Chocolate Chip Bread

Love this Chocolate Chip Bread? Try my Apple Spice Cake for a cozy treat or the Gulab Jamun Cake for a unique fusion dessert!

This recipe checks all the boxes: soft, moist, rich, and loaded with chocolate chips in every single bite. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to whip up, so even if you’re not much of a baker, you’ve got this. Trust me.

Why Chocolate Chip Bread is a Must-Try

There are plenty of sweet breads out there, but this one stands out for its incredible flavor and versatility. It’s rich enough to satisfy your chocolate cravings but light enough to enjoy any time of day. Plus, it’s the perfect solution when you’ve got chocolate chips sitting in your pantry just begging to be used.

Perfect for Any Occasion

This bread works for so many situations. Need a quick dessert to bring to a party? Done. Want to impress your family with a homemade treat? This recipe has your back. Or maybe you just want to make your house smell amazing—because, let’s be honest, nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked chocolate chip bread.

What Makes This Recipe Special

This isn’t your average chocolate bread. It’s packed with premium ingredients that elevate the flavor and texture to bakery-quality levels. And don’t worry—you won’t need any fancy equipment or skills to pull it off. If you can stir and pour, you can make this bread.

The Ingredients You’ll Need for Chocolate Chip Bread

This easy chocolate bread uses a lot of standard baking ingredients, making it super convenient to whip up anytime. Chances are, you probably already have most of these in your pantry! However, one tip I’ll share is to prioritize using high-quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips. Trust me, this small upgrade makes a world of difference in the final flavor of your bread.

• Dutch-Process Cocoa: Let’s start with this standout ingredient. Dutch-process cocoa is alkalized, meaning it’s less acidic than regular cocoa powder. The result? A smooth, mellow flavor that gives your bread a rich, deep chocolate taste and color.
• All-Purpose Flour: This pantry staple provides the structure for the bread, giving it that perfect balance of fluffiness and density.
• Dark Brown Sugar and Granulated Sugar: The dynamic duo! These sugars team up to add sweetness, moisture, and a slightly crispy crust on the outside of the bread.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents work together to help your bread rise beautifully while keeping the texture light and fluffy.
• Salt: Just a pinch, but don’t skip it! Salt enhances all the flavors, making the chocolate and sweetness pop.
• Buttermilk: A key player here, buttermilk not only adds a subtle tang but also tenderizes the bread, keeping it moist and soft.
• Eggs: Eggs are multi-taskers in this recipe. They provide structure, add moisture, and help the bread rise. Make sure they’re at room temperature for smooth mixing.
• Vegetable Oil: This ingredient ensures your bread stays moist and tender even after a day or two (if it lasts that long!).
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, sweet note that perfectly complements the rich chocolate flavors.
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: Ah, the star of the show! Chocolate chips are mixed into the batter for gooey, melty pockets of chocolate in every bite. Save a portion to sprinkle on top before baking for an extra touch of indulgence. While I love semi-sweet chips for their balance, you can swap them out for milk or dark chocolate based on your preference.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Chocolate Chip Bread

Here’s the fun part—baking it up! Let’s break it down, step by step:

1. Prep Your Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a standard loaf pan. You can also line it with parchment paper for easy removal (trust me, it’s worth the extra step). This step ensures your bread comes out cleanly and maintains that picture-perfect loaf shape.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:

• Dutch process cocoa
• All-purpose flour
• Dark brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Make sure it’s all combined and there are no lumps—nobody wants random pockets of dry cocoa in their bread. Take your time here, as this will make the texture of your bread smooth and consistent.

3. Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Buttermilk
• Eggs
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract

It’s super important to use room-temperature eggs here so everything blends nicely. Cold eggs can cause the batter to separate, and we definitely don’t want that!

4. Mix It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently fold them together. Don’t overmix—just stir until you don’t see any more streaks of flour. Overmixing can make your bread dense instead of light and fluffy. Then fold in ½ cup of the chocolate chips. These little bursts of chocolate will melt into the bread, giving you gooey pockets of goodness.

5. Pour and Top

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips over the top. (This step makes it look extra fancy when it comes out of the oven.)

6. Bake to Perfection

Pop the pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Check for doneness by sticking a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs), you’re good to go. The edges should be slightly crispy while the inside stays soft and tender.

7. Cool (If You Can Wait!)

Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. Or, you know, slice into it while it’s still warm because who can wait for chocolate chip bread?

Pro Tips for the Best Chocolate Chip Bread

1. Use Good-Quality Cocoa: It’s worth the splurge. Dutch process cocoa makes a huge difference.
2. Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: If you don’t have it, make your own by mixing 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: They blend better and create a smoother batter.
4. Don’t Overmix: This keeps your bread soft and tender instead of dense.
5. Check Your Baking Time: Every oven is different, so start checking around the 45-minute mark to avoid overbaking.

Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips

How to Serve Chocolate Chip Bread

Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. For a breakfast treat, toast a slice lightly and spread some butter or cream cheese. Honestly, this bread is so good on its own that you might skip the toppings altogether. It also pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or hot cocoa on a chilly morning.

How to Store Chocolate Chip Bread

Keep the bread fresh by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or storing it in an airtight container. At room temperature, it’ll stay moist and delicious for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze individual slices and thaw as needed. When freezing, wrap each slice in wax paper before placing them in a zip-top bag to maintain freshness.

Creative Variations to Try

Add-Ins to Elevate Your Bread

Feeling adventurous? Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy twist. Love peanut butter? Swirl a couple of tablespoons into the batter before baking. You can even toss in some dried cherries or shredded coconut for a unique flavor combo. For those who love a little spice, try adding a pinch of cinnamon or cayenne for a subtle kick.

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FAQ About Chocolate Chip Bread

Why You Need This Bread in Your Life

This chocolate chip bread isn’t just a recipe; it’s a game-changer. It’s perfect for family gatherings, gifting to friends, or just keeping all to yourself. (No judgment here.) Plus, it’s one of those recipes that looks way fancier than it is—so go ahead and let people think you’re a baking superstar.

Now grab your mixing bowl, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking. Because honestly, there’s nothing better than the smell of fresh chocolate chip bread filling your kitchen. Just don’t forget to save yourself a slice before everyone else gets to it!