Brownie Bread
Introduction
Brownie Bread is a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of brownies with the comforting texture of bread. This recipe gives you a sweet loaf that is fudgy, moist, and full of nuts, making it perfect for dessert or a special breakfast. It’s easy to make and perfect for sharing with family and friends.
Why Make This Recipe
If you love brownies, you’ll adore this Brownie Bread! It’s a fun twist on traditional brownies, allowing you to enjoy that wonderful chocolate flavor in a sliceable form. Plus, it’s simple to prepare and doesn’t require fancy baking skills. This bread is fantastic for brunches, snack time, or even as a thoughtful gift wrapped with a bow.
How to Make Brownie Bread
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mild vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon espresso powder (optional)
- 3/4 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 165°C (325°F) and spray a standard 9×5 inch loaf pan with oil. Line it with baking paper, leaving the ends hanging over for easy removal.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and optional espresso powder until well combined. Add the buttermilk and whisk again.
- Whisk in the cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until smooth. Switch to a spoon or spatula and gently fold in the flour until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the remaining walnuts, reserving 2 tablespoons for topping. Mix until just incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan (it will be quite thin) and sprinkle with reserved chopped walnuts.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with fudgy crumbs (not wet batter).
- Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before using the parchment paper to lift it out onto a cooling rack.
- Slice and serve with a sharp serrated knife. It can be served warm or at room temperature.
How to Serve Brownie Bread
Brownie Bread is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra sweetness. You can also drizzle some chocolate sauce or top it with fresh berries for a refreshing touch.
How to Store Brownie Bread
To store Brownie Bread, keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For longer storage, slice and freeze the bread in an airtight bag for up to three months. Just let it thaw before serving.
Tips to Make Brownie Bread
- Make sure all your ingredients are at room temperature for a smoother batter.
- Don’t overmix the batter; it should be just combined for the best texture.
- Feel free to swap out walnuts for another nut or even chocolate chips if you prefer extra chocolate!
Variation
You can customize this Brownie Bread with different additions. Consider mixing in chocolate chips, dried fruit, or other nuts for a unique twist. You can also skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe without eggs?
A: Yes! You can use flax eggs (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) as an egg substitute.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: You can make a quick substitute by mixing 3/4 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Q: Can I add frosting on top?
A: Absolutely! A simple chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting would complement the Brownie Bread perfectly.