Brownie Bread is a delightful fusion of rich, fudgy brownies and soft, moist bread. Perfect for chocolate lovers, this decadent treat offers the dense, chewy texture of brownies in the convenient loaf form of bread, making it an ideal dessert or snack to share with family and friends.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe involves creating a chocolate-rich batter, baking it into a loaf, and finishing it off with a luxurious milk chocolate ganache. The result is a deeply chocolatey, moist bread that can be enjoyed on its own or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
History and Origin
While traditional brownies date back to the late 19th century in the United States, brownie bread is a modern twist on this classic dessert. Combining the convenience of bread with the indulgence of brownies, this recipe has become popular in recent years as a creative way to enjoy chocolate in a new format.
Ingredients
Bread:
- 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
Milk Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup (84 g) milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (59.5 g) heavy cream
Instructions
Bread Preparation:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F and spray a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
- Melt Chocolate Chips: In 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Beat Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, add the eggs and sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low, add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until smooth.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until no lumps remain.
- Bake: 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.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the ganache.
Milk Chocolate Ganache:
- Prepare Chocolate Chips: Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. Set aside.
- Heat 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.
- Combine and Stir: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute or two before slowly stirring until all chips are melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Cool and Thicken: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before drizzling it over the cooled bread.
- Set and Serve: Once spread over the loaf, let it set for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving
This brownie bread serves approximately 8-10 people. Enjoy it on its own, or with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a fresh fruit garnish for an extra treat.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Serve with a side of fresh berries or a fruit salad to balance the richness of the bread.
- Beverages: Complement with a glass of cold milk, a cup of hot coffee, or a soothing herbal tea.
Variations of the Recipe
- Nutty: Add ½ cup of chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Double Chocolate: Stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips into the batter for an extra chocolatey experience.
- Spiced: Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dry ingredients for a spiced twist.
Health Benefits Notes
- Antioxidants: Cocoa powder and dark chocolate are rich in antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and improve heart health.
- Protein: Eggs provide a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Mood Boosting: Chocolate contains compounds that can enhance mood and provide a sense of well-being.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure the blend is suitable for baking.
Q: Can I use dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate? A: Absolutely. Dark chocolate can be used for both the bread and the ganache if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
Q: How should I store leftover brownie bread? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
Brownie Bread is a delicious and versatile dessert that combines the best of brownies and bread into one delectable loaf. With its rich chocolate flavor and moist texture, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or as a special treat for yourself. Whether you enjoy it plain or with additional toppings, this brownie bread recipe is a must-try for any chocolate lover. Enjoy baking and savor every bite of this indulgent creation!