Irresistible Chocolate Pecan Bread Recipe for Sweet Comfort

Warm chocolate pecan bread offers a delightful twist on classic comfort baking.

Sweet aromas will fill your kitchen with pure happiness.

Nutty pecans bring incredible depth to each soft, tender slice.

Chocolate chunks melt beautifully, creating pockets of rich indulgence throughout the loaf.

Subtle hints of vanilla complement the deep cocoa notes perfectly.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe.

Why Chocolate Pecan Bread Is a Rich Treat

• Savor Decadent Chocolate Delight: Indulge in a rich, moist bread that combines the deep flavors of chocolate with the nutty crunch of pecans, creating a truly irresistible treat.
• Master Beginner-Friendly Baking: Perfect for novice bakers, this recipe requires simple techniques like mixing, sifting, and folding, making it an excellent way to build confidence in the kitchen.
• Enjoy Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Whether served as a breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or dessert, this chocolate pecan bread adapts to any occasion and satisfies sweet cravings for all ages.
• Create Stress-Free Homemade Comfort: Requiring minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe delivers a delectable homemade bread that feels like a warm hug without complicated preparation.

Ingredients for Chocolate Pecan Bread

• All-Purpose Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the chocolate bread.
• Cocoa Powder: Delivers rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the bread.
• Baking Powder: Helps the bread rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Baking Soda: Assists in browning and adds lift to the bread.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor profile of the bread.

• Butter: Creates a rich, moist texture and adds flavor to the bread.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with browning.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the bread's structure.
• Vanilla: Adds depth and enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Milk: Moistens the batter and helps create a tender crumb.

• Pecans: Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the chocolate bread.

How to Bake Chocolate Pecan Bread

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C). Prepare your loaf pan by giving it a generous coating of grease and a light dusting of flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

• All-purpose flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking powder
• Baking soda
• Salt

Ensure everything is well combined and free of lumps.

Step 3: Whip Up the Butter Base

In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and looks like a cloud of sweetness.

Step 4: Incorporate the Eggs

Add eggs one by one, beating thoroughly after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and mix until everything is smooth and well integrated.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly introduce the dry mixture to the wet ingredients. Alternate between adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently to create a silky, rich batter.

Step 6: Fold in Nutty Goodness

Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly for a delightful crunch in every slice.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan. Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the bread is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let the bread rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then carefully remove and place on a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your homemade chocolate pecan bread!

Pro Tips for Chocolate Pecan Bread

• Toast pecans before chopping to enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the bread's taste.
• Substitute vegetable oil for butter to create a dairy-free version of the recipe.
• Dust the pan with cocoa powder instead of flour for a richer chocolate appearance and no white residue.
• Check bread doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 45 minutes to prevent over-baking.
• Store bread wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 3 days at room temperature.

Variations to Try With Chocolate Pecan Bread

• Nutty Chocolate Crunch: Replace pecans with toasted almonds or walnuts for a different nutty flavor and added crunch.
• Mocha Chocolate Bread: Add 1-2 tablespoons of strong espresso or coffee to enhance the chocolate depth and create a rich mocha undertone.
• Orange Chocolate Sensation: Mix in orange zest and a splash of orange extract to bring a bright, citrusy complement to the chocolate base.
• Chocolate Chip Pecan Surprise: Fold in semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips alongside the pecans for extra chocolate intensity and texture variation.

Pairing Suggestions for Chocolate Pecan Bread

• Pair with Bold Coffee: Rich, dark roast coffee cuts through the chocolate's sweetness and complements the nutty pecan flavor, creating a perfect morning or afternoon treat.
• Serve Alongside Vanilla Ice Cream: Creamy, cold vanilla ice cream provides a delightful temperature and flavor contrast to the warm, chocolatey bread, enhancing each bite's richness.
• Match with Sweet Dessert Wine: A sweet port or moscato wine highlights the chocolate's depth and balances the bread's nutty undertones, offering an elegant dessert experience.
• Enjoy with Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over a slice to amplify the bread's sweetness and add a luxurious, silky texture that melds beautifully with the chocolate and pecans.

Storage Advice for Chocolate Pecan Bread

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Keep the bread away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
• Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Separate slices with parchment paper, place in freezer bag, and store for up to 2 months. Microwave each slice for 15-20 seconds or toast directly from frozen.
• Warm slices in microwave for 10-15 seconds or place in 300F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore moisture and softness.

FAQs on Chocolate Pecan Bread

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• Is this bread more like a cake or a traditional bread?

This is a sweet quick bread, similar to a cake in texture and sweetness, but structured like a bread loaf.

• How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the bread. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the bread is done baking.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but you might need to adjust the liquid measurements slightly.

Chocolate Pecan Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Indulgent chocolate pecan bread brings Southern comfort to your kitchen, blending rich cocoa with toasted nutty crunch. Warm slices offer a delightful balance of sweet and earthy flavors you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) cocoa powder
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (240 ml) sugar
• 2 eggs

Leavening Agents:

• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) chopped pecans

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and preparing a 9×5 inch loaf pan with grease and flour coating.
2. Sift together all dry ingredients including flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a medium mixing bowl.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar in a large bowl until the mixture becomes light and airy with a fluffy texture.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next, then mix in vanilla extract.
5. Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk to create a smooth, consistent batter.
6. Gently fold chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the bread is fully cooked.
9. Allow the bread to rest in the pan for 10 minutes to set the structure.
10. Remove the bread from the pan and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps maintain its texture and prevents soggy bottom.

Notes

• Toasting pecans before adding to the batter enhances their nutty flavor and provides a delightful crunch.
• Use high-quality cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate taste that elevates the entire bread.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to maintain the bread’s tender texture.
• Room temperature ingredients ensure smoother mixing and a more consistent final texture, especially for butter and eggs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 260 kcal
• Sugar: 14 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg