Chocolate Nut Loaves
Rich chocolate nut loaves with a tender crumb and crunchy nuts, perfect for chocolate lovers and suitable for dessert or tea-time treats.
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon baking soda ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1 cup butter or margarine, softened ⓘ
- 2 cups sugar ⓘ
- 5 eggs ⓘ
- 3 squares unsweetened chocolate, melted and cooled slightly ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk or sour milk ⓘ
- 2 teaspoons vanilla ⓘ
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts ⓘ
- Powdered sugar (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.
- Beat butter or margarine and sugar in a large bowl until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in melted and cooled unsweetened chocolate.
- Add flour mixture alternately with buttermilk, beating after each addition until smooth.
- Mix in vanilla and chopped nuts.
- Pour the batter into five greased and floured 5 x 3-inch loaf pans.
- Bake for about 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove from pans and cool completely.
- Sprinkle with powdered sugar before serving, if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using dark chocolate instead of unsweetened chocolate. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added, as this can lead to dense loaves. If you prefer, you can also add chocolate chips for extra sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
These chocolate nut loaves are delightful on their own, but they can also be served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. Enjoy them alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. They also pair beautifully with Jim'S Potato Casserole for a hearty brunch option.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooled loaves in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, wrap each loaf tightly in plastic wrap and place them in the freezer, where they can last for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chocolate Nut Loaves contains roughly 776 calories, with 10g protein, 104g carbohydrates, and 36g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 880mg per serving (38% 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 nut in this recipe?
Yes, you can use any type of finely chopped nuts you prefer, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. Just keep in mind that different nuts may impart slightly different flavors and textures to the loaves.
How can I tell when the loaves are done baking?
The loaves are done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
Can I make this recipe in a single large loaf pan?
Yes, you can bake the batter in a larger loaf pan. However, you'll need to adjust the baking time. Start checking for doneness at around 60 minutes, as larger loaves will take longer to cook through.
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).