Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is the ultimate fusion of rich chocolate brownies and soft, moist bread. Perfect for chocoholics, this dessert loaf is decadent yet easy to prepare, making it ideal for any occasion, from cozy evenings to festive gatherings. Each bite offers a luscious, fudgy center and the warm comfort of freshly baked bread.
Ingredients:
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Wet Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/3 cup whole milk or buttermilk
- Extras:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chunks
- 1/4 cup hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Prepare Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, whisk the melted butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well incorporated. Gradually whisk in the milk or buttermilk.
Combine Wet and Dry:
Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Avoid overmixing.
Add Chocolate:
Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks.
Assemble:
Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Drizzle half of the hot fudge sauce over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and hot fudge sauce, gently swirling the top layer with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake:
Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Cool and Serve:
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy!
Additional Tips and Variations for Hot Fudge Brownie Bread:
Tips for Success:
- Room Temperature Ingredients:
- Ensure the eggs and milk are at room temperature to prevent the butter from solidifying and to create a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix:
- Overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Check Doneness:
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread around the 50-minute mark. The goal is moist crumbs, not a clean toothpick.
- Cooling:
- Let the bread cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before transferring it to a cooling rack to avoid breaking the bread.
- Hot Fudge Swirl:
- For a more pronounced swirl, use a knife or skewer to create gentle patterns on the top layer before baking.
Variations:
Nutty Addition:
- Add 1/3 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Espresso Kick:
- Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Mint Chocolate:
- Fold in chopped mint chocolate candies for a refreshing twist.
- Salted Caramel:
- Replace the hot fudge sauce with salted caramel sauce for a rich, buttery variation.
- Gluten-Free Option:
- Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version.
- Dairy-Free Option:
- Use plant-based butter and almond or oat milk for a dairy-free loaf.
Serving Suggestions:
- Toppings:
- Dust the cooled loaf with powdered sugar or drizzle additional hot fudge over each slice before serving.
- Pairings:
- Serve slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream (vanilla or chocolate).
- Breakfast Treat:
- Toast slices lightly and serve with a spread of cream cheese or Nutella for a decadent breakfast.
Storage Instructions:
Room Temperature:
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Refrigeration:
For longer storage, refrigerate the bread for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing:
Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion:
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is the perfect way to elevate your brownie game. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert or enjoy it as a mid-day treat with a cup of coffee. Its rich, chocolatey layers make it an irresistible addition to your baking repertoire. Try it once, and it’ll quickly become a household favorite!