If you’ve ever found yourself torn between the rich chewiness of a brownie and the comforting sliceability of banana bread, this recipe is your answer. Hot Fudge Brownie Bread blends everything you love about brownies gooey centers, crisp edges, and deep chocolate flavor with the structure of a quick bread. It’s like Double Chocolate Banana Bread turned up a notch, complete with thick swirls of warm fudge.
Perfect for everyday cravings or special occasions, this loaf is destined to become a favorite in your baking rotation.
Table of Contents
What Is Hot Fudge Brownie Bread?
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is a dessert hybrid: part brownie, part loaf cake, all chocolate. It has a dense, moist interior and bold cocoa flavor, layered with hot fudge both inside and on top. It’s ideal served warm and gooey, or chilled for a firmer, truffle-like texture.
If you’re intrigued by rich chocolate treats with unexpected twists, you might also enjoy the refined simplicity of Chocolate Sorbet with Warm Salted Dates.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup Dutch-processed cocoa powder
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- ½ cup whole milk or buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chopped chocolate
- 5 tablespoons hot fudge sauce (divided)
Optional Add-Ins
- ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter swirled between layers
- A drizzle of caramel and sprinkle of sea salt
Looking for nutty snack inspiration? You might like Peanut Butter Crackers, which combine savory and sweet elements in a fun, easy way.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan and Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5 inch loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for clean removal.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Combine
Slowly mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. Fold in the chocolate chips.
5. Layer with Fudge
Pour half of the batter into the loaf pan. Drizzle 3 tablespoons of hot fudge over the batter. Add the remaining batter on top and swirl in 2 more tablespoons of fudge.
6. Bake
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. A toothpick should come out with moist crumbs but no wet batter. Let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Creative Variations
Nutty Brownie Bread
Add chopped nuts for a crunch reminiscent of a traditional Carrot Cake.
Mocha Brownie Bread
Stir in a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the cocoa flavor.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Add swirls of peanut butter between the layers for a rich, salty contrast.
Salted Caramel Twist
Drizzle caramel on top before baking and finish with flaky sea salt.
Mini Loaves or Muffins
Divide the batter into smaller pans or muffin tins. For more ideas, visit Cookie Cakes for individual-sized treats.
Vegan Variation
Substitute eggs with flaxseed meal, use plant-based milk, and opt for dairy-free chocolate.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve warm with vanilla or caramel ice cream
- Add a dollop of whipped cream and fresh berries
- Toast slices and spread with Nutella or homemade pistachio cream
- Use leftovers for brownie bread French toast
Storage and Freezing
At Room Temperature
Wrap the loaf tightly or store in an airtight container. It stays fresh for up to three days.
In the Refrigerator
Refrigerate to keep it moist for up to one week.
Freezing
Slice before freezing. Wrap each slice individually and store in a zip-top bag. Reheat in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds before serving.
Healthier Alternatives
Make it a little lighter without sacrificing flavor:
- Replace half the butter with Greek yogurt
- Reduce sugar and add mashed bananas or unsweetened applesauce
- Use whole wheat flour for more fiber
- Try dark chocolate chips like those in Chocolate-Covered Almonds for added antioxidants
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a boxed brownie mix?
Yes, you can definitely use a boxed brownie mix as a shortcut, especially if you’re short on time or ingredients. However, since brownie mixes are typically formulated for a thinner, bar-style bake, you’ll need to adjust the consistency to suit a loaf-style bake. Add approximately ¼ cup of all-purpose flour and ¼ cup of milk to thicken and stabilize the batter, allowing it to hold its shape better in a loaf pan. Be sure to also check the bake time—boxed mixes may bake more quickly, so keep an eye on it during the last 10–15 minutes.
Why does my bread sink in the middle?
A sunken center can be caused by several common baking issues. The most frequent culprit is overmixing the batter, which adds excess air and weakens the loaf’s structure during baking. Another possibility is underbaking—if the center remains too moist, it will collapse as it cools. Also, always make sure your baking powder is fresh, as expired leavening agents will fail to provide the necessary rise. Avoid opening the oven door too early during baking, as rapid temperature shifts can also cause sinking.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. These blends are crafted to replicate the behavior of all-purpose flour and often contain binding agents like xanthan gum to help with structure. When making this substitution, keep all other ingredients the same, and double-check labels to ensure your chocolate chips and baking powder are also gluten-free if you’re baking for someone with celiac disease or severe sensitivities.
How do I reheat frozen slices?
To reheat frozen slices of Hot Fudge Brownie Bread, simply unwrap and microwave each slice for 20–30 seconds until warm. This restores the soft texture and revives the gooey fudge swirls. Alternatively, you can toast the slices in a toaster oven or air fryer for a slightly crispy edge and rich, cake-like bite. For an extra-indulgent touch, top the warm slice with ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of chocolate or caramel sauce.
Is it better warm or cold?
Both ways are delicious it depends on your mood and preference. Warm slices offer a soft, gooey interior and melty chocolate, perfect for dessert. Chilled slices become denser, chewier, and more like traditional brownies, making them ideal for lunchboxes or snacking. You can also toast chilled slices briefly for a hybrid experience that brings out both crispness and warmth.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe can be doubled with no issues, making it great for larger gatherings or meal prep. Divide the batter between two loaf pans, and place them on the same oven rack with space in between for proper heat circulation. Rotate the pans halfway through the bake to ensure even cooking. The bake time may vary slightly, so rely on the toothpick test: insert it into the center and ensure it comes out with moist crumbs (not raw batter) before removing from the oven.
Conclusion
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is more than just a dessert it’s a celebration of everything chocolate should be. It’s rich, versatile, and endlessly customizable. Whether you keep it classic or get creative with espresso, nuts, or caramel, this recipe delivers both ease and indulgence.
If you’re looking to explore more incredible recipes, visit RecipeTin Eats for globally inspired home cooking, or browse Mom on Timeout for more dessert ideas that your whole family will love.