Black Forest Bread
Black Forest Bread offers a rich chocolate flavor complemented by tart cranberries and hints of coffee, making it a delightful treat for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Its moist texture and bold flavors appeal to chocolate lovers and those seeking a unique, homemade bread experience.
Ingredients
- 1-3/4 cups all purpose flour ⓘ
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon hot water ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons instant coffee granules ⓘ
- 3/4 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 2/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup honey ⓘ
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract ⓘ
- 1 large egg ⓘ
- Cooking spray ⓘ
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine all purpose flour, unsweetened cocoa, baking soda, and salt.
- Stir in the dried cranberries.
- Make a well in the center of the mixture.
- In another bowl, combine hot water and instant coffee granules, then add the buttermilk, sugar, honey, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and egg, stirring well with a whisk.
- Pour the wet mixture into the well of the dry ingredients, stirring just until moist.
- Spoon the batter into an 8 x 4 inch loaf pan coated with cooking spray.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool on a rack for 10 minutes before removing the bread from the pan.
- Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider adding a splash of almond extract or using dark cocoa powder instead of unsweetened cocoa. If you don't have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For a nutty twist, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. Ensure not to overmix for a tender crumb.
Serving Suggestions
This bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a scoop of French Vanilla Ice Cream for a decadent dessert. It also pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea. For a brunch option, serve with fresh fruit or a dollop of whipped cream for added richness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover Black Forest Bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm it gently in the oven for a few minutes to revive its texture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Black Forest Bread contains roughly 220 calories, with 3g protein, 35g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 836mg per serving (36% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?
Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but it may result in a denser loaf. To balance the texture, consider using half whole wheat and half all-purpose flour. This will provide additional fiber while still keeping some lightness in the bread.
What can I use if I don't have instant coffee granules?
If you don't have instant coffee, you can use brewed coffee instead. Replace the hot water with an equal amount of strong brewed coffee to maintain the flavor. Just make sure it's cooled down to avoid cooking the egg in the wet mixture.
Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can incorporate other dried fruits like cherries or raisins. Just make sure to adjust the amount of sugar if the fruits are particularly sweet. Fresh fruits are not recommended as they may add too much moisture to the batter.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).