ideas

I created this Chocolate Orange Coconut Snack Loaf as a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate combined with the refreshing essence of orange and coconut. Each bite transports me to a tropical paradise while still satisfying my chocolate cravings. It's an ideal treat for lazy afternoons or when friends drop by unexpectedly. With simple ingredients and easy steps, I promise this loaf will become a favorite in your home.

Created by

Kendra Lawson

Last updated on 2026-01-21T18:22:36.241Z

As I developed this recipe, I wanted to create a loaf that celebrated the wonderful marriage of rich cocoa and the brightness of orange zest. I discovered that adding a splash of coconut milk not only made the loaf ultra-moist but also accented the flavors beautifully. Baking it low and slow ensured it cooked evenly, giving it that perfect crumb.

One of my favorite moments is when I took it out of the oven and the aroma filled my kitchen. I couldn't resist slicing into it warm and slathering on a bit of butter. Trust me, the combination of chocolate, orange, and coconut is not to be missed!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

Ingredient Insights

The combination of unsweetened cocoa powder and both granulated and brown sugars creates a deep, complex sweetness that balances beautifully with the citrus notes. The brown sugar adds moisture and a slight caramel flavor, which enhances the loaf's overall richness. If you're looking for a lower-sugar option, you can try reducing the sugars by 25% and adding a ripe banana for sweetness and moisture.

Coconut milk is a star player in this recipe, contributing both creaminess and a subtle coconut flavor. If you don’t have coconut milk, you can substitute it with almond milk or regular milk, but be aware that the texture might change slightly. For a non-dairy option, opt for a nut or oat milk, ensuring it’s unsweetened to keep the balance of flavors intact.

Baking Breakdown

When mixing the wet and dry ingredients, be careful not to overmix; this can lead to a dense loaf instead of a light and airy one. Mix until you no longer see flour but still have visible lumps. These lumps will incorporate during baking, resulting in a pleasing texture. Additionally, a quick tip is to sift your dry ingredients; this adds air and can help avoid clumping, especially with cocoa powder.

The baking time can vary based on your oven's calibration. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. If the loaf is browning too quickly, cover it with aluminum foil after the first 30 minutes of baking. This prevents over-baking while allowing the center to cook through.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1/2 cup shredded coconut
1/2 cup chocolate chips

Mix these ingredients well for a fluffy, flavorful cake!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a loaf pan.

Combine Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, coconut milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and orange zest until smooth.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the shredded coconut and chocolate chips.

Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Enjoy your delicious loaf with a cup of tea or coffee!

Pro Tips

For an extra flavorful loaf, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter. An optional glaze made of powdered sugar and orange juice drizzled over the top adds a lovely shine and sweetness.

Storing and Serving

To store the Chocolate Orange Coconut Snack Loaf, wrap it in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep it at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Just wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer bag. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature. You can also reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm treat.

This loaf is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For an extra citrus kick, drizzle a simple orange glaze made from powdered sugar and fresh orange juice on top once it cools. This adds a refreshing finish that perfectly complements the rich chocolate.

Variations to Try

Feel free to experiment with different add-ins! For instance, you can substitute the chocolate chips with dried cranberries or cherries for a tart contrast to the sweet chocolate and orange. Alternatively, consider adding a handful of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, for added crunch and flavor depth. You could even throw in a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without adding any coffee taste.

If you're looking to switch up the citrus element, lemon or lime zest can be used instead of orange. Just keep in mind that lemon will introduce a tangier flavor profile, so you may want to slightly adjust the sugar to taste. This versatility not only keeps the recipe exciting but also caters to various palates, making it a go-to for gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use low-fat coconut milk?

Yes, using low-fat coconut milk works, but the loaf may be slightly less rich.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw before serving.

→ What can I use instead of eggs?

You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a substitute, or try applesauce for moisture.