If you love decadent desserts that combine the best parts of a brownie and a quick bread, you absolutely have to try Hot Fudge Brownie Bread. This luscious loaf is rich, fudgy, and marbled with gooey hot fudge sauce—offering a heavenly bite every time. It’s the kind of treat that fills your kitchen with an irresistible chocolate aroma and brings smiles all around, whether you’re making it for a relaxed evening in or sharing with friends at a celebration.

Hot Fudge Brownie Bread Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this recipe is how straightforward the ingredient list is, with each item playing a starring role in the final result. Every simple pantry staple adds depth—whether it’s moisture, fudgy texture, or that iconic chocolatey note—to this show-stopping Hot Fudge Brownie Bread.

All-purpose flour: Creates a sturdy structure so your bread slices beautifully and holds all that fudgy goodness.
Unsweetened cocoa powder: Gives the bread its ultra-chocolatey color and intense, deep cocoa flavor.
Baking powder: Helps the loaf rise just enough to stay soft and have a light crumb.
Salt: A pinch boosts every other flavor and ensures the sweetness isn’t overwhelming.
Unsalted butter, melted: Brings richness and a soft, moist texture to every bite.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the loaf and lends a tender crumb.
Eggs (at room temperature): Bind everything together for a luscious, brownie-like texture.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the chocolate flavors beautifully.
Hot fudge sauce (store-bought or homemade): The star of the show—adds rivers of molten chocolate throughout your loaf.
Chopped walnuts (optional): Offer a nutty crunch and rustic feel—perfect for extra texture lovers.
Chocolate chips (optional): For absolute chocoholics, they melt into dreamy pockets inside the bread.

How to Make Hot Fudge Brownie Bread

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×5-inch loaf pan. This step ensures your Hot Fudge Brownie Bread releases cleanly once baked and gives you a gorgeous finished loaf.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients separately not only breaks up any lumps—especially important for cocoa powder—but ensures an even, tender crumb in every slice.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk your melted butter and granulated sugar until smooth and slightly glossy. Add the eggs one at a time, giving each a good mix, then stir in the vanilla. This base makes your batter luxuriously rich.

Step 4: Bring the Batter Together

Now, gently add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until everything comes together. Overmixing can lead to a denser loaf, so stop as soon as you no longer see streaks of flour. If you’re going for extra indulgence, fold in the walnuts and chocolate chips here.

Step 5: Swirl in the Hot Fudge

Pour half the batter into your prepared pan, then drizzle half the hot fudge sauce over it. Repeat with the rest of the batter and fudge, creating two decadent layers. Use a knife to swirl the sauce into the batter for dramatic chocolate ribbons in every slice of Hot Fudge Brownie Bread.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and bake for 45–50 minutes. When a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs (and maybe a streak of fudge), you know it’s ready. Resist slicing right away—let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it onto a wire rack to finish cooling.

How to Serve Hot Fudge Brownie Bread

Garnishes

For the ultimate dessert experience, a warm slice of Hot Fudge Brownie Bread loves a drizzle of extra hot fudge, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar. A few toasted walnuts on top add extra crunch and make each bite memorable.

Side Dishes

This bread is definitely rich enough to stand on its own, but it pairs beautifully with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a cold glass of milk. Try serving it alongside your favorite berries for a pop of tartness that balances the chocolatey depth.

Creative Ways to Present

Hot Fudge Brownie Bread makes a charming gift, especially when wrapped in parchment and tied with twine. For a brunch gathering, slice and arrange it on a platter with bowls of sauces and toppings—let everyone customize their own piece. Or, cut it into cubes for an over-the-top chocolate bread pudding.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep the bread moist and fresh, wrap cooled Hot Fudge Brownie Bread tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The texture stays fudgy and irresistible, especially if you keep it out of direct sunlight.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this bread! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in layers of plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months—just thaw at room temperature before enjoying.

Reheating

If you want that just-baked, gooey fudge experience, pop an individual slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. Not only does this revive the melty chocolate, but it also makes the bread taste freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different size loaf pan?

A standard 9×5-inch loaf pan is ideal for Hot Fudge Brownie Bread. If you only have a different size, remember to check for doneness earlier or later depending on the thickness of your loaf—smaller pans may mean a bit longer baking time, while larger pans could bake up a little faster.

What’s the best way to swirl the hot fudge without mixing it in too much?

Use a butter knife and drag it gently through the batter in a zigzag motion, making sure to pull the fudge slightly into the batter but not so much that you lose those beautiful streaks. Less is more—it’s all about maintaining that dramatic marbled look.

Can I make this Hot Fudge Brownie Bread gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour mix for the all-purpose flour. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any of the rich, fudgy magic.

How do I make homemade hot fudge sauce?

If you’d like to skip store-bought, whip up a simple sauce at home with heavy cream, cocoa powder, sugar, chocolate, and butter. There are plenty of quick recipes online—just make sure it’s slightly warm and pourable when adding to your bread for the best marbling effect.

Is the bread safe to eat if it’s a bit gooey in the center?

Yes! Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is meant to be fudgy and moist, but a toothpick should come out with only a few crumbs (and maybe a little fudge) rather than raw batter. Let it cool before slicing to allow it to set fully.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re serving it straight from the oven or sneaking a slice with your afternoon coffee, Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is pure chocolate comfort. Try it the next time you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser—it’s easy, indulgent, and sure to become a beloved staple in your dessert rotation!