Irresistible Chocolate Bread Recipe – You’ll Want to Bake It Again!

There’s nothing quite as comforting as a slice of homemade Chocolate Bread—rich, moist, and bursting with deep chocolate flavor.

This decadent loaf is perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or even dessert.

Unlike traditional sweet breads, this recipe leans into the luscious taste of cocoa and melted chocolate, creating a soft, tender crumb that melts in your mouth.

One of the best things about this chocolate bread is its versatility.

Whether you enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with a silky chocolate glaze, it never fails to satisfy chocolate cravings.

Pair it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that feels truly indulgent.

Best of all, it’s easy to make with simple pantry staples, so you can whip up a loaf whenever the craving strikes!

Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Bread

1. Intensely Chocolatey

This bread isn’t just flavored with cocoa—it’s loaded with melted chocolate and chocolate chips for a deep, rich taste in every bite.

2. Moist and Tender Texture

With the perfect balance of butter (or oil) and milk, this loaf stays incredibly soft and moist, even days after baking.

3. Quick and Easy to Make

No need for complicated techniques! A simple mix of wet and dry ingredients comes together in minutes for a foolproof, bakery-style loaf.

4. Versatile and Customizable

Want a crunch? Add walnuts or almonds. Prefer a double chocolate punch? Toss in extra chocolate chips.

You can easily tweak this recipe to your liking!

5. Perfect for Any Occasion

Enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a sweet snack, or even as a holiday gift for friends and family. This loaf never disappoints!

Ingredients Needed

For the Chocolate Bread Batter:

• All-Purpose Flour – Provides structure and ensures a soft, fluffy texture.
• Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The key ingredient for that rich, chocolatey depth.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda – Helps the bread rise and stay light.
• Salt – Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar & Brown Sugar – A combination of both adds sweetness and moisture.
• Eggs – Gives structure and helps create a tender crumb.
• Butter or Oil – Keeps the bread soft and rich.
• Milk or Buttermilk – Adds moisture and enhances the flavor.
• Vanilla Extract – Brings out the chocolate notes for a well-rounded taste.
• Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate – Melts into the bread for extra gooeyness.

Optional Add-ins and Toppings:

• Chopped Nuts – Walnuts, pecans, or almonds add a lovely crunch.
• Espresso Powder – A small pinch deepens the chocolate flavor.
• Powdered Sugar – Lightly dust over the top for a bakery-style finish.
• Chocolate Drizzle or Glaze – Elevates the loaf into a true dessert experience.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Loaf Pan

Before starting, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt

Make sure the dry ingredients are evenly combined to avoid lumps.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat together:

• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 2 large eggs

Whisk until light and slightly fluffy. Then, add:

• ½ cup melted butter (or vegetable oil)
• ¾ cup milk or buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix until smooth and well combined.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently with a spatula or wooden spoon.

Do not overmix—stir just until no flour streaks remain.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently fold in ½ cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate for an extra fudgy texture.

If using nuts, add ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans at this stage.

Step 6: Bake the Chocolate Bread

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle extra chocolate chips on top for a bakery-style look.

Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If it comes out with melted chocolate, test a different spot.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy warm, or store for later!

Tips for the Best Chocolate Bread

1. Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder

The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor!

Dutch-process cocoa gives a deeper, more intense taste, while natural cocoa offers a classic chocolate flavor.

2. Don’t Overmix the Batter

Overmixing leads to dense bread. Stir just until the dry ingredients are incorporated—lumps are okay!

3. Use Buttermilk for Extra Moisture

Regular milk works fine, but buttermilk enhances the texture, making the bread even softer.

You can make a quick buttermilk substitute by mixing ¾ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes.

4. Test for Doneness the Right Way

Because of the melted chocolate, your toothpick test might be misleading.

Insert it in a few different spots—if it comes out with crumbs (not wet batter), it’s done!

5. Store It Properly for Maximum Freshness

Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices for up to 3 months.

How to Serve and Store Chocolate Bread

Serving Suggestions

Freshly baked Chocolate Bread is delicious on its own, but you can elevate its flavor with these serving ideas:

• Warm with Butter – A simple pat of butter melts beautifully into a warm slice.
• Drizzled with Chocolate Sauce – For an extra indulgent treat, add a chocolate drizzle or ganache.
• Paired with Coffee or Milk – A perfect balance of flavors, especially in the morning or as an afternoon snack.
• Topped with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream – Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert.
• With Fresh Berries – Strawberries or raspberries add a refreshing contrast to the deep chocolate flavor.

How to Store Chocolate Bread

Room Temperature (Best for Short-Term Storage)

• Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container.
• Keeps fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Refrigeration (For Longer Freshness)

• If you want to store it for up to a week, keep it in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
• Warm it up in the microwave for a few seconds before serving to restore its soft texture.

Freezing (Best for Long-Term Storage)

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
• Freezes well for up to 3 months.
• To serve, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.

Conclusion

Homemade Chocolate Bread is a rich, moist, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any time of day.

Whether you enjoy it plain, toasted with butter, or dressed up with toppings, this easy-to-make loaf is sure to satisfy all your chocolate cravings.

The best part? You can customize it with add-ins like nuts, chocolate chips, or even a hint of espresso for extra depth.

With its simple ingredients and foolproof method, this Chocolate Bread recipe is one you’ll want to make over and over again.

Give it a try, and let the irresistible aroma of chocolate fill your kitchen!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this Chocolate Bread without eggs?

Yes! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce or 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water.

The texture may be slightly denser but still delicious.

2. What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix ¾ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

3. Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or dried cherries pair beautifully with chocolate and add extra texture.

4. How do I prevent my chocolate chips from sinking?

Toss your chocolate chips in a tablespoon of flour before folding them into the batter—this helps them stay evenly distributed.

5. Can I make this into muffins instead of a loaf?

Yes! Pour the batter into a lined muffin tin and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.