Chocolate Bread

Featured in Freshly Baked Breads.

A decadent quick bread combining cocoa powder and chocolate chips for double chocolate flavor. Mixed in one bowl for easy cleanup.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 15:52:08 GMT
A close-up view of three slices of rich, chocolate cake on a round plate, showcasing a moist and glossy texture. Pin it
A close-up view of three slices of rich, chocolate cake on a round plate, showcasing a moist and glossy texture. | recipesbyclare.com

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.
A close-up of a sliced piece of rich chocolate cake on a white plate, set against a soft pink background. Pin it
A close-up of a sliced piece of rich chocolate cake on a white plate, set against a soft pink background. | recipesbyclare.com

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.

A close-up view of a slice of rich chocolate loaf cake on a pale pink plate. Pin it
A close-up view of a slice of rich chocolate loaf cake on a pale pink plate. | recipesbyclare.com

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.

A sliced chocolate loaf cake is displayed on a white plate, showcasing its moist texture and rich color. Pin it
A sliced chocolate loaf cake is displayed on a white plate, showcasing its moist texture and rich color. | recipesbyclare.com

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.

A moist, sliced chocolate loaf cake sits on a white plate, showcasing its rich, dark interior. Pin it
A moist, sliced chocolate loaf cake sits on a white plate, showcasing its rich, dark interior. | recipesbyclare.com

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.

Chocolate Bread

Rich chocolate quick bread filled with chocolate chips. Easy one-bowl recipe perfect for chocolate lovers.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
45 Minutes
Total Time
65 Minutes


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 10 Servings (1 loaf)

Dietary: Vegetarian

Ingredients

01 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour.
02 1/2 cup cocoa powder.
03 1 teaspoon baking soda.
04 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder.
05 1/4 teaspoon salt.
06 1/2 cup brown sugar.
07 1/4 cup granulated sugar.
08 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted.
09 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
10 2 large eggs.
11 3/4 cup buttermilk.
12 3/4 cup chocolate chips.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 350°F. Line 9x5 loaf pan.

Step 02

Combine flour, cocoa, leaveners, salt and sugars.

Step 03

Whisk melted butter, vanilla and eggs.

Step 04

Add wet ingredients and buttermilk to dry mix. Stir in most chips.

Step 05

Top with remaining chips, bake 40-45 minutes until done.

Notes

  1. Can use any chocolate chips.
  2. Cover with foil if browning too fast.
  3. Freezes well.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9x5 loaf pan.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 292
  • Total Fat: 15 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 38 g
  • Protein: 5 g