Introduction to Brownie Bread
If you’re on the hunt for a delectable homemade treat that combines the best of both worlds—cake and brownie—look no further than brownie bread. This unique dessert isn’t just about indulging your sweet tooth; it captures the rich, fudgy texture of brownies while giving you the versatility of bread.
Why is Brownie Bread the ultimate homemade treat?
Not only does brownie bread make for an excellent afternoon snack or breakfast option, but it’s also incredibly easy to whip up. With just a handful of ingredients—many of which you probably already have in your pantry—you can create a delightful loaf that pairs perfectly with coffee, tea, or a glass of milk. Plus, you can customize it to your liking by adding nuts, chocolate chips, or even a swirl of peanut butter.
Additionally, this recipe delivers a satisfaction that’s hard to match. Imagine slicing into a warm loaf still faintly steaming, the glossy layer of milk chocolate ganache beckoning you. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or treating yourself on a cozy evening, brownie bread is sure to impress.
So grab your mixing bowl and let’s embark on this delicious baking adventure together!
Ingredients for Brownie Bread
When you're looking to indulge in something truly delightful, this brownie bread is the perfect treat. Let’s gather the ingredients that will bring this delicious creation to life!
For the Bread
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips: This is the heart of your dish, adding that rich, sweet flavor we all love.
- 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour: A crucial base that provides structure to your bread.
- ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder: For that deep, chocolatey taste that no brownie can be without!
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda: It helps the bread rise just enough for a light texture.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: A pinch of salt enhances all those sweet flavors beautifully.
- 3 large eggs (room temperature): Eggs help bind the ingredients together while adding moisture.
- 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar: Because who doesn’t love a touch of sweetness?
- ½ cup vegetable oil: Keeps the bread moist and tender.
- ¾ cup water: Just enough to bring it all together.
For the Milk Chocolate Ganache
- ½ cup milk chocolate chips: Extra chocolate on top? Yes, please!
- ¼ cup heavy cream: To help melt your chocolate chips into a silky ganache.
Ready to create a life-changing dessert? Make sure to have these ingredients on hand, and let’s get baking! For more baking insights, check out this guide on ingredient substitutions.
Preparing Brownie Bread
Making brownie bread is a delightful process that transforms simple ingredients into a rich, fudgy loaf! Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to guide you through the “how-tos” of preparing this delectable treat.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before diving into the baking adventure, it’s crucial to gather all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (59 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil
- ¾ cup water
For the ganache:
- ½ cup (84 g) milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (59.5 g) heavy cream
Why not double-check your pantry now? Having everything at your fingertips can make your baking experience seamless and enjoyable.
Melt the Chocolate Chips
Start by melting the 1 cup of milk chocolate chips. Place them in a medium, microwave-safe bowl and microwave in 30-second intervals. After each interval, stir the chocolate until it’s completely melted and smooth. Be sure to let it cool slightly while you prep the dry ingredients. This step ensures a velvety texture in your brownie bread.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This not only combines the flavors but also creates a uniform texture, making your brownie bread rise evenly. For those interested in learning more about why salt plays a crucial role in baking, check out this insightful article.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
Now, it's time to create a beautiful, creamy mix! In the bowl of a stand mixer, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat them together until light and fluffy—this should take about 5 minutes. As the mixer runs on low, slowly add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water, mixing until smooth. This is where your brownie bread will start to come together!
Fold Dry into Wet
Gradually add your dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Use a spatula to fold, ensuring no lumps remain. This technique allows for gentle incorporation, keeping the batter airy for that perfect fudgy effect. Remember, the key to great baking is being gentle!
Bake the Brownie Bread
Pour the batter into a prepared 9x5-inch metal loaf pan and bake in a preheated oven at 325°F for 85-90 minutes. Use the toothpick test—insert it into the center, ensuring a few crumbs cling on but no wet batter remains. This helps achieve that desired fudgy texture. I recommend checking around 75 minutes; it’s better to underbake slightly than to overdo it. Once done, let it cool before you add the luscious ganache!
By following these steps, you're well on your way to enjoying a mouthwatering loaf of brownie bread. Happy baking!
Variations on Brownie Bread
Nutty Brownie Bread
For those who crave a crunch, consider adding your favorite nuts to the mix. Chopped walnuts or pecans not only enhance the flavor but also add delightful texture. Simply fold in about 1 cup of toasted nuts into the batter before pouring it into the loaf pan. This nutty brownie bread variation pairs beautifully with a warm cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If you're an enthusiastic baker, you might enjoy this Nutty Banana Bread recipe for more nutty inspirations!
Swirled Brownie Bread with Peanut Butter
If you're a peanut butter lover, you can easily elevate your brownie bread by creating a delectable swirl. Before baking, drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter into the batter and use a knife to gently swirl it through. This creates a rich, marbled effect that not only looks impressive but also introduces a whole new layer of flavor. Serve your swirled brownie bread warm with a drizzle of honey or make it the perfect base for a chocolate-peanut butter milkshake.
Cooking Tips for Brownie Bread
Cooking brownie bread might seem simple, but a few tips can enhance your results.
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Quality Ingredients: Use high-quality chocolate chips and cocoa powder. They dramatically impact flavor and texture. Consider sourcing your cocoa from reputable brands for richer taste.
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Room Temperature Eggs: Ensure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps create a fluffier batter. Just let them sit out for about 30 minutes before mixing.
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Don't Overmix: When combining dry and wet ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tougher texture.
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Check for Doneness Early: You can avoid dry brownie bread by starting the toothpick test around 75 minutes. Remember, underbaked is better for that fudgy consistency.
By following these tips, your brownie bread will be a hit! For more baking insights, check out resources like King Arthur Baking.
Serving Suggestions for Brownie Bread
Brownie bread is such a versatile treat that you can enjoy it in myriad delicious ways. Here are some fun serving suggestions:
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Classic Slices: Serve warm slices topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm and cold offers a delightful contrast.
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Breakfast Twist: Spread a layer of cream cheese or Greek yogurt on toasted slices and add fresh berries for a breakfast treat that balances indulgence with nutrition.
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Decadent Dessert: Drizzle a rich chocolate sauce on top, or sprinkle with powdered sugar for an elegant touch at your next gathering.
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Pair with Coffee: Enjoy it alongside your favorite coffee or hot chocolate for that perfect afternoon pick-me-up.
Each option elevates your brownie bread experience, making it perfect for any occasion. Check out this Cream Cheese Spread recipe for inspiration!
Time Breakdown for Brownie Bread
Preparation Time:
Getting your ingredients prepped and ready for the delicious brownie bread takes about 20 minutes. It’s a fun time to mix and explore flavors!
Baking Time:
Once your batter is in the pan, you'll want to bake it for 85 to 90 minutes. It's worth the wait when that aroma fills your kitchen!
Total Time:
In total, you’re looking at around 1 hour 45 minutes from start to finish. But trust us, the result will be so worth it! For an added touch, you can find more baking tips on Good Housekeeping.
This breakdown ensures you can plan your time effectively, allowing you to enjoy your scrumptious brownie bread effortlessly!
Nutritional Facts for Brownie Bread
Calories
A single slice of this delicious brownie bread contains approximately 250 calories, making it a rich yet indulgent treat for any occasion. It's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without overdoing it.
Protein
With about 4 grams of protein per slice, this brownie bread offers a bit of nourishment along with its deliciousness. It’s a great way to enjoy your dessert while still reaping some health benefits through quality ingredients.
Sugar
This delightful treat has around 15 grams of sugar in each slice. While it's undeniably sweet, you can always balance it with a cup of coffee or tea to keep things delightful and enjoyable.
By keeping track of these nutritional facts, you can enjoy your brownie bread while being mindful of your dietary choices. So go ahead, take a slice, and savor every bite!
FAQs about Brownie Bread
Can I use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?
Absolutely! Using dark chocolate chips will add a richer, more intense flavor to your brownie bread. Just keep in mind that this may alter the sweetness level, so you might want to adjust the sugar slightly depending on your taste preferences.
How do I store leftover brownie bread?
To keep your brownie bread fresh after baking, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. For optimal freshness, you can place it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze brownie bread for later?
Yes, freezing brownie bread is a great option! Simply slice the loaf and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a resealable freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever a chocolate craving strikes! Just thaw at room temperature or pop in the microwave for a few seconds. For more freezer-friendly tips, you can check out this article from Taste of Home.
Conclusion on Brownie Bread
In summary, brownie bread is an indulgent treat that blends the best of both worlds: the fudginess of brownies with the comforting texture of bread. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is easy to follow and yields delicious results. Enjoy with a cup of coffee or share with friends!
Brownie Bread
Equipment
- 9x5-inch metal loaf pan
- microwave
- medium bowl
- stand mixer
- medium saucepan
Ingredients
Bread
- 1 cup milk chocolate chips
- 1.25 cups all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 0.25 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 large eggs, room temperature
- 1.25 cups granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup vegetable oil
- 0.75 cup water
Milk Chocolate Ganache
- 0.5 cup milk chocolate chips
- 0.25 cup heavy cream
Instructions
Bread
- Preheat the oven to 325°F and spray a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- To a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the chips are melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly while you prepare the dry ingredients.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- To the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, add the eggs and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- With the mixer on low, add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until no lumps remain.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few crumbs, but no wet batter.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the ganache.
Milk Chocolate Ganache
- Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Set aside as you heat up the heavy cream.
- In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to burn the cream.
- Pour the cream over the chocolate. Let it sit for a minute or two before slowly stirring until all chips are melted.
- Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before drizzling it over the cooled bread.
- Once spread over the loaf, let it set for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
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