When my sweet tooth kicks in this chocolate bread saves the day. I created this recipe for those moments when you need something chocolatey but don't want to drag out the mixer. It's become my go-to recipe when friends pop over unexpectedly.
A Few Reasons to Love This Recipe
The texture of this bread gets me every time soft pillowy slices with an intense chocolate flavor. I keep the ingredients simple so I can whip it up whenever the mood strikes. Plus it freezes beautifully which means chocolate happiness is always minutes away.
What You'll Need
- Cocoa powder: 1/2 cup natural unsweetened or Dutch-processed cocoa powder for a rich flavor.
- Caster sugar: 3/4 cup, or granulated sugar for sweetness.
- Brown sugar: 1/2 cup light brown sugar for added moisture and depth.
- Butter: 1/2 cup melted. Use unsalted, or omit additional salt if using salted butter.
- Buttermilk: 3/4 cup. Store-bought full-fat is ideal. Alternatively, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Chocolate chips: 3/4 cup milk, dark, or your favorite variation for bursts of chocolate.
Kitchen Magic Time
- Prepare Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/2 tsp baking soda, and a pinch of salt. Add sugars and stir briefly.
- Mix Wet Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, 2 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract. Stir until the eggs are fully broken up.
- Combine Wet and Dry
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Add buttermilk and gently stir until combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
- Prepare for Baking
- Transfer the batter to a greased and lined loaf pan. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for garnish.
- Bake
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes. Check doneness with a skewer—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
My Kitchen Secrets
I learned this trick from my mom grab your kitchen scale for perfect measurements. Don't go crazy with the mixing once everything comes together step away from the bowl. Trust your timer but also trust your nose when it smells like chocolate heaven it's almost ready.
From My Kitchen to Yours
This bread has saved many office parties and family gatherings. I love watching people's faces light up when they taste it. Sometimes I bring a loaf to new neighbors it's the perfect way to say welcome to the neighborhood.
What Makes This Recipe Special
The magic happens when buttermilk meets melted butter and brown sugar. These ingredients work together to create the most amazing texture while cocoa and chocolate chips bring that deep chocolate flavor we all crave.
Keep It Fresh
I store my bread in my grandmother's old tin container it stays perfect for three days. When I'm planning ahead I slice and freeze portions wrapped in plastic. Ten seconds in the microwave brings them back to life.
Make It Your Own
Sometimes I switch things up with white chocolate chips or throw in some peanut butter chips when I'm feeling fancy. My kids love it when I drizzle warm chocolate over the top just before serving.
Worth Every Bite
This chocolate bread never disappoints. It's my go to recipe when chocolate cravings hit. Whether you're enjoying it fresh from the oven or as an afternoon pick me up it hits all the right notes.
A Happy Accident
This recipe came to life one day when I ran out of bananas for my usual chocolate banana bread. Turns out removing the bananas and tweaking the ingredients created something even more amazing pure chocolate goodness ready whenever you are.
Simple is Better
I love that this recipe needs just a bowl and spatula. No fancy equipment required. It's the kind of baking that feels relaxing and rewarding without any fuss or complicated steps.
The Secret to Perfect Texture
Getting that dreamy texture comes down to measuring with care and watching your baking time. Those chocolate chips create little pockets of melty goodness throughout the bread making each slice absolutely irresistible.
Ways to Enjoy
Most days I enjoy a slice plain but when friends come over I love serving it with fresh whipped cream or vanilla ice cream. It's also perfect with my morning coffee when I need something special to start the day.
Spreading Joy One Slice at a Time
Baking this bread has become my way of showing love. Nothing beats seeing someone's face light up when they taste it for the first time. It's more than just chocolate bread it's a way to make someone's day a little sweeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Use 1/2 cup milk plus 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, or make buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon vinegar to 1 cup milk.
- → Why is my bread browning too quickly?
Cover with foil after 30 minutes if top browns too fast. This protects the top while allowing the center to finish baking.
- → Can I freeze this bread?
Yes, slice first then wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw at room temp or microwave briefly.
- → What type of chocolate chips work best?
Any type works - dark, milk, or even white chocolate chips. Choose based on your sweetness preference.
Conclusion
A delightful chocolate bread recipe that combines rich cocoa and chocolate chips, creating a moist and decadent treat. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon snack, this one-bowl recipe is simple to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy chocolate lovers.