Brownie Bread

Introduction

Do you ever wish you could combine the rich, fudgy goodness of brownies with the soft, comforting texture of bread? Well, wish no more! Brownie bread is the dreamy hybrid you didn’t know you needed. It’s got the dense, indulgent texture of brownies with the sliceable, soft goodness of bread, making it the perfect treat for any time of day.

I first made this recipe on a rainy afternoon when I was craving brownies but didn’t have a baking pan handy. I thought, “Why not make this brownie mix into something more creative?” And let me tell you, it did not disappoint! The result is a wonderfully moist, chocolatey loaf that’s slightly crisp on the outside and gooey on the inside. It’s the best of both worlds, and I can’t stop making it whenever the mood strikes.

What makes this brownie bread extra special is its versatility. You can enjoy it warm out of the oven with a smear of butter (yes, please!), or slice it up and pair it with coffee for the perfect afternoon snack. It’s also super simple to make, so even if you’re new to baking, you’ll feel like a pro. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: If you can stir ingredients together and pour them into a pan, you can make this bread. It’s that simple. You’ll have a decadent dessert or snack in just over an hour.
• Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Every bite is packed with rich, fudgy chocolate goodness, just like a brownie—except it’s sliceable like bread!
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re enjoying it as a quick breakfast, serving it at a party, or treating yourself after a long day, brownie bread is the ultimate comfort food.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You don’t need fancy baking tools to get it right. All you need is a loaf pan and a few basic ingredients.

The best part? You don’t have to choose between cake, brownies, and bread anymore. This recipe brings them all together, making it impossible to eat just one slice!

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (15 minutes prep, 45 minutes baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 8-10 slices, depending on how thick you cut them.

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

• Calories: 350
• Protein: 4g
• Carbs: 45g
• Fat: 20g

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this irresistible brownie bread:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base of the bread, giving it structure.
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder: This is what gives the bread that rich, chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder: Helps the bread rise and gives it that perfect texture.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted): Adds richness and moisture.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: For sweetness and a slight crispiness on the top.
• 2 large eggs: These help bind the ingredients and provide structure.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A little vanilla to round out the chocolate flavor.
• 1/2 cup milk: Adds moisture to the bread and keeps it soft.
• 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional but highly recommended): For extra gooey, melty chocolate in every bite.

These ingredients are simple and straightforward, and you probably have most of them in your pantry already! It’s a perfect recipe to whip up on a whim when that chocolate craving hits.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get started with this decadent brownie bread:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper. This ensures that the bread slides right out when it’s done.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Set it aside. This helps to ensure everything is evenly distributed and prevents clumps of cocoa powder.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter and sugar. The butter adds a rich flavor, while the sugar gives the bread a slight crispiness on the outside. After the butter and sugar are combined, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until smooth.
4. Add the dry ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—the key to tender brownie bread is a gentle stir. It should look like a thick batter, which is perfect.
5. Stir in the milk: Pour in the milk, stirring to make sure the batter is smooth and thick but pourable. If you want to make the bread extra fudgy, add the chocolate chips at this point, folding them gently into the batter.
6. Pour into the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. It will rise slightly while baking, so don’t worry if it looks like a lot of batter at first.
7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes—it should be golden on top, with a slight crack down the middle.
8. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice it while it’s still warm for that perfectly gooey experience, or let it cool completely for cleaner slices.

How to Serve

Here are a few ways to serve your brownie bread:

• Enjoy it plain: Fresh out of the oven, with a little pat of butter for extra richness.
• Top with whipped cream: For a treat that’s a little more decadent, top each slice with a dollop of homemade whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Pair with coffee or milk: This is perfect with your favorite hot beverage—coffee, tea, or a cold glass of milk.

You can also serve this with fresh fruit like berries or a drizzle of caramel sauce if you’re feeling extra indulgent.

Additional Tips

To make sure your brownie bread turns out perfect every time, here are a few tips:

• Measure your flour correctly: Don’t scoop the flour directly from the container. Instead, spoon it into your measuring cup and level it off. Too much flour will make the bread dry.
• Don’t overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to dense, tough bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined and no longer.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder: Since cocoa powder is the base flavor, using a good quality one will make a huge difference. I recommend Dutch-processed cocoa for a rich, smooth taste.
• Let the bread cool completely: I know it’s tempting to slice into it right away, but letting it cool fully helps it hold together and makes for cleaner slices.
• Add-ins: If you want a bit more texture, feel free to add chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for an extra crunch.

Recipe Variations

Here are a few ideas for customizing your brownie bread:

• Nutty Brownie Bread: Stir in 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter for added crunch and flavor.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter: For a peanut butter twist, swirl in 1/4 cup of peanut butter into the batter before baking. The peanut butter will melt into the bread as it bakes.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free version of brownie bread.
• Vegan Option: Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water), and use dairy-free butter and milk to make this bread completely vegan.
• Mint Chocolate Brownie Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of mint extract to the batter and sprinkle some crushed mint chocolate chips on top before baking for a fresh, minty twist.

Serving Suggestions

For the perfect brownie bread meal, try pairing it with these side dishes and drinks:

• Side Dishes: Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. You could also pair it with fresh fruit like strawberries or raspberries to cut through the sweetness.
• Beverages: A hot cup of coffee or tea complements the chocolatey richness of the bread. If you’re serving it as dessert, consider a glass of dessert wine or milk.
• For kids: Serve slices of brownie bread with a glass of cold milk or alongside a fun fruit salad for a family-friendly treat.

Freezing and Storage

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), here’s how to store or freeze your brownie bread:

• Storing: Keep your brownie bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days. It’ll stay soft and moist, perfect for enjoying throughout the week.
• Freezing: To freeze, slice the bread first, then wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it on the counter or heat it in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back that fresh-baked goodness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I use a different type of cocoa powder?
Yes, you can! If you prefer a darker, richer flavor, you can use Dutch-processed cocoa powder. If you don’t have that, natural unsweetened cocoa powder works just as well. The difference is that Dutch-processed cocoa gives a smoother, milder chocolate taste, while natural cocoa powder has a more robust, tangy flavor. Both will yield delicious results.

2. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! To make gluten-free brownie bread, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that the blend contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to give the bread the proper texture. Some flour blends may need a bit of extra liquid, so keep that in mind if you’re experimenting.

3. Can I make this bread ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Brownie bread actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can bake it ahead of time and store it at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices and thaw them when you’re ready to eat.

4. How do I know when the brownie bread is done baking?
The best way to test for doneness is by inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the loaf. If it comes out with just a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), it’s done. Keep in mind that brownie bread tends to stay a bit moist in the middle, so a few crumbs are perfectly normal!

5. Can I add mix-ins to the batter?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in extras like chocolate chips (milk, semi-sweet, or white chocolate), nuts (walnuts, pecans), or even swirls of peanut butter or Nutella. Just be careful not to overload the batter with too many add-ins, as it might affect the texture of the bread.

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Conclusion

This brownie bread is an absolute game-changer! It combines all the best parts of brownies and bread, creating a dessert that’s indulgent yet comforting, and easy to make yet impressive. Whether you’re baking it for a special occasion or just because you’re craving something sweet, this bread is sure to become a new favorite.

From the rich chocolate flavor to the moist, tender crumb, it’s everything you love about brownies—but in bread form! So, next time you’re in the mood for something extra chocolatey, give this brownie bread a try. It’s guaranteed to become a staple in your baking repertoire.