🍫 Indulgent Brownie Bread with Milk Chocolate Ganache

Imagine sinking your teeth into a warm, fudgy slice of brownie bread, where every bite melts in your mouth like a rich chocolate dream. This brownie bread recipe combines the irresistible texture of a classic brownie with the comforting shape of a loaf, perfect for slicing and sharing (or keeping all to yourself!). Drizzled with a velvety milk chocolate ganache, this quick bread is a chocolate lover’s paradise. Whether you’re craving a decadent dessert or a sweet treat to pair with your morning coffee, this brownie bread will steal your heart and satisfy your soul. Let’s dive into this chocolatey adventure that’s as easy to make as it is to love.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with Brownie Bread

This brownie bread isn’t just a dessert—it’s an experience. The dense, moist crumb studded with gooey chocolate chips feels like a warm hug from your favorite bakery. The deep cocoa flavor, enhanced by Dutch-processed cocoa powder, creates a luxurious taste that’s both indulgent and comforting. And that milk chocolate ganache? It’s the silky crown that takes this loaf from delightful to unforgettable.

What makes this recipe so special is its simplicity. With just a handful of pantry staples and a little bit of love, you can whip up a loaf that looks and tastes like it came from a gourmet patisserie. Plus, it’s versatile—serve it as a dessert, a snack, or even a breakfast treat for those mornings when you need a little extra joy. Ready to make your kitchen smell like a chocolate haven? Let’s get started.

Ingredients for Brownie Bread

Before we dive into the magic of baking, let’s gather the ingredients. Each one plays a key role in creating that perfect fudgy texture and rich flavor.

For the Brownie Bread

🍫 1 cup (168 g) milk chocolate chips: These add bursts of sweetness in every bite. Feel free to swap for semisweet chocolate chips if you prefer a slightly less sweet profile.
🌾 1 ¼ cups (156 g) all-purpose flour: The foundation of the bread, giving it structure without overpowering the chocolate.
🍫 ½ cup (59 g) Dutch-processed cocoa powder: This gives the bread its deep, rich chocolate flavor and dark, inviting color. Regular unsweetened cocoa powder works, but Dutch-processed is the secret to that extra decadence.
🧁 ¼ teaspoon baking soda: Just enough to give the loaf a slight lift without making it cakey.
🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
🥚 3 large eggs, room temperature: These provide moisture and help create that fudgy texture. Room temperature eggs blend more smoothly into the batter.
🍬 1 ¼ cups (250 g) granulated sugar: Sweetens the bread and contributes to its tender crumb.
🥛 ½ cup (109 g) vegetable oil: Keeps the bread irresistibly moist. Canola oil works just as well.
💧 ¾ cup water: Adds the perfect amount of liquid to achieve a smooth, pourable batter.

For the Milk Chocolate Ganache

🍫 ½ cup (84 g) milk chocolate chips: The star of the ganache, creating a creamy, glossy topping.
🥛 ¼ cup (59.5 g) heavy cream: Brings the ganache together, giving it that luxurious, pourable consistency.

With these ingredients ready, you’re just steps away from a loaf that will make your heart skip a beat. Let’s move on to the fun part—baking!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Brownie Bread

This recipe is straightforward and beginner-friendly, but the results are anything but ordinary. Follow these steps to create a loaf that’s sure to impress.

Preparing the Batter

Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This lower temperature ensures the bread bakes evenly, keeping it fudgy rather than cakey. Spray a 9×5-inch metal loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Melt the Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips in a medium, microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the chips are fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly while you work on the rest of the batter. This step is key to infusing the bread with chocolatey goodness.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Dutch-processed cocoa powder, baking soda, and kosher salt. This ensures all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed, so every slice has consistent flavor.
Beat the Eggs and Sugar: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the eggs and granulated sugar. Beat on medium speed for about 5 minutes, until the mixture is light, fluffy, and pale. This step adds air to the batter, giving the bread its tender texture.
Incorporate the Wet Ingredients: With the mixer on low, slowly add the melted chocolate, vegetable oil, and water. Mix until everything is smooth and fully combined. The batter will be glossy and irresistible at this point.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until no lumps remain. Be careful not to overmix—just blend until the batter is smooth and cohesive.
Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 85-90 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. The low and slow baking ensures a fudgy texture without drying out the loaf.
Cool Completely: Let the bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial before adding the ganache, as a warm loaf will cause the ganache to slide off.

Making the Milk Chocolate Ganache

Prepare the Chocolate: Place the milk chocolate chips in a heat-safe bowl. This will be the base for your luscious ganache.
Heat the Cream: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, bring the heavy cream to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. As soon as it starts to simmer, remove it from the heat.
Combine and Stir: Pour the hot cream over the chocolate chips. Let it sit for 1-2 minutes to soften the chocolate, then stir slowly until the mixture is smooth and glossy. The ganache should be pourable but thick enough to cling to the bread.
Drizzle and Set: Let the ganache cool slightly until it thickens to a drizzleable consistency. Pour or drizzle it over the cooled brownie bread, spreading it evenly with a spatula if desired. Allow the ganache to set for 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This waiting period is tough, but it’s worth it for that perfect, glossy finish.

Tips for Perfect Brownie Bread

To ensure your brownie bread turns out as dreamy as promised, keep these tips in mind.

Check for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the bread is done. You can also gently press the top—if it springs back, it’s ready. Avoid overbaking to keep the bread moist and fudgy.
Room Temperature Eggs: Using eggs at room temperature helps them blend smoothly into the batter, creating a uniform texture. If you forget to set them out, place the eggs in a bowl of warm (not hot) water for 5-10 minutes.
Dutch-Processed Cocoa: For the richest flavor and darkest color, opt for Dutch-processed cocoa powder. It’s treated to reduce acidity, giving the bread a smoother, more intense chocolate taste.
Don’t Rush the Cooling: Let the bread cool completely before adding the ganache. A warm loaf will absorb the ganache or cause it to slide off, ruining that beautiful presentation.
High-Altitude Baking: If you’re baking at a higher altitude, you may need to adjust the liquid, flour, or leavening agents slightly. Check out high-altitude baking guides for specific tweaks to ensure success.

Serving Suggestions

This brownie bread is a showstopper on its own, but here are a few ways to make it even more special.

🍦 Pair with Ice Cream: Serve a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla or coffee ice cream for a decadent dessert. The contrast of warm bread and cold ice cream is pure bliss.
☕ Enjoy with Coffee: A slice of brownie bread with a hot cup of coffee or espresso is the perfect morning or afternoon treat. The chocolate and coffee flavors complement each other beautifully.
🍓 Add Fresh Fruit: Top a slice with fresh strawberries or raspberries for a pop of color and a hint of tartness to balance the sweetness.
🥜 Sprinkle with Nuts: For extra texture, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the ganache before it sets. It adds a delightful crunch to every bite.

Storing and Freezing Brownie Bread

This brownie bread is so delicious it might not last long, but here’s how to store it if you want to savor it later.

Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the bread within 2-3 days, store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap at room temperature. This keeps it moist and fresh.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to a week. Wrap it tightly to prevent it from drying out. Note that refrigeration may slightly alter the texture, so bring it to room temperature before serving for the best experience.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. For a quick treat, you can even warm a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Can I Use a Different Pan?

If you don’t have a 9×5-inch loaf pan, don’t worry! You can use an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking dish for a thinner, brownie-like result. A 9-inch deep dish pie plate also works for a round loaf with a rustic charm. Just keep in mind that the baking time will vary—start checking for doneness around 60 minutes for a square pan or 70 minutes for a pie plate. Use the toothpick test to confirm it’s fully baked.

Why This Recipe Will Keep You Coming Back

This brownie bread is more than just a recipe—it’s a love letter to chocolate lovers everywhere. The fudgy texture, intense cocoa flavor, and silky ganache create a treat that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion, a cozy night in, or just because you deserve it, this loaf delivers pure joy in every slice. The best part? It’s simple enough for beginners but impressive enough to wow a crowd.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let the scent of chocolate fill your kitchen. This brownie bread is calling your name, and trust us—it’s worth every second of the wait. Once you try it, you’ll be dreaming of the next time you can bake it again. Happy baking!