I remember the day my daughter, Lily, declared war on Mondays. It wasn’t just the usual school-day blues; it was a full-blown protest against anything remotely resembling responsibility. I needed something – anything – to break through the Monday gloom. That’s when the idea for hot fudge brownie bread struck me. I needed to find a way to bring joy back into our Mondays.

I envisioned a treat that was part brownie, part bread, and all comfort. Imagine the rich, fudgy goodness of a brownie swirling through a soft, tender loaf. The aroma alone, a blend of warm chocolate and vanilla, is enough to chase away any lingering Monday grumps. This hot fudge brownie bread is exactly that – a slice of happiness. It’s become a staple in our household, a go-to for cheering up a tough day, celebrating a small victory, or simply enjoying a cozy evening. Baking it fills the house with warmth and comfort.

One of the biggest challenges with baking, I find, is balancing that desire for decadent indulgence with the reality of a busy week. Many brownie recipes are either too complicated or require ingredients I don’t usually have on hand. But this hot fudge brownie bread? It’s surprisingly simple, using pantry staples and requiring minimal effort. Even better, you don’t need to be an expert baker to make it – I promise!

The first time I made this hot fudge brownie bread, Lily walked into the kitchen, her face still clouded with Monday angst. But the moment she smelled the baking hot fudge brownie bread, her eyes lit up. “What’s that amazing smell, Mom?” she asked, a tiny smile beginning to form. A slice of warm hot fudge brownie bread later, and the Monday blues were officially defeated. My son, Tom, loves it warmed up with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Me? I enjoy it with a cup of coffee in the morning. It’s a versatile treat for any time of day.

This hot fudge brownie bread recipe is a winner because it’s easy, delicious, and adaptable. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have on hand – different chocolate chips, nuts, or even a hint of espresso powder can make it your own. It truly is a perfect treat. It is a perfect recipe to make with the kids because it is quick and easy!

So, are you ready to bake a loaf of happiness? Let’s get started! I know you and your family will absolutely love this hot fudge brownie bread as much as we do.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this amazing hot fudge brownie bread. Don’t worry if you don’t have everything on the list. I’ll share some simple substitutions to make it super easy for you.

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: I usually use unbleached all-purpose flour, but you can also use a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. Sometimes I even mix in a little whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor, especially if I’m trying to be just a little bit healthier!
¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Use good quality cocoa powder for the best flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa powder will give you a darker, richer hot fudge brownie bread, but regular unsweetened cocoa works just fine.

1 teaspoon baking soda: This helps the hot fudge brownie bread rise and gives it that lovely, tender crumb.
½ teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances the chocolate flavor.
1 cup granulated sugar: You can reduce this slightly if you prefer a less sweet hot fudge brownie bread.

½ cup packed light brown sugar: Brown sugar adds moisture and a caramel-like flavor.
½ cup vegetable oil: I use canola oil, but any neutral-flavored oil will work. You can even use melted coconut oil, but it will impart a slight coconut flavor.
2 large eggs: Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for best results. They’ll incorporate more easily into the batter.

1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Use pure vanilla extract for the best flavor, but imitation vanilla will also work in a pinch.
1 cup buttermilk: Buttermilk adds a tanginess and helps keep the hot fudge brownie bread moist. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to the 1-cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
1 cup boiling water: Don’t skip this! The boiling water helps to bloom the cocoa powder and create a fudgier texture.

1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips: I love using semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can use dark chocolate chips, milk chocolate chips, or even white chocolate chips. You can also use chopped chocolate if you prefer. Sometimes, I like to use a combination of different chocolate chips.
½ cup hot fudge sauce, store-bought or homemade: This is the key ingredient that makes this hot fudge brownie bread so decadent! If you don’t have hot fudge sauce, you can use chocolate ganache or even a thick chocolate syrup. The hot fudge sauce adds an extra layer of richness.

Shopping Tip: I usually buy my cocoa powder and chocolate chips in bulk to save money, especially since we bake so much at our house!

Storage Hack: Store leftover chocolate chips in the freezer to keep them fresh for longer.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get baking this delicious hot fudge brownie bread! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be enjoying a warm slice in no time.

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the hot fudge brownie bread from sticking and makes it easier to remove. Consider using parchment paper for easy removal!

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. This step is crucial for even baking.
In a separate bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Beat until well combined. Using an electric mixer can speed up this process.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough hot fudge brownie bread. Overmixing develops the gluten, leading to a less tender bread.

Stir in the buttermilk until smooth. Buttermilk adds moisture and a slight tang.
Carefully pour in the boiling water and mix until the batter is thin and smooth. Don’t worry if the batter seems very liquid; this is normal. The boiling water helps to create a fudgier texture.
Stir in the chocolate chips. Feel free to add more if you’re a chocolate lover!

Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan.
Drizzle half of the hot fudge sauce over the batter.
Pour the remaining batter over the hot fudge sauce.

Drizzle the remaining hot fudge sauce over the top of the batter. I like to swirl it in a little with a knife or skewer for a marbled effect. This creates a beautiful and delicious swirl.
Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it. Use an oven thermometer to ensure accurate temperature.
Let the hot fudge brownie bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling it in the pan prevents it from breaking.

Slice and serve!

Real-Life Cooking Tip: Don’t be tempted to slice the hot fudge brownie bread while it’s still warm. It will be much easier to slice once it has cooled completely.

Lesson Learned: The first time I made this, I didn’t grease and flour the loaf pan properly, and the hot fudge brownie bread stuck to the bottom. It was a bit of a disaster, but I learned my lesson!

Family Reaction: When Tom first tried it, he said, “Mom, this is even better than a regular brownie!” That’s high praise coming from my son.

Meal Prep Insights: You can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Leftover Advice: Store leftover hot fudge brownie bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Freezing it allows you to enjoy it for up to 2 months.

Serving Ideas

This hot fudge brownie bread is delicious on its own, but here are a few ideas to take it to the next level:

Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: This is my family’s favorite way to enjoy it. The warm hot fudge brownie bread melts the ice cream, creating a decadent and comforting dessert. Consider trying different ice cream flavors like chocolate or coffee.
With a drizzle of extra hot fudge sauce: For the ultimate chocolate lover, top a slice of hot fudge brownie bread with a generous drizzle of hot fudge sauce. Homemade hot fudge sauce is especially delicious.

As part of a dessert platter: Slice the hot fudge brownie bread into smaller pieces and arrange it on a dessert platter with other treats like cookies, fruit, and cheese. A dessert platter is perfect for parties and gatherings.
For breakfast or brunch: Serve a slice of hot fudge brownie bread alongside a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying breakfast or brunch. It’s a great alternative to muffins or pastries.
In a bread pudding: Use leftover hot fudge brownie bread to make a delicious bread pudding. Simply cube the bread, soak it in a custard mixture, and bake until golden brown. Bread pudding is a great way to use up stale bread.

As a gift: Wrap a loaf of hot fudge brownie bread in cellophane and tie it with a ribbon for a thoughtful and homemade gift. Homemade gifts are always appreciated.

Occasions: I love making this hot fudge brownie bread for birthdays, holidays, or just because. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.

Portion Sizes: A standard slice is usually enough, but some of us (me included!) might go back for seconds.

Family Feedback: My kids often request this for their school lunches as a special treat.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about this hot fudge brownie bread recipe:

Q: Can I use a different type of chocolate chip?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate chips, such as dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate. You can also use chopped chocolate if you prefer. I once used peanut butter chips, and it was a huge hit!

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 replacement for best results. My friend Sarah is gluten-free, and she says it works great!

Q: Can I reduce the amount of sugar?

A: Yes, you can reduce the amount of sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet hot fudge brownie bread. I wouldn’t recommend reducing it by more than ¼ cup, as it will affect the texture of the bread.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just bring it to room temperature before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?

A: No problem! You can make your own buttermilk by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to a measuring cup, then filling it with milk to the 1-cup line. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using. I always forget to buy buttermilk, so I use this trick all the time!

Q: Can I freeze the hot fudge brownie bread?

A: Yes, you can freeze the hot fudge brownie bread for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it at room temperature before serving.

Q: I don’t have a loaf pan, what else can I use?

A: If you don’t have a loaf pan, you can use a round cake pan. The baking time might be slightly different, so keep an eye on it.

Q: Can I add nuts to the hot fudge brownie bread?

A: Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and flavor to the hot fudge brownie bread.

Q: My hot fudge brownie bread is dry, what did I do wrong?

A: Overbaking can cause the hot fudge brownie bread to be dry. Make sure to check it regularly while it’s baking and remove it from the oven when a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. Also, be sure to measure your ingredients accurately, especially the flour.

Conclusion

This hot fudge brownie bread is more than just a recipe; it’s a memory maker. It’s a simple way to bring joy to your family, just like it does in mine. It is delicious and comforting. Baking is a great way to get kids into the kitchen and spend time together.

Here are a few final tips to ensure your hot fudge brownie bread turns out perfectly:

Don’t overmix the batter: Overmixing can result in a tough hot fudge brownie bread. Mix until just combined.
Use good quality ingredients: The better the quality of your ingredients, the better the flavor of your hot fudge brownie bread.

Let it cool completely before slicing: This will make it easier to slice and prevent it from crumbling.

My family has made so many variations of this recipe over the years. Tom likes it with a peanut butter swirl, and Lily loves adding a sprinkle of sea salt on top. Feel free to get creative and make it your own! The original, however, with the hot fudge swirl is always the best.

I hope you enjoy making this hot fudge brownie bread as much as I do. It’s a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite. Now, go bake some happiness! I’d love to hear about your experience, so please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. And don’t forget to share your own variations! Baking something yummy like this hot fudge brownie bread is fun for everyone!

Hot Fudge Brownie Bread

Print Recipe

Indulge in warm, fudgy goodness with this incredibly easy hot fudge brownie bread! Ready in just 10 minutes, it’s the perfect quick dessert for chocolate cravings.

Author: Kiera
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 28 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Dessert

Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 box (15 ounces) brownie mix

1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup hot fudge sauce, plus more for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5 inch loaf pan.
In a large bowl, combine brownie mix, milk, and oil. Stir until just combined.

Gently fold in 1/4 cup of hot fudge sauce.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs.
Let cool slightly before slicing and serving. Drizzle with additional hot fudge sauce, if desired.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat!