Imagine a cozy afternoon, the scent of freshly baked bread wafting through the air, mingling with the rich aroma of chocolate and a hint of citrus. This is the essence of my Chocolate-Infused Batter Bread with Spiced Orange Zest. Inspired by the traditional concept of batter bread, this recipe elevates the classic with the unexpected yet harmonious combination of chocolate and zesty spices. It’s a sweet treat that will surprise and delight your palate, making it perfect for brunch or an afternoon snack.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan with cooking spray or butter, ensuring every corner is well-coated.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cocoa powder. This dry mixture will form the foundation of your batter bread, giving it a rich chocolate flavor.

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, vegetable oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and freshly grated orange zest. Beat the mixture until well combined. The vibrant orange zest will infuse the batter with a refreshing citrus note, balancing the richness of the chocolate.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a few lumps are perfectly fine. The beauty of batter bread lies in its rustic charm.

Fold in the dark chocolate chips, allowing them to disperse throughout the batter. The melted chocolate will create decadent pockets of flavor in every bite.

Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, gently transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely. This step is crucial as it allows the flavors to meld and the texture to set.

For an elegant touch, dust the cooled batter bread with powdered sugar before slicing. Each slice reveals a marbled chocolate interior, complemented by the subtle brightness of orange zest and warm spices.

Enjoy this Chocolate-Infused Batter Bread warm or at room temperature, and experience the delightful interplay of flavors that make this dessert a true work of art!