Chocolate Orange Bread
If you’re a fan of the sweet harmony that is chocolate and orange, then get ready for a treat you’ll be happy about. Meet Chocolate Orange Bread — a delightful fusion of rich chocolate, zesty orange, and a buttery, soft bread that practically melts in your mouth. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate and orange or just looking to try something new, this bread will not disappoint.
This recipe is not just another loaf of bread; it’s a decadent indulgence that balances sweetness with citrusy brightness. Scrumptious!
So, whether you’re baking for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this loaf will surely add a touch of magic to your day.
Chocolate and orange is a pairing that goes way back—an irresistible combination that brings together the rich, velvety taste of chocolate and the tangy, refreshing zing of orange.
Think of it as the classic yin and yang of the dessert world. The warmth of the chocolate and the citrusy punch of the orange creates an experience that’s both comforting and exciting.
Making Chocolate Orange Bread
Start by preheating your oven to 350°. Then, grease a loaf pan with butter or line it with parchment paper for easy removal after baking.
Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients; flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, and orange zest. Also, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside for now.
In a large bowl, beat the butter until light and fluffy. Then, stir in the egg, buttermilk, orange juice concentrate, and orange extract. Stir until thoroughly mixed, scraping sides as needed.
Next, with the beaters on LOW speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in batches until mixed. You can also do this step by hand, but whatever you do, do not over mix the batter.
Spread the batter into the prepared loaf pan, and bake for 35 – 40 minutes.
You can check if it’s done by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean or with dry crumbs, then it’s done. If the toothpick comes out wet, leave it in for another couple of minutes, then check again.
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then remove it from the pan to a wire rack.
Chocolate Orange Bread can be served warm, so don’t feel the need to let it cool completely.
Here’s where I go into quality control mode. (wink wink) Slice yourself a piece and slather it with either butter or some orange marmalade to make sure it’s safe to share with others. Decadent, munchable, and very satisfying.
Tips for Your Bread
- Don’t over mix the batter. Over mixing can result in dense bread. Mix just until the dry ingredients are incorporated into the wet ingredients, then stop.
- Optional Add-ins: If you’re feeling creative, you can add nuts, such as chopped almonds or walnuts, or throw in some chocolate chips.
- Storing Leftovers: Chocolate Orange Bread can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze individual slices in plastic wrap and a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
More Chocolate and More Orange Recipes:
- Chocolate Meringue Cookies
- Tropical Orange Crush Cake
- Chocolate Chunk Muffins
- Orange Juice Cupcakes
- Chocolate Chip Raspberry Coffee Cake
- Cinnamon Orange Swirl Cake
If you tried and love this recipe, please leave a 5-star rating on the recipe card and consider leaving a comment below. Thank you so much.
Chocolate Orange Bread
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup dark cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. grated orange peel
- 1 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg, lightly beaten and room temperature
- 3/4 cup buttermilk, room temperature
- 2 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, undiluted
- 2 Tbsp. orange liqueur or 2 additional tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate
- 1 tsp. orange extract
- Optional: orange marmalade or butter for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°. Grease the inside of loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper.
- In medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, brown sugar, orange zest, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside.
- In large bowl, beat butter until light and fluffy. Stir in egg, buttermilk, orange juice concentrate, and orange extract. Stir until combined scraping sides as needed.
- With the beaters on LOW speed, add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in batches until mixed. Do not over mix.
- Spread batter into prepared loaf pan. Bake 35 – 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with dry crumbs. Let cool in pan for 10 minutes, then remove from pan to a wire rack to cool completely. Can be served warm.
- Optional: serve with butter or orange marmalade. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Chocolate Orange Bread
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