Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread Recipe

If you’re craving a rich, comforting treat that combines the tender crumb of a quick bread with the deep, luscious flavor of chocolate, then you have to try this Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread. It’s moist, chocolaty, and effortlessly delicious, with a perfect balance of sweet and tang thanks to the buttermilk. This bread is ideal for breakfast, a cozy snack, or an easy dessert that satisfies your chocolate fix without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together simply yet perfectly to create a bread that’s flavorful, tender, and rich. Each one plays a crucial role: butter for moisture and richness, buttermilk to tenderize and add tang, cocoa powder and chocolate chips for bursts of chocolatey goodness, and a touch of vanilla to round out the flavor.

• Unsalted butter: Using room temperature butter ensures it whips well for a fluffy batter.
• Granulated sugar: Balances the bitterness of cocoa and adds sweetness.
• Large eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to structure.
• Buttermilk: Gives the bread its tender texture and subtle tang.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances the depth of chocolate flavor.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the bread’s structure.
• Natural unsweetened cocoa powder: Provides rich, intense chocolate flavor.
• Baking soda: Leavens the bread, making it light and airy.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies all the flavors.
• Chocolate chips: Add delightful pockets of melty chocolate throughout.
• Confectioners’ sugar (for glaze): Sweetens and adds a smooth finish on top.
• Milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency to perfectly drizzle.

How to Make Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease only the bottom of your 8.5 x 4.5-inch loaf pan. Greasing just the bottom helps the bread rise and bake evenly, while making sure you get the perfect crust on the sides.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using a mixer, beat the room temperature butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for about 4 to 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. This step is crucial for an airy texture, giving the bread a light crumb that melts in your mouth.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Add the eggs one at a time and beat well after each addition. This ensures they integrate fully, providing structure and moisture to the bread.

Step 4: Mix in Buttermilk, Vanilla, and Dry Ingredients

Reduce your mixer speed to low and slowly pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract. Then, add the flour, 3/4 cup of the cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat just until the dry ingredients are incorporated to avoid overmixing—this keeps the crumb tender and soft.

Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate Chips

Gently stir in the chocolate chips by hand. This adds pockets of melty chocolate that make each bite exciting and indulgent.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Let the bread cool in the pan for 15 minutes before turning it out onto a cooling rack to cool completely.

Step 7: Prepare and Add the Chocolate Glaze

While the bread cools, whisk together the remaining cocoa powder, confectioners’ sugar, and milk to create a smooth glaze. Pour this over the cooled bread and allow it to set before slicing to achieve a shiny, decadent finish.

How to Serve Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread

Garnishes

To make your Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread even more special, consider topping slices with a sprinkle of sea salt or a few extra chocolate chips for texture contrast. Fresh berries or a dollop of whipped cream can also brighten up each bite beautifully.

Side Dishes

This quick bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a relaxing morning or afternoon break. For dessert, serve alongside vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to complement that deep chocolate flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the bread into thinner pieces and use it as a base for mini chocolate bread sandwiches with peanut butter or marshmallow fluff. You can also toast slices lightly for a warm treat or cut into cubes and serve with chocolate fondue for a fun twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain freshness. The bread’s moist texture tends to hold up well, preserving that tender crumb you love.

Freezing

If you want to save some for later, wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature before serving to enjoy the same great taste.

Reheating

To revive your bread’s fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or toast lightly. This step enhances the aroma and flavor, making each bite feel like it’s straight from the oven.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk with a teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk, using real buttermilk offers the best texture and tang for the quick bread.

Is it possible to make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, by swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend designed for baking, you can make a delicious gluten-free Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread, though the texture might be slightly different.

Can I add nuts to this recipe?

Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans make a delightful addition, providing crunch and a nutty contrast to the soft chocolate bread.

What’s the best way to check if the bread is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter. This ensures the bread is fully baked yet remains moist inside.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the bread is fantastic even without the glaze, but adding it offers a beautiful finish and an extra layer of chocolate sweetness that really elevates the experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Chocolate Buttermilk Quick Bread enough — it’s one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again. Simple in ingredients and steps, yet incredibly satisfying and rich in flavor, it’s a perfect reminder that homemade treats don’t have to be complicated to be unforgettable. Give it a try, and prepare to fall in love with every chocolatey slice.

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