Brownie Bread: A Fudgy Delight
Imagine the rich, indulgent flavor of brownies combined with the convenience and charm of a loaf of bread. Brownie Bread is a unique fusion of these two beloved treats, resulting in a fudgy chocolate bread that’s as easy to slice and serve as it is to devour. This delightful quick bread is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re looking for a decadent breakfast, a mid-day treat, or a luxurious dessert. In this article, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of making this irresistible Brownie Bread, complete with a luscious milk chocolate ganache.
Ingredients
For the 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
For the Milk Chocolate Ganache:
- ½ cup (84 g) milk chocolate chips
- ¼ cup (59.5 g) heavy cream
Instructions
Making the Bread
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Prepare a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan by spraying it generously with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure that your bread doesn’t stick and comes out easily after baking.
- Melt the Chocolate Chips: In a medium, microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate chips. Microwave them in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval until the chips are completely melted and smooth. Set the melted chocolate aside to cool slightly as you prepare the other ingredients.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This dry mixture will form the base of your brownie bread batter.
- Mix the Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, add the room-temperature eggs and granulated sugar. Beat the mixture on high speed until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes. This step is crucial for creating a tender, airy texture in your bread.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water to the egg and sugar mixture. Continue mixing until everything is well combined and smooth.
- Incorporate the Dry Ingredients: Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing on low speed until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a denser texture.
- Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out with a few crumbs but no wet batter. This long baking time ensures that the bread bakes evenly and achieves that dense, fudgy texture reminiscent of brownies.
- Cool the Bread: Allow the bread to cool completely in the pan before adding the ganache. This cooling period is essential for setting the structure of the bread and making it easier to handle.
Making the Milk Chocolate Ganache
- Heat the Cream: Place the chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl and set aside. In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the heavy cream to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Once the cream is simmering, remove it from the heat.
- Melt the Chocolate: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute or two to allow the heat from the cream to begin melting the chocolate. Then, slowly stir the mixture until all the chocolate is melted and the ganache is smooth and glossy.
- Cool the Ganache: Allow the ganache to cool and thicken slightly before drizzling it over the cooled bread. This will help it to stay in place and create a beautiful, shiny coating.
- Drizzle the Ganache: Once the ganache has thickened slightly, pour it over the top of the cooled bread, using a spatula to spread it evenly if necessary. Let the ganache set for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room-temperature eggs helps them mix more thoroughly into the batter, ensuring a smooth and even texture.
- Melting Chocolate: Be careful not to overheat the chocolate chips in the microwave. Stirring between intervals helps to distribute the heat evenly and prevents burning.
- Doneness Check: When testing for doneness, look for a toothpick that comes out with a few moist crumbs. This indicates that the bread is fudgy and not overbaked.
- Ganache Setting: Allowing the ganache to cool slightly before drizzling helps it to adhere better to the bread without running off the sides.
Serving Suggestions
Brownie Bread is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways:
- For Breakfast: Serve a slice with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for a decadent breakfast treat.
- As a Dessert: Pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce for an indulgent dessert.
- With Coffee: Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee or afternoon tea for a sweet pick-me-up.
Storage
Store Brownie Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. To freeze, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
Variations and Enhancements
Brownie Bread is delightful as it is, but there are several ways to customize and elevate this recipe to suit your personal tastes or the occasion:
- Nutty Brownie Bread:
- Add ½ cup of chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts, to the batter for added crunch and flavor. Fold them in gently after mixing the dry and wet ingredients.
- Chocolate Chip Delight:
- For an extra chocolatey kick, stir in ½ cup of dark chocolate chips into the batter before baking. These chips will melt slightly, creating pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the bread.
- Mint Chocolate Brownie Bread:
- Incorporate ½ teaspoon of peppermint extract into the batter for a refreshing mint flavor. Top the ganache with crushed candy canes or mint chocolate pieces for a festive touch.
- Espresso Infusion:
- Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients. The espresso will enhance the chocolate flavor, making it richer and more intense.
- Berry Burst:
- Gently fold in 1 cup of fresh or frozen raspberries or cherries into the batter before baking. The tartness of the berries will complement the sweetness of the chocolate beautifully.
- Coconut Chocolate Brownie Bread:
- Mix in ½ cup of shredded coconut into the batter for a tropical twist. You can also sprinkle some on top of the ganache for added texture and flavor.
Advanced Tips for the Perfect Brownie Bread
- Perfect Ganache Consistency: To achieve the perfect ganache consistency, use a digital thermometer to ensure the cream is heated to about 185°F (85°C). This temperature is ideal for melting chocolate smoothly without burning it.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For optimal mixing, ensure all ingredients, especially eggs, are at room temperature. This helps them incorporate more easily and evenly into the batter.
- Baking Evenly: To prevent the bread from overbaking or burning at the edges, you can use a metal loaf pan lined with parchment paper. The parchment paper makes it easier to remove the bread from the pan and provides even heat distribution.
- Checking Doneness: If you find that the top of the bread is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil during the last 20-25 minutes of baking. This will prevent the top from overcooking while the center finishes baking.
- Ganache Application: For a professional look, pour the ganache over the bread placed on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the excess ganache to drip off and ensures an even coating.
Healthier Alternatives
If you’re looking to make Brownie Bread a bit healthier without compromising on taste, consider these substitutions:
- Whole Wheat Flour: Replace half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber and nutrients.
- Reduced Sugar: Use a sugar substitute such as stevia or erythritol to lower the sugar content. Be sure to check conversion rates as they vary by product.
- Healthy Fats: Substitute the vegetable oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce or Greek yogurt for a lower fat content. This will also add moisture to the bread.
- Dark Chocolate: Opt for dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate chips to increase the antioxidant content and reduce sugar.
Creative Serving Ideas
- Brownie Bread French Toast:
- Slice the bread thickly and dip each slice into a mixture of beaten eggs, milk, and a touch of cinnamon. Cook on a griddle until golden brown on both sides. Serve with fresh berries and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Brownie Bread Parfait:
- Layer slices of Brownie Bread with vanilla or chocolate pudding, whipped cream, and fresh fruit in a glass. This makes for an elegant and indulgent dessert presentation.
- Brownie Bread Ice Cream Sandwiches:
- Slice the bread thinly and use two slices to sandwich a scoop of your favorite ice cream. Roll the edges in mini chocolate chips or sprinkles for a fun and festive treat.
- Toasted Brownie Bread:
- Toast a slice of Brownie Bread and spread with a thin layer of peanut butter or Nutella. The warmth enhances the flavors and makes for a comforting snack.
Storing and Freezing Tips
- Storing: Store Brownie Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you prefer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. Just ensure it is well-wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap the entire loaf or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a resealable freezer bag. The bread can be frozen for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving. For a freshly baked taste, you can warm slices in the microwave for a few seconds or in the oven for a few minutes.
Conclusion
Brownie Bread is a delightful and versatile treat that brings together the best elements of brownies and bread into one delicious loaf. Its rich, fudgy texture, combined with the ease of slicing and serving, makes it a perfect choice for any chocolate lover. Whether you enjoy it as-is or dress it up with various additions and serving suggestions, this Brownie Bread is sure to be a hit. So go ahead and indulge in this unique and delectable creation—your taste buds will thank you!
