Chocolate Buttermilk Bread
A rich, moist chocolate bread with a hint of buttermilk and nuts, perfect for dessert or a sweet snack, appealing to chocolate lovers and bread enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease the bottom of a loaf pan.
- Combine sugar and softened butter in a mixing bowl.
- Beat thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in buttermilk.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until moist and combined.
- Fold in chopped nuts.
- Pour batter into the greased loaf pan.
- Bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
- Remove from pan and cool completely before slicing.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the chocolate flavor, consider using high-quality cocoa powder. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5 minutes. For added texture, try using walnuts or pecans instead of chopped nuts. This bread is also excellent with a drizzle of chocolate glaze.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chocolate buttermilk bread warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a delightful brunch option, serve alongside Carrot Pudding Cake or Butter Pecan Pie Squares. Enjoy it with a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover chocolate buttermilk bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to three months. To reheat, slice and warm in a toaster oven or microwave for a few seconds until just heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Buttermilk Bread contains roughly 217 calories, with 5g protein, 42g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (19% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1844mg per serving (80% 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 a different type of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a healthier option, but the texture may be denser. If you want a gluten-free version, consider using a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring it’s suitable for baking.
What can I do if my bread is too dense?
If your bread turns out dense, it might be due to overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Next time, measure the flour accurately by spooning it into the measuring cup and leveling it off. Also, make sure not to overmix once the dry ingredients are added.
Can I add other ingredients to this bread?
Absolutely! Feel free to mix in chocolate chips for extra sweetness or dried fruits like cranberries for a tangy twist. Just be cautious not to add too much additional moisture, which could affect 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).