Brownie Bread Recipe

Craving the irresistible fudginess of a brownie, but with the cozy sliceability of your favorite loaf? Brownie Bread solves that delicious dilemma in the best way possible! This wonderfully decadent dessert merges everything we love about brownies—gooey center, deep chocolate flavor, a hint of chewy edge—with the satisfaction of a thick, warm slice. Ready in under two hours, it’s a show-stopping treat that’s every bit as delightful for an afternoon snack as it is for a celebration centerpiece. If you’re a chocolate lover or simply want to surprise your family with a new sweet favorite, this Brownie Bread is about to become your go-to recipe.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about Brownie Bread is how it relies on everyday ingredients to create something unforgettable. Each component plays a crucial role, delivering that dreamy, fudgy texture and chocolate-rich color we crave in a dessert like this. Gather your supplies and let’s make some baking magic!

• Milk chocolate chips (1 cup for bread, ½ cup for ganache): The secret to both the luscious crumb and that glossy ganache topping.
• All-purpose flour (1 ¼ cups): Gives the loaf its structure while keeping it light enough for that classic brownie bite.
• Dutch-processed cocoa powder (½ cup): Deepens the chocolate flavor and adds a gorgeous, dark color.
• Baking soda (¼ teaspoon): Ensures the bread rises just enough for an airy, tender crumb.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Perfectly balances the sweetness and intensifies the chocolate.
• Eggs, room temperature (3 large): Bind everything together while making the bread rich and moist.
• Granulated sugar (1 ¼ cups): Adds sweetness and that irresistible shiny top.
• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the bread extra-moist and fudgy, just like we want it.
• Water (¾ cup): A touch of moisture makes the crumb soft and luscious without weighing it down.
• Heavy cream (¼ cup for ganache): Makes the ganache ultra-silky and rich.

How to Make Brownie Bread

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 325°F and generously spraying a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray. This temperature is ideal for a slow, gentle bake, which helps achieve that coveted fudgy center without overbaking the edges. Proper pan prep means no sticking, so you can unmold your Brownie Bread with ease and keep those edges picture-perfect!

Step 2: Melt the Chocolate

In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, combine the milk chocolate chips (for the bread). Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each to prevent scorching, until everything is smooth and shiny. Let it cool off a bit as you move to the next task. This extra step infuses every bite with creamy chocolate, essential for that signature brownie flavor.

Step 3: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together your all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. Be thorough—this simple step ensures every slice of Brownie Bread comes out even in texture and richly chocolaty in color. Plus, the cocoa and salt combo takes the chocolate flavor to new levels!

Step 4: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

Grab your stand mixer and, with the paddle attachment, beat together the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy—about five minutes. Don’t rush this! It creates that perfect, slightly crackly brownie top once baked. Then, slowly pour in your melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water, blending until everything is smooth and glossy. The oil is what keeps your Brownie Bread unapologetically moist.

Step 5: Combine and Pour

With the mixer on low, add your whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture in batches. Keep mixing until just combined—no lumps! This careful folding means every bite is tender and rich. Pour the luscious batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing it out evenly for a perfect rise and crumb.

Step 6: Bake to Fudgy Perfection

Slide your loaf into the preheated oven and bake for 85 to 90 minutes. Start checking with a toothpick at the 75-minute mark—look for a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. Be vigilant here! Underbaking slightly ensures a fudgy, brownie-like texture. Let the loaf cool completely before adding ganache; this patience pays off with clean cuts and a moist crumb.

Step 7: Make the Milk Chocolate Ganache

While the bread cools, place your remaining chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Warm the heavy cream in a saucepan until it just comes to a simmer (keep an eye out, cream likes to bubble over!). Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips, briefly let it sit, then gently stir until silky and smooth. Allow the ganache to thicken up a bit—it’ll be easier to drizzle and gives the Brownie Bread that irresistible finishing touch.

Step 8: Garnish and Slice

Once your bread is fully cooled, generously spread or drizzle the ganache over the top. Let it set for at least 10-15 minutes so it forms a beautiful, glossy coat. Then, slice into thick, generous pieces—get ready for a fudgy, chocolate-packed experience in every bite!

How to Serve Brownie Bread

Garnishes

Crank up the wow-factor with a flourish of garnishes! A sprinkle of flaky sea salt on the ganache brings out the chocolate’s depth and makes each bite pop. If you’re feeling fancy, try some chocolate shavings or crushed freeze-dried raspberries for color. A little powdered sugar dusted just before serving creates a snowy, bakery-style finish that’s sure to impress.

Side Dishes

While Brownie Bread is spectacular on its own, it also pairs beautifully with fresh fruit—think sliced strawberries or a handful of raspberries for a bright, tangy contrast. A scoop of vanilla ice cream, melting over a warm slice, is classic. For a lighter touch, try a dollop of whipped cream or tangy Greek yogurt alongside your chocolaty creation.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, cut the Brownie Bread into bite-sized cubes and thread them onto skewers with berries for a fun dessert platter. Warm slices make a brilliant base for ice cream sundaes—just top with ganache, nuts, and cherries. Or go super-casual and toast a slice, then spread it with nut butter for a decadent snack you’ll crave all week long.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Brownie Bread keeps well at room temperature for up to three days—just wrap the loaf tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to protect that tender crumb. The ganache helps lock in moisture, so your slices stay fudgy and fresh.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze individual slices (or the whole cooled loaf) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature. The flavor and texture will remain dreamy, making it perfect for prepping ahead for parties or whenever a chocolate craving calls.

Reheating

If you love your Brownie Bread a little warm and gooey, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. The ganache will get glossy and the bread will taste freshly baked! For a crispy edge, you can also gently toast slices in a skillet for a minute per side.

FAQs

Can I use semi-sweet chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate?

Absolutely! Semi-sweet chips make the bread a bit richer and less sweet. Feel free to use what you have, or even mix milk and dark chips for more layers of chocolate flavor.

What’s the best way to know when my Brownie Bread is done?

Your best bet is the toothpick test: insert it into the center after about 75 minutes. You want to see a few moist crumbs (like a brownie!) but not any wet batter. Remember, it continues to firm up as it cools.

Can I use a glass loaf pan?

Yes, but keep in mind that glass bakes more slowly and results in softer edges. Add a few extra minutes to your bake time and check for doneness in the center, as described above.

Is it possible to make Brownie Bread gluten-free?

Yes, swap the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour. The bread still comes out richly fudgy, though texture may vary slightly depending on the blend you use.

How can I make this Brownie Bread extra festive?

Stir in a handful of chopped toasted nuts, mini marshmallows, or sprinkle colored candies over the ganache. Around the holidays, try a peppermint ganache or add orange zest for a fanciful twist!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for your next signature bake or simply crave a fresh take on chocolate loaf, don’t wait to try this Brownie Bread. It’s an absolute crowd-pleaser that gathers smiles with every gooey, chocolate-packed bite. Happy baking—your new favorite chocolate treat awaits!

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