Yummy! 😋 Since you asked so enthusiastically, here is the complete, big recipe for Hot Fudge Brownie Bread—a decadent dessert that combines the dense, fudgy texture of a brownie with the classic sliceability of quick bread.
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The Ultimate Guide to Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
Introduction
Imagine the crackly top of a perfect brownie meeting the moist, tender crumb of a loaf cake. That is the magic of Hot Fudge Brownie Bread. This recipe was born from the desire to make brownies even more portable and shareable. It’s the ultimate comfort bake for chocolate lovers, delivering an intense cocoa flavor that stays moist for days. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, this bread turns an ordinary day into a celebration.
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A Brief History
While the exact origin of “Brownie Bread” is modern and likely born in home kitchens, it draws from two rich histories. The brownie itself was invented in America at the end of the 19th century, rumored to be a happy accident by a chef who forgot to add baking powder to a chocolate cake. Quick Breads (breads leavened with baking soda/powder instead of yeast) became popular in the mid-19th century. This recipe is a delicious hybrid, combining the ease of quick bread with the decadence of a brownie.
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Health Benefits (The Silver Lining)
Let’s be honest: this is a treat. However, it’s not without its merits:
· Mood Booster: Cocoa contains compounds like theobromine and phenylethylamine, which are known to improve mood and reduce stress.
· Energy Source: The carbohydrates (sugar and flour) provide a quick source of energy, perfect for an afternoon slump.
· Antioxidants: Unsweetened cocoa powder is rich in flavonoids, which are antioxidants that help fight cellular damage.
· Portion Control: Because it’s sliced into a loaf, it’s easier to manage a reasonable portion compared to a pan of brownies!
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Preparation and Formation
· Prep time: 15 minutes
· Bake time: 45–50 minutes
· Total time: ~1 hour 5 minutes
· Yield: 1 standard loaf (9×5 inch pan), about 8-10 thick slices
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The Ingredients
For the Bread:
· 1 cup (125g) All-purpose flour
· 1 cup (200g) Granulated sugar
· 1/2 cup (45g) Unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed recommended for a richer flavor)
· 1 tsp Baking powder
· 1/2 tsp Baking soda
· 1/2 tsp Salt
· 2 large Eggs, at room temperature
· 1/2 cup (120ml) Whole milk
· 1/2 cup (120ml) Vegetable oil (or melted coconut oil)
· 1 tsp Vanilla extract
· 1/2 cup (90g) Semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
For the Hot Fudge Swirl & Topping:
· 1/2 cup Hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade), slightly warmed so it’s pourable.
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The Instructions (Methods)
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) . Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray. For easy removal, line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the long sides.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl or large measuring cup, whisk the eggs. Add the milk, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until smooth and combined.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula or wooden spoon just until combined. Do not overmix; a few lumps are okay. If using chocolate chips, fold them in now. The batter will be thick and shiny.
5. The Swirl Method:
· Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan and spread it evenly.
· Drizzle half of the warm hot fudge sauce over the batter. Use a knife to gently swirl it into the batter.
· Pour the remaining batter over the fudge layer and spread carefully.
· Drizzle the remaining hot fudge on top. Use the knife to create beautiful swirls on the surface.
6. Bake: Place the pan in the center of the oven. Bake for 45-55 minutes. Start checking at 45 minutes: a toothpick inserted into the center should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. The top should look set and crackly.
7. Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan on a wire rack for 15 minutes. Then, use the parchment sling to lift it out and transfer it to the rack to cool completely. (Slicing it while too hot will cause it to crumble).
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Nutrition (Approximate, per slice, without ice cream)
· Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of loaf)
· Calories: ~290 kcal
· Fat: ~13g
· Carbohydrates: ~42g
· Protein: ~5g
· Sugar: ~28g
· Note: These are estimates and will vary based on specific brands of ingredients used.
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For the Lovers
This bread is a love letter to all the chocolate devotees out there. It’s for the person who always picks the corner brownie, the one who heats their dessert up to get that “molten” center, and the one who believes that a day without chocolate is a day wasted. Serve this to your loved ones, and watch their eyes light up.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. It’s the perfect balance of rustic and refined, simple and spectacular. With its crackly top, tender interior, and ribbons of gooey fudge, it’s destined to become a staple in your baking repertoire. So tie on your apron, preheat that oven, and get ready to fill your home with the irresistible aroma of chocolate.
Happy Baking! 🍫🍞