Are you craving the rich indulgence of brownies but looking for a slightly healthier, more satisfying alternative? Then look no further! This recipe for Brownie Bread delivers all the fudgy, chocolatey goodness of your favorite brownie, baked into a loaf that's perfect for snacking, dessert, or even breakfast (don't judge!). It's an easy recipe, perfect for a quick dinner dessert or a weekend baking project. This homemade treat is sure to become a new favorite in your family's delicious dishes collection. Get ready to impress your taste buds!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¾ teaspoon baking soda
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed light brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice/vinegar, let sit 5 mins)
- ½ cup boiling water
- Optional: ½ cup chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or dried cranberries
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This simple step ensures your brownie bread comes out perfectly.
- Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Make sure there are no clumps for even baking.
- Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat well until smooth.
- Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Buttermilk & Water: Stir in the buttermilk. Then, slowly pour in the boiling water while mixing. The batter will be thin – this is normal!
- Mix-ins (Optional): If using, gently fold in your favorite mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried cranberries.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
- Cool & Serve: Let the brownie bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve!
Cooking Tips for the Best Brownie Bread:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the batter can lead to a tough brownie bread. Mix until just combined.
- Check for doneness: Use a toothpick to check for doneness. If it comes out with wet batter, bake for a few more minutes.
- Cool completely: Allow the brownie bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from crumbling.
Variations:
- Espresso Brownie Bread: Add 1 tablespoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients for an intense chocolate flavor.
- Spicy Brownie Bread: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a pinch of chili flakes to the batter for a kick.
- Peanut Butter Brownie Bread: Stir in ½ cup of peanut butter with the wet ingredients.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
This will vary depending on the additions and the size of your slices, but a general estimate is:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 12-15g
- Protein: 4-5g
- Carbohydrates: 35-40g
- Sugar: 15-20g
This easy recipe for brownie bread is a delicious and satisfying treat that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this healthy meal alternative! It’s a great addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Enjoy baking and happy eating!