If you’re anything like me, there’s something about warm, rich chocolate desserts that just feels like a big hug after a long day. Whether it’s a cozy afternoon with a cup of coffee or a get-together with friends, having a show-stopping treat like this Hot Fudge Brownie Bread makes everything feel a little more special.
Now, if you’ve never had brownie bread before, get ready. Imagine the deep, fudgy goodness of your favorite brownies — but baked into a loaf you can slice thick, drizzle with hot fudge, and maybe even sneak a second piece without feeling too guilty. (Because hey, it’s shaped like bread… it has to be slightly healthier, right?)
This recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it’s easy to whip up, but tastes like something you’d find at a fancy bakery. Plus, it’s super customizable. Want it even more decadent? Add a handful of nuts or swap in dark chocolate chips. Want to keep it simple? Stick with the classic version and enjoy every bite of that gooey, chocolate-loaded center.
Alright, let’s dive right into how to make it!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Bread:
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup brown sugar
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2 large eggs
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cocoa powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking powder
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Hot Fudge Topping:
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1/2 cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
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Extra chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
STEP 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first: go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Take a 9×5-inch loaf pan and grease it lightly, then line it with parchment paper. Make sure to leave a bit of overhang on the sides — it’ll make lifting out your brownie bread so much easier once it’s baked. (Trust me, you don’t want to be struggling when all you want to do is dig in!)
STEP 2: Prepare the Batter
In a big mixing bowl, whisk together your melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture turns smooth and glossy — almost like a rich caramel.
Next, add your eggs and vanilla extract. Give it another good whisk until everything’s completely blended.
In a separate bowl, sift together your dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients into your wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. (Overmixing can make your bread a little tough, and we definitely want that fudgy texture!)
Finally, fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips. This is when the batter really starts to look irresistible.
STEP 3: Bake the Bread
Pour your luscious brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan, making sure to spread it out evenly.
Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for about 50 to 60 minutes. To check if it’s ready, stick a toothpick into the center — you want it to come out with a few moist crumbs attached, not completely clean. That’s how you know it’s perfectly fudgy inside.
Once it’s baked, let the brownie bread cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes. Then, carefully lift it out using the parchment overhang and transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding your toppings.
How to Finish and Serve the Perfect Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
Now that you’ve got your brownie bread baked to fudgy perfection, it’s time for the fun part — toppings and serving! This step takes the bread from delicious to absolutely unforgettable. Trust me, once you drizzle that hot fudge over the top, it’s game over. You’re going to want to slice off a piece right then and there.
Plus, I’ll be sharing some of my favorite tips to make sure your brownie bread comes out flawless every single time. Let’s keep going!
STEP 4: Add the Hot Fudge Topping
Once your brownie bread has cooled completely (and I mean completely — patience is key here), it’s time to bring out that hot fudge sauce.
Warm the hot fudge slightly so it’s nice and pourable, but not boiling hot. Then, generously drizzle it all over the top of your brownie loaf. Let it drip down the sides a little — it just makes it look that much more irresistible.
If you’re feeling extra fancy (and why not?), sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips over the warm fudge. They’ll melt just a little and stick beautifully to the top, adding even more chocolate goodness to every bite.
STEP 5: Slice and Serve
Once the hot fudge has set just a little, it’s slicing time!
Use a sharp knife and cut the bread into thick, hearty slices. You’ll see those pockets of melted chocolate chips and that rich, fudgy center — it’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water.
You can serve it at room temperature for a soft, dense bite or warm it up slightly for a melty, gooey experience. If you’re really looking to impress (or just treat yourself), pair a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of whipped cream. It’s pure dessert heaven.
Tips for the Best Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
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Don’t Overbake: This is the number one tip if you want that rich, fudgy texture. Keep a close eye on your bread during the last 10 minutes of baking.
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Use Good Quality Chocolate: Since chocolate is the star of the show here, using a higher quality cocoa powder and chocolate chips really makes a difference in flavor.
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Customize It: Feel free to add your favorite nuts like walnuts or pecans for a little crunch. You can also try dark chocolate chips if you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor.
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Make it Ahead: This bread actually tastes even better the next day. The flavors deepen and it becomes even fudgier. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
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Freezing Tips: If you want to save some for later (good luck with that!), wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for about two months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw and microwave for a few seconds.
Serving Suggestions
Here are a few ideas to make this brownie bread even more amazing when you serve it:
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With Ice Cream: A big scoop of vanilla or even coffee ice cream on the side is a match made in dessert heaven.
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As a Sundae Base: Slice and warm the bread slightly, then top with ice cream, whipped cream, nuts, and a cherry for a brownie bread sundae.
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Holiday Treats: Dress it up with festive sprinkles or crushed peppermint for a holiday-ready dessert.
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Gift Idea: Wrap a loaf in parchment paper, tie it with twine, and gift it to a friend or neighbor. It’s such a thoughtful (and delicious) present.
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread FAQs
Whenever I share this recipe with friends or family, a few common questions always pop up. So I thought I’d round them up here to help you out before you get baking!
Can I use a different size pan for this recipe?
You can, but keep in mind it will affect the baking time. A smaller or larger loaf pan will change how quickly the bread bakes through. If you use a smaller pan, it may take a bit longer; if larger, it might bake faster. Always do the toothpick test to make sure you’re on track!
What’s the best way to store leftover brownie bread?
Store your brownie bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It will stay fresh and fudgy for up to three days. If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate it, but just know it might firm up a little. A quick microwave zap will bring back that gooey texture.
Can I freeze Hot Fudge Brownie Bread?
Yes, absolutely! Once the bread is completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to two months. To enjoy, thaw it at room temperature and microwave slices for about 10–15 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste.
What kind of hot fudge sauce should I use?
You can use store-bought hot fudge sauce (look for one you really enjoy the taste of), or if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade hot fudge is amazing too. Just make sure it’s thick enough to coat the top of the bread without running off completely.
Can I make this brownie bread gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the all-purpose flour for a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Make sure your other ingredients, like your chocolate chips and cocoa powder, are also certified gluten-free if needed.
Why is my brownie bread dry?
Dry brownie bread usually means it was overbaked. Remember, you want a few moist crumbs clinging to the toothpick when you test for doneness — not a totally clean pick. Also, be careful not to overmix your batter, which can make it tougher.
Can I add other mix-ins besides chocolate chips?
Definitely! Feel free to stir in chopped nuts, caramel bits, white chocolate chips, or even swirl a little peanut butter into the batter before baking. It’s such a fun way to make the recipe your own.
Final Thoughts on Making the Best Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
This Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is honestly one of those recipes that once you make it, you’ll want to come back to it over and over again. It’s simple enough for a casual weekend treat but impressive enough to bring to a party or potluck. And really, who can resist a thick slice of rich, fudgy, chocolate-loaded goodness?
One of my favorite things about this bread is how flexible it is — you can dress it up with all the toppings your heart desires or keep it simple and let that deep chocolate flavor shine through. Either way, it’s going to be delicious.
If you do make this recipe, I would love to hear how it turned out for you! Let me know if you added your own twist or if you served it with something special.
Happy baking, and don’t forget to grab a big glass of milk to go with your first (and second) slice!
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread
Hot Fudge Brownie Bread combines the dense, rich texture of a fudgy brownie with the comforting shape of a loaf. Every slice is packed with deep chocolate flavor, melty chocolate chips, and a decadent drizzle of hot fudge. Perfect for a cozy dessert, a sweet snack, or an impressive treat for gatherings, this brownie bread is a chocolate lover’s dream.
- Author: Mark's Recipe
Ingredients
For the Brownie Bread
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cocoa powder
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
For the Hot Fudge Topping
1/2 cup hot fudge sauce, warmed
Extra chocolate chips (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the bread out later.
Prepare the Batter
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and glossy. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking again until everything is well combined. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in the semi-sweet chocolate chips.
Bake the Bread
Pour the brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached. Let the brownie bread cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Add the Hot Fudge
Once the bread is fully cooled, drizzle the warmed hot fudge sauce over the top. For extra indulgence, sprinkle additional chocolate chips over the fudge while it’s still warm.
Serve
Slice the brownie bread into thick pieces and serve either warm or at room temperature. For an even more decadent treat, pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream.
Notes
Be careful not to overbake the bread to maintain its fudgy, moist texture. If you prefer an even richer flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts or use dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. This brownie bread stores well at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days and can also be frozen for longer storage. To reheat, microwave slices for about 10 seconds to restore their soft, melty goodness.