Who doesn’t love the rich, deep flavor of dark chocolate? Now, imagine combining that luxurious taste with the soft, moist texture of freshly baked bread. Sounds like heaven, right? Well, that’s exactly what you get with this moist dark chocolate bread!
This recipe is perfect for chocolate lovers who want something a little different from regular chocolate cake or brownies. This bread is not overly sweet, but it’s still packed with rich chocolate flavor. It’s soft, moist, and super easy to make at home — even if you’re not an experienced baker.
In this article, I’ll walk you through step-by-step how to make the most delicious dark chocolate bread that’s perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why You’ll Love This Moist Dark Chocolate Bread
Here are just a few reasons why this bread is going to be your new favorite recipe:
- Super moist and rich in flavor
- Simple, everyday ingredients
- Easy-to-follow recipe (perfect for beginners!)
- Great for chocolate cravings
- Can be enjoyed any time of the day
- Keeps well for several days
This bread is like a cross between a soft loaf cake and a sweet bread — not too heavy, but still satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s start with the ingredients. You probably already have most of these in your kitchen!
For the Bread:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup unsweetened dark cocoa powder (use good-quality cocoa for the best flavor)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (adds extra moisture and flavor)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or use milk + 1 tbsp vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk)
- ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¾ cup hot water (helps to bloom the cocoa for deeper flavor)
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips or chunks (optional but highly recommended!)
Optional Toppings:
- Extra chocolate chips on top
- A dusting of powdered sugar
- A drizzle of melted chocolate
- Chopped nuts for crunch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Don’t worry — this recipe is super easy to follow. Let’s break it down.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a standard 9×5-inch loaf pan with butter or non-stick spray, and line it with parchment paper. This helps the bread come out easily after baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Cocoa powder
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
Mix well to remove any lumps in the cocoa powder. This will ensure a smooth batter.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, beat together:
- Sugar
- Brown sugar
- Eggs
- Oil
- Vanilla extract
- Buttermilk
Mix until everything is well combined and slightly fluffy.
Step 4: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix gently — you don’t want to overmix the batter because that can make the bread tough.
Step 5: Add Hot Water
Once the batter starts coming together, slowly pour in the hot water while stirring. The batter will look thin —don’t worry! This is what makes the bread extra moist and soft.
Step 6: Add Chocolate Chips
Fold in the chocolate chips or chunks. This step is optional, but it makes the bread extra indulgent with pockets of melty chocolate in every bite.
Step 7: Pour into the Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan. If you like, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top.
Step 8: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. Check around the 55-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
Note: Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on your bread in the last few minutes.
Step 9: Cool
Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
Serving Suggestions
This moist dark chocolate bread is amazing all on its own, but here are a few fun ways to enjoy it:
- With a cup of hot coffee or tea
- Spread with a little butter or cream cheese
- Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- With fresh berries on the side
- Toasted lightly for breakfast
Tips for Success
Here are a few helpful tips to make sure your dark chocolate bread turns out perfect every time:
1. Don’t Overmix
When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the bread dense instead of soft.
2. Use Good-Quality Cocoa
Since chocolate is the star of this recipe, try to use the best quality cocoa powder you can find. Dark, unsweetened cocoa gives the best flavor.
3. Add Hot Water
This might seem unusual, but adding hot water helps to “bloom” the cocoa and bring out its deep flavor. It also keeps the bread moist.
4. Customize It
Feel free to add nuts, dried fruit, or even a swirl of peanut butter or Nutella to the batter before baking!
How to Store Moist Dark Chocolate Bread
This bread stays moist and delicious for several days.
Room Temperature:
Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerator:
If you want it to last longer, store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just warm up a slice in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezer:
You can also freeze the bread! Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Defrost at room temperature or heat in the microwave.
Final Thoughts
This moist dark chocolate bread is a chocolate lover’s dream. It’s rich, soft, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s so easy to make at home with simple ingredients you probably already have.
Whether you’re making it for your family, a special gathering, or just because you’re craving chocolate — this recipe will never disappoint.
Give it a try, and I promise it will become a regular favorite in your kitchen!