Are you craving something warm, comforting, and intensely chocolatey? Then look no further! This Chocolate Bread Recipe, perfectly suited for your breadmaker, is the answer to your baking dreams. It's surprisingly easy to make, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. This recipe is perfect for beginner bakers, busy weeknights, or anyone who appreciates a truly decadent homemade treat. Get ready to experience the joy of fresh-baked chocolate bread, easily crafted in your bread machine!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup milk chocolate chips (optional, for extra chocolatey goodness!)
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In your breadmaker pan, combine the warm water, cocoa powder, oil, sugar, and salt. Ensure the water isn't too hot, as this can kill the yeast.
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Add Yeast: Sprinkle the yeast evenly over the liquid mixture. Let it sit for about 5 minutes to allow the yeast to activate. You should see some foaming action – this is a good sign!
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Add Flour: Gradually add the flour to the breadmaker pan, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
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Add Chocolate Chips: Gently stir in the semi-sweet and milk chocolate chips (if using). Avoid overmixing at this stage.
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Select Bread Machine Setting: Choose the "basic" or "dough" setting on your bread machine. Refer to your breadmaker's instruction manual for specific instructions. Most machines will have a setting to automatically add nuts or chocolate chips, but you can always add the chips manually in step 4 and proceed with the regular baking process.
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Bake: Let the breadmaker do its magic! Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy.
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Enjoy! Slice and serve your warm, delicious chocolate bread. Enjoy it plain, with butter, or alongside your favorite beverage.
Tips for the Best Chocolate Bread:
- Use fresh yeast: This ensures your bread rises properly.
- Don't overmix the dough: Overmixing can lead to a tough bread.
- Let the bread cool completely: This allows the crumb to set and prevents a gummy texture.
- Experiment with different chocolate chips: Try dark chocolate, white chocolate, or even chopped nuts for added flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Spiced Chocolate Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to the dough for a warm, spiced twist.
- Chocolate Chip Pecan Bread: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans along with the chocolate chips.
- Double Chocolate Bread: Increase the cocoa powder to 1/4 cup for an even richer chocolate flavor.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Fat: 8-10g
- Carbohydrates: 30-35g
- Protein: 4-5g
Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
This easy chocolate bread recipe is a perfect addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. Enjoy the delicious aromas filling your kitchen and the satisfaction of homemade cooking! It's a fantastic recipe for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special weekend brunch. This truly is one of the best recipes for satisfying that chocolate craving!