Loaf cake recipes come together quickly, which means you don’t need to work too hard to make (and eat) a tasty dessert. Sure, they don’t have the sexiest name, but loaf cakes are a sure-fire crowd-pleaser, especially when they’ve got banana in them, or are topped with a sugary glaze or rich cream cheese icing. Here are our 14 best loaf cake recipes!

Glazed lemon loaf on parchment paper.
Photo, Erik Putz.

Glazed lemon loaf

Bright lemon shines in this classic cake that would perfect for afternoon tea.

Plain banana bread loaf.
Photo, Erik Putz.

Banana bread

It’s a classic for a reason! Be sure to use ripe bananas for this one. Lemon-poppyseed loaf on parchment paper.

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Lemon-poppyseed loaf

A certain coffee shop is famous for its version of this classic loaf, but why not make it yourself?

Chocolate marble loaf on parchment paper.
Photo, Erik Putz.

Chocolate marble loaf

This stunner of a loaf cake is perfect for when you just can’t decide between chocolate and vanilla.

Pumpkin loaf on a cooling rack and sliced, with a white icing and pepitas.
Photo, Erik Putz.

Classic pumpkin loaf

Start baking up this loaf cake at the first sign of fall.

Zucchini loaf on a plate.
Photo, Erik Putz.

Zucchini Loaf

Yes, vegetables totally belong in cake! Orange and sweet potato loaf cake with candied clementines.

Photo, Roberto Caruso.

Orange-drizzled sweet potato cake

Sweet potato packs a hearty punch in this citrus-scented cake.