Brownie Bread is a delicious twist on traditional brownies. Imagine the rich, fudgy taste of a brownie in a soft, sliceable loaf—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an indulgent snack. This easy-to-make bread combines all the best parts of a classic brownie with the shape and versatility of bread. Serve it warm, topped with a scoop of ice cream, or simply enjoy a slice on its own.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for a nutty crunch
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder for a deeper chocolate flavor
- 1 tablespoon orange zest for a citrusy twist
For Garnishing:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Chocolate drizzle or icing (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt until well combined. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, melted butter, and vegetable oil until smooth.
- Add the eggs and vanilla extract, and whisk until well combined.
- Stir in the milk until incorporated.
Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chocolate chips (and any optional add-ins like nuts).
Step 5: Transfer to the Pan and Bake
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Allow the brownie bread to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then use the parchment paper overhang to lift it out and place it on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate icing if desired. Slice and enjoy!
Cooking Notes
- Mixing: Be sure not to overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense bread. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Chocolate Chips: You can use semi-sweet, dark, or even white chocolate chips for different flavors.
Variations
1. Nutty Brownie Bread
Fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the rich chocolate.
2. Double Chocolate Brownie Bread
For extra chocolatey goodness, mix in ½ cup of white chocolate chips along with the semi-sweet chips.
3. Espresso Brownie Bread
Add 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor with a subtle coffee note.
4. Raspberry Brownie Bread
Add ½ cup of fresh or frozen raspberries to the batter for a tart contrast to the sweet, fudgy bread.
5. Marble Brownie Bread
Swirl 2-3 tablespoons of cream cheese into the top of the batter before baking for a beautiful marbled effect.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Brownie Bread ahead of time?
Yes! You can make this brownie bread ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover brownie bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: Can I use a different type of flour?
You can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or a gluten-free flour blend, but the texture may be slightly different.
Q: Can I add frosting?
Absolutely! You can top the bread with a simple chocolate ganache, cream cheese frosting, or even a peanut butter glaze for added indulgence.
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
Yes, you can use an 8×4-inch loaf pan for a taller loaf or even bake this in a square 8×8-inch pan for more of a brownie-style dessert. Adjust the baking time as needed.
This Brownie Bread is the perfect fusion of a rich, fudgy brownie and a soft, sliceable loaf. Whether you’re looking for a decadent treat for breakfast, a sweet addition to brunch, or a delicious dessert, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Customize it with your favorite add-ins and serve it dusted with powdered sugar or a drizzle of chocolate for an extra special touch.