Indulge in the rich and decadent flavors of this Fluffy Chocolate Bread Loaf. This soft and airy bread is infused with the deep, rich taste of cocoa powder, creating a delightful balance of sweetness and chocolatey goodness. The final touch of honey glaze adds a subtle sweetness and a beautiful sheen to the top, making it irresistibly inviting.

Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, as a snack, or a dessert, this chocolate bread loaf is sure to impress. The tender crumb and light texture make each bite a pleasure, while the simplicity of the recipe ensures that even novice bakers can achieve a delicious result. Serve it warm, and watch it disappear as everyone reaches for seconds.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 160 ml (0.7 cup) milk
• 1 egg
• 3 g (1 tsp) yeast
• 38 g (3 tbsp) sugar
• 280 g (2 cups) bread flour or wheat flour
• 15 g (2 tbsp) cocoa powder
• 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt
• 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter
• 1 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp water (for brushing)

Directions:

1. Mix Wet Ingredients:
   • In a bowl, combine 160 ml (0.7 cup) milk, 1 egg, 3 g (1 tsp) yeast, and 38 g (3 tbsp) sugar. Mix well.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients:
   • Add 280 g (2 cups) bread flour or wheat flour, 15 g (2 tbsp) cocoa powder, and 3 g (1/2 tsp) salt to the wet mixture. Mix until a dough forms.
3. Knead the Dough:
   • Knead the dough by hand until it starts to come together. Cover and let it rest for 20 minutes.
4. Incorporate Butter:
   • After 20 minutes, spread out the dough and add 30 g (2 tbsp) unsalted butter. Knead the butter into the dough until it becomes smooth.
5. Rest the Dough:
   • Transfer the dough to a mat and knead until smooth. Cover and let it rest for about 30 minutes.
6. Divide and Shape:
   • After 30 minutes, divide the dough into 3 equal parts. Knead each portion and let them rest for another 15 minutes.
7. Roll and Shape Dough:
   • Roll out each portion into a long sheet, flip over, shape into a rectangle, fold both sides to the center, and press flat. Roll from one end to form a cylinder. Pinch the edges to seal.
8. Second Rise:
   • Place the shaped dough into a toast box. Cover and let it rise for about 1 hour, until the dough fills the box about 9/10 full.
9. Bake:
   • Preheat the oven to 170°C (340°F). Bake the bread for 25 minutes.
10. Cool and Brush:
    • Remove from the oven, demold, and place on a cooling rack. Mix 1 tbsp honey with 1 tbsp water and brush the tops of the bread for extra flavor.
11. Enjoy:
    • Tear open and enjoy the fluffy, soft chocolate bread loaf!

Prep Time: 30 minutes | Resting Time: 1 hour 35 minutes | Cooking Time: 25 minutes | Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Kcal: 250 kcal | Servings: 6 slices

 

Here are some additional tips and information about this recipe:

Tips for Baking the Perfect Fluffy Chocolate Bread Loaf

1. Room Temperature Ingredients: For best results, make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This helps the dough rise evenly and improves texture.
2. Proper Kneading: Kneading the dough thoroughly helps develop gluten, which gives the bread its fluffy texture. Take your time to knead until the dough is smooth and elastic.
3. Even Shaping: When shaping the dough, ensure that it is rolled and folded evenly. This helps in achieving a uniform rise and a consistent crumb structure.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

1. Chocolate Chips: For an extra chocolatey treat, fold in a handful of chocolate chips into the dough before the second rise.
2. Nutty Addition: Add some chopped nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts to the dough for a crunchy texture and a nutty flavor.
3. Serving Ideas: This bread is delicious on its own, but you can also enjoy it with a spread of butter, a drizzle of honey, or a layer of your favorite jam.

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the bread at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days to keep it soft and fresh.
• Refrigeration: Keep the bread in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave or toaster oven for a few seconds before serving.
• Freezing: Freeze the bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a brief look at the nutritional content per serving (approximate values):

• Calories: 250 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 6g
• Fat: 9g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Cholesterol: 35mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

Possible Questions About This Recipe

1. Can I use a different type of flour?
   • Yes, you can use all-purpose flour if bread flour is not available. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
2. Can I make this recipe without cocoa powder?
   • You can omit the cocoa powder for a plain fluffy bread loaf. Add an extra tablespoon of flour to balance the dough.
3. How do I know when the dough is fully kneaded?
   • The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky to the touch. If you stretch a small piece, it should form a thin membrane without tearing (the windowpane test).
4. What if my dough doesn’t rise?
   • Ensure your yeast is fresh and active. The temperature of your environment also affects rising. A warm, draft-free place is ideal for the dough to rise.
5. Can I add flavors to the honey glaze?
   • Yes, you can infuse the honey with a bit of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of cinnamon for additional flavor.
6. Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
   • Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe by half to balance the flavors.
7. What can I do if the bread is browning too quickly in the oven?
   • If the top is browning too quickly, tent it with aluminum foil during the last 10 minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
8. Is it necessary to brush the bread with honey water?
   • Brushing with honey water adds flavor and shine, but it is optional. You can skip this step if you prefer.
9. Can I make this bread in a bread machine?
   • You can prepare the dough in a bread machine, but you will need to shape and bake it manually for the best results.
10. What if I don’t have a toast box?
    • You can use any loaf pan of similar size. Ensure it is well-greased or lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Conclusion

This Fluffy Chocolate Bread Loaf is a wonderful blend of rich cocoa flavor and soft, airy texture. Whether enjoyed fresh from the oven or saved for later, this bread is sure to be a hit. Happy baking!