Brownie Bread

Chocolate enthusiasts, get ready for a treat that bridges the gap between your favorite dense, fudgy brownie and a sliceable loaf! This recipe for Brownie Bread, complete with a silky milk chocolate ganache, is the ultimate dessert for any chocoholic. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings, a family dessert, or simply satisfying your chocolate cravings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Brownie Bread:

• 1 cup milk chocolate chips
• 1 ¼ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup vegetable oil
• ¾ cup water

For the Milk Chocolate Ganache:

• ½ cup milk chocolate chips
• ¼ cup heavy cream

Baking Directions

1. Prep and Preheat:
   • Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Then, generously spray a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Melt the Chocolate:
   • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup of chocolate chips. Make sure to stir every 30 seconds until the chocolate is smooth and creamy. Set this aside for later.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
   • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. A good whisking ensures everything is evenly mixed.
4. Beat Eggs and Sugar:
   • Using a stand mixer, whip the eggs and sugar until they are light and fluffy, which should take about 5 minutes on a medium-high speed.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients:
   • Turn the mixer down to low and gently add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water to the egg mixture. Continue to mix until everything is smoothly incorporated.
6. Add Dry Ingredients:
   • Gradually mix in the dry ingredients to the wet, ensuring that there are no lumps and the batter is velvety.
7. Bake:
   • Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake it for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few crumbs attached.
8. Cool:
   • Allow the brownie bread to cool completely in the pan before you think about adding the ganache.
9. Prepare the Ganache:
   • For the ganache, heat the heavy cream in a saucepan just until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and pour it over the remaining ½ cup of chocolate chips. Let it sit for a minute before stirring until the mixture is smooth.
10. Finish with Ganache:
    • Once the ganache has cooled and thickened slightly, drizzle it over the cooled bread. Allow it to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing.

Essential Tips and Tricks

• Slicing: Use a sharp serrated knife to get clean cuts without breaking the crust.
• Storage: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
• Serving: Enjoy it as is, or warm it up slightly and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra special treat.

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 435 kcal per slice
• Servings: 10 slices

Enjoy baking this delightful treat that promises to be a crowd-pleaser at any event or a perfect companion with your afternoon coffee. Delight in each bite of this rich, chocolaty goodness that perfectly blends the essence of a brownie and the convenience of a bread!