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
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a loaf pan with a light layer of grease to prevent sticking.
- 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.
- In a separate large bowl, cream butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
- Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, thoroughly blending after each addition to create a smooth, homogeneous batter.
- Alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and milk to the wet ingredients, gently folding and mixing until just combined to maintain a tender texture.
- Carefully fold chopped pecans and chocolate chips into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
- 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.
- 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