Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Decadent Flavor: Deep cocoa notes make this bread as chocolatey as your favorite brownies, but with a slightly less dense texture.
- Versatile: Enjoy it plain, warm with butter, or topped with ice cream for a decadent dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with pantry staples, this is a no-fuss recipe that doesn’t require a mixer.
- Perfect for Sharing: Great for gifting or serving at brunch, this loaf is as crowd-pleasing as it gets.
- Customizable: Add your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or even a swirl of peanut butter to make it your own.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing it with butter and dusting it with flour, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until well combined and smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three parts, alternating with the milk (added in two portions). Stir gently after each addition to avoid overmixing. Fold in the chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing to ensure clean cuts and maintain its structure.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 10 slices.
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Baking Time: 50-60 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes
Variations
- Nutty Delight: Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
- Marble Effect: Swirl in some cream cheese or peanut butter into the batter before baking for a marbled appearance and enhanced taste.
- Spiced Twist: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a subtle spice kick.
- Fruit Infusion: Fold in dried cherries or raspberries to complement the rich chocolate flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Room Temperature: Store Brownie Bread in an airtight container or wrapped in foil for up to 4 days. Keep it in a cool, dry place.
- Refrigeration: If you prefer a chilled texture, refrigerate the bread in an airtight container for up to a week. Allow it to come to room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving.
- Freezing: Wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm slices as needed.
FAQs
What is Brownie Bread?
Brownie Bread is a hybrid between a traditional brownie and a loaf of bread, offering the rich, chocolatey flavor of brownies with a lighter, bread-like texture.
Can I use a different type of flour?
All-purpose flour is recommended for this recipe to achieve the desired texture. Substituting with other flours may alter the consistency and rise of the bread.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend as a substitute for regular flour. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or add it separately to mimic the binding properties of gluten.
Can I make this bread dairy-free?
Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a non-dairy milk like almond or soy milk. Ensure that any added chocolate chips are also dairy-free.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. If there’s wet batter on the toothpick, continue baking and check again in a few minutes.
Can I add other mix-ins to the batter?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or even swirl in some peanut butter or cream cheese to customize the bread to your liking.
Brownie Bread
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 slices
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Brownie Bread is a delicious fusion of fudgy brownies and a moist, tender loaf. With deep chocolate flavor and a soft crumb, it’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this easy recipe is customizable with mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or peanut butter swirls.
Ingredients
- 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup melted butter
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat until smooth. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually mix dry ingredients into the wet ingredients in three parts, alternating with milk. Stir gently to avoid overmixing. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool & Serve: Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- Store at room temperature for up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Add nuts, dried fruit, or peanut butter for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
