Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan and set aside.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
Mix in Buttermilk and Fudge: Alternately add the dry ingredients and buttermilk to the creamed mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Fold in the hot fudge sauce gently until just combined.
Add Extras: If using, fold in the chocolate chips or nuts.
Bake the Bread: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool and Serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Drizzle with additional hot fudge sauce before serving.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 1 hour | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal per serving | Servings: 12 servings