Are you craving a warm, comforting treat that's surprisingly simple to make? Then look no further! This bread maker chocolate bread recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. It's a delicious and easy recipe, resulting in a moist, intensely chocolatey loaf that's sure to be a hit with everyone. Forget those complicated baking methods; this recipe utilizes the convenience of a bread maker for a truly effortless homemade cooking experience. Get ready to enjoy the delightful aroma of freshly baked chocolate bread filling your kitchen!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or more, if you're feeling decadent!)
Instructions:
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Prepare your bread maker: Grease the bread pan of your bread maker. This prevents sticking and ensures easy removal of your delicious loaf.
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Add the wet ingredients: Pour the warm water, vegetable oil, sugar, salt, egg, and vanilla extract into the bread pan in the order specified by your bread maker's manual. Most machines have a specific order for best results.
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Add the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and cocoa powder. This helps to evenly distribute the cocoa and prevent lumps in your final bread. Add this dry mixture to the bread pan.
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Add the chocolate chips: Gently fold in the chocolate chips. Don't overmix; a few streaks of chocolate throughout the bread are perfectly fine!
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Select the bread setting: Choose the "sweet bread" or a similar setting on your bread maker. Consult your bread maker's instruction manual for specific settings and baking times.
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Bake: Let the bread maker do its magic! The baking time typically ranges from 3-3.5 hours, but always refer to your machine's instructions.
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Cool and enjoy: Once the bread is finished baking, carefully remove it from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing and serving. This prevents a soggy loaf and allows the chocolate to fully set.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Bread:
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Use quality cocoa powder: The cocoa powder is the star of the show! Using a good quality Dutch-processed cocoa will give you a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
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Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread. Once the ingredients are combined, resist the urge to mix further.
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Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet bread, reduce the sugar slightly. Conversely, for an extra-sweet treat, add a tablespoon or two more.
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Add nuts: For an added textural element and flavor, incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter.
Variations:
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White Chocolate Bread: Replace the semi-sweet chocolate chips with white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Bread: Add 1/2 cup of peanut butter along with the wet ingredients for a delicious peanut butter swirl.
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Spiced Chocolate Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves for a warm, spiced twist.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 200-250 Fat: 8-10g Saturated Fat: 3-4g Carbohydrates: 30-35g Sugar: 10-12g Protein: 4-5g
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the ingredients used. Enjoy your delicious and easy homemade chocolate bread! It's the perfect quick dinner idea or a fantastic addition to any meal. This simple recipe makes a great addition to your collection of best recipes. This truly is a healthy and delicious meal that's perfect for any occasion.