Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf Recipe

Indulge in This Heavenly Chocolate Pecan Loaf Recipe

Crafting a chocolate pecan loaf brings pure culinary magic into your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will soon fill every corner with warmth and comfort.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that elevates this classic dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Rich chocolate melts into tender crumbs, creating a sensational texture that feels both indulgent and familiar.

Home bakers can easily master this simple yet sophisticated treat with minimal ingredients.

Each slice promises a delectable experience that connects memories and flavor in one beautiful moment.

Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf You’ll Love

  • Bake with Ease: This chocolate pecan loaf requires simple mixing steps and basic kitchen tools, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flavor Combo: The rich chocolate combined with crunchy pecans creates an irresistible taste that appeals to both kids and adults, ensuring everyone at the table will love each slice.
  • Versatile Treat Potential: Enjoy this loaf as a delightful breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert after dinner, making it a flexible recipe for multiple occasions.
  • Quick Preparation Magic: With straightforward ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have a delicious homemade chocolate loaf ready in just a short time, transforming basic ingredients into a spectacular treat.

Ingredients For Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

Dry Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key base that provides structure and texture to the chocolate pecan loaf.
  • Cocoa Powder: Adds rich chocolate flavor and deep color to the baked dessert.
  • Baking Soda: Helps the loaf rise and creates a light, tender crumb.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
Wet Ingredients:
  • Butter: Softened butter creates a rich, moist texture and adds flavor.
  • Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps to create a tender crumb.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the loaf's structure.
  • Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, cohesive batter.
Mix-In Ingredients:
  • Pecans, Chocolate Chips: Add delightful crunch, nutty flavor, and extra chocolate richness to the loaf.

How To Make Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Set your oven to 350F and grab a loaf pan. Generously coat the inside of the pan with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cocoa powder
  • Baking soda
  • Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat softened butter and sugar in a separate bowl. Continue mixing until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color. Add eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.

Step 4: Blend Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry flour mixture into the butter mixture. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk, mixing gently until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Add Delicious Extras

Gently fold in:
  • Chopped pecans
  • Chocolate chips

Distribute these tasty bits evenly throughout the batter.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 50-55 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Remove the loaf from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and enjoying your delectable chocolate pecan loaf.

Pro Tips For Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

  • Select Quality Chocolate: Use high-quality dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips for richer, more intense flavor depth.
  • Toast Pecans First: Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to batter to enhance their nutty, roasted flavor and improve overall texture.
  • Check Moisture Level: Insert a toothpick at 45 minutes to prevent over-baking, ensuring the loaf remains moist and tender.
  • Room Temperature Ingredients: Bring eggs and butter to room temperature before mixing to create smoother, more evenly blended batter.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum for better structure.

Flavorful Variations For Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

  • Gluten-Free Chocolate Nut Loaf: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Chocolate Pecan Bread: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use dairy-free milk for a plant-based alternative.
  • Nutty Chocolate Banana Loaf: Add mashed ripe bananas to the batter and swap pecans with walnuts for a different flavor profile.
  • Lower-Sugar Chocolate Pecan Cake: Use monk fruit sweetener or reduce sugar content, and incorporate dark chocolate chips with higher cocoa percentage for less sweetness.

Pairing Ideas For Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

  • Pair with Smooth Espresso: The rich, bold flavors of a freshly brewed espresso perfectly complement the deep chocolate notes in the loaf, cutting through the sweetness and enhancing the nutty pecan undertones.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Whipped Cream: Dollop a light, airy vanilla bean whipped cream alongside the slice to create a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures, adding a creamy softness to the dense chocolate cake.
  • Match with Salted Caramel Drizzle: Elevate the dessert experience by drizzling warm salted caramel sauce over each slice, which will intensify the chocolate's richness and provide a luxurious, complex flavor profile.

Storage Tips For Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

  • Wrap the cooled chocolate pecan loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, storing it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Keep it away from strong-smelling foods to prevent flavor absorption.
  • Carefully wrap the entire unsliced loaf in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months, maintaining its delicious texture and flavor.
  • Cut the loaf into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, and store in a freezer bag. Thaw individual portions quickly at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.

FAQs About Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

  • Can I substitute pecans with another nut?

Yes, walnuts work perfectly as an alternative and provide a similar crunchy texture to the chocolate loaf.

  • Is this recipe good for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! The steps are straightforward, and the recipe requires basic mixing techniques that even novice bakers can easily follow.

  • How do I ensure my loaf doesn't dry out?

Make sure not to overbake and check the loaf around 45-50 minutes with a toothpick. Remove from oven immediately when the toothpick comes out clean to maintain moisture.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can replace the regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, which will help maintain the loaf’s texture and taste similar to the original recipe.

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Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf Recipe

Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf Recipe


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4.5 from 39 reviews

  • Total Time: 65-70 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Rich chocolate pecan loaf whispers sweet southern comfort with deep cocoa notes and nutty crunch. Warm slices promise indulgent moments that draw companions close around kitchen tables brimming with homemade charm.


Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

  • 1 1/2 cups (190 grams) flour
  • 1/4 cup (25 grams) unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, softened
  • 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) milk

Add-ins:

  • 1/2 cup (60 grams) chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup (85 grams) chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a loaf pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
  2. Combine the dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, sifting flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt together to ensure even distribution and eliminate any lumps.
  3. In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
  4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, gently folding and mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
  6. Carefully fold chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
  7. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
  8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-55 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean with no wet batter clinging to it.
  9. Remove from the oven and allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

  • Toast pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the loaf.
  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for smoother batter and more even mixing, ensuring a tender crumb texture.
  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for those with wheat sensitivities, maintaining the rich chocolate taste.
  • Reduce sugar content by using dark chocolate chips and adding a touch of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate depth without extra sweetness.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50-55 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 298 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 132 mg
  • Fat: 19 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 50 mg
Sarah Mitchell

Sarah Mitchell

Content Specialist & Home Cooking Enthusiast

Expertise

  • Making healthy, comforting meals that fit into real-life schedules
  • Planning balanced, single-serving meals for individuals and small families
  • Writing clear, practical food content with a focus on wellness and ease
  • Using seasonal ingredients to bring variety and freshness to everyday meals

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College – Asheville, NC

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Trained in the basics of professional cooking, with a strong focus on home-style meals, seasonal recipe development, and time-saving kitchen techniques for everyday use.

American Fitness Professionals & Associates – Online

  • Program: Nutrition and Wellness Consultant Certification
  • Focus: Studied how to make healthy eating simple, enjoyable, and accessible

Sarah’s passion for food was sparked by weekend trips to the farmers’ market and her belief that healthy meals should never feel boring.
After earning her culinary diploma and becoming a certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, she set out to help others fall in love with simple, wholesome cooking.
She’s all about celebrating the small wins in the kitchen: a colorful yogurt bowl, a new twist on a classic dish, or a homemade snack that feels just a little extra special.
Outside the kitchen, Sarah is a gardener at heart, a yoga enthusiast, and a believer that fresh herbs can brighten any meal, and any day.

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