Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
This Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is the perfect combination of a rich, fudgy brownie and a moist, chocolatey loaf. A decadent swirl of homemade hot fudge runs through the center, ensuring every bite is filled with intense chocolate flavor. Whether served warm with a scoop of ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this indulgent treat is a must-try for any chocolate lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep, Rich Chocolate Flavor – The combination of cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and a luscious fudge swirl creates an incredibly intense chocolate experience.
- Moist and Fudgy Texture – Unlike traditional bread, this loaf stays soft and rich, similar to a dense, chewy brownie.
- Hot Fudge Swirl – The homemade fudge melts into the loaf, adding gooey pockets of chocolate throughout.
- Easy to Make – No complicated steps, just simple ingredients and a straightforward method.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Serve it as a dessert, a brunch treat, or even a late-night indulgence.
Ingredients
For the Brownie Bread:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (high-quality cocoa enhances the flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (adds moisture and richness)
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter for extra richness)
- ½ cup plain yogurt (or sour cream for added tenderness)
- ½ cup hot water (or brewed coffee for a deeper chocolate flavor)
For the Hot Fudge Swirl:
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
Optional Toppings:
- Flaky sea salt
- Chopped nuts (such as pecans or walnuts)
- Ice cream for serving warm slices à la mode
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides for easy removal.
Step 2: Make the Brownie Batter
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add the vegetable oil and yogurt, mixing until fully combined.
- Gradually stir in the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Slowly pour in the hot water (or coffee) and stir until the batter is smooth. It will be slightly thick but pourable.
Step 3: Prepare the Hot Fudge Swirl
- In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the heavy cream, granulated sugar, butter, and cocoa powder.
- Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the chocolate chips and vanilla extract until fully melted and glossy.
- Allow the fudge to cool slightly before adding it to the batter.
Step 4: Assemble the Loaf
- Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly.
- Dollop spoonfuls of the hot fudge over the batter, then use a knife or skewer to gently swirl the fudge into the batter.
- Pour the remaining brownie batter over the fudge layer and carefully smooth the top.
Step 5: Bake the Loaf
- Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- If the top of the loaf begins to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with foil halfway through baking.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
- Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- For a warm, extra gooey experience, serve slices while slightly warm.
- If desired, sprinkle with flaky sea salt, chopped nuts, or pair with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Why This Recipe Works
- Perfect Chocolate Balance – The combination of cocoa powder, melted chocolate, and hot fudge creates a deep, intense flavor.
- Moist and Fudgy Texture – The addition of yogurt and brown sugar keeps the loaf soft and rich.
- Swirled Perfection – The hot fudge swirl adds gooey layers of melty chocolate.
Variations to Try
- Gluten-Free Option – Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Nutty Crunch – Fold in ½ cup chopped pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts for added texture.
- Spiced Version – Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- White Chocolate Twist – Swap the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the fudge for white chocolate chips.
- Vegan Option – Use plant-based yogurt, dairy-free butter, and flax eggs as substitutes.
Tips for Success
- Avoid Overmixing – Stir the batter just until combined to prevent a dense texture.
- Use High-Quality Ingredients – Premium cocoa powder and chocolate make a noticeable difference in flavor.
- Check for Doneness Properly – A few moist crumbs on a toothpick are fine, but raw batter means it needs more time.
- Storage Tips – Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 5 days. Warm slices in the microwave before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Brunch Treat – Serve with a hot cup of coffee or milk for a comforting breakfast.
- Romantic Dessert – Dust the loaf with powdered sugar and serve with fresh berries.
- Dessert Platter – Slice and serve alongside cookies, truffles, or mini cheesecakes for variety.
Final Thoughts
This Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is a dream for any chocolate lover. With its rich, fudgy texture and gooey fudge swirl, every bite is pure indulgence. Whether you enjoy it warm with ice cream, as a sweet breakfast treat, or as a stunning dessert to impress guests, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out. Do you prefer a gooey center or a more cake-like texture? Share your favorite variations and serving ideas.