Buttermilk Chocolate Bread
Rich and moist chocolate bread with a hint of buttermilk, perfect for chocolate lovers and ideal for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Combines cocoa's depth with nutty crunch.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom only of an 8 x 4-inch or 9 x 5-inch loaf pan.
- In a large bowl, combine sugar and margarine; blend thoroughly.
- Add eggs; mix well.
- Stir in buttermilk.
- Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off.
- Add flour, cocoa, baking powder, salt, and soda.
- Stir just until dry particles are moistened. Stir in chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Remove from pan, cool completely, then slice.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar, or adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract. If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute buttermilk with a non-dairy milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. Ensure to sift the cocoa powder to prevent lumps in your batter. Adding chocolate chips can also enhance the chocolate flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This buttermilk chocolate bread is delightful on its own, but you can elevate it by serving it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea for a comforting afternoon treat. For an added twist, try topping it with a drizzle of chocolate glaze or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, wrap the buttermilk chocolate bread in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttermilk Chocolate Bread contains roughly 369 calories, with 8g protein, 72g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1439mg per serving (63% 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 regular milk instead of buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk by adding 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup of milk and letting it sit for about 5 minutes to curdle. This will mimic the acidity of buttermilk, providing similar tenderness to the bread.
How do I know when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes of baking, as oven temperatures may vary.
Can I add other ingredients to this recipe?
Absolutely! You can mix in chocolate chips, dried fruits, or even swap out the nuts for seeds. Just be mindful of the total volume of ingredients to maintain the bread's texture.
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).