Description
Indulge in this rich and moist Chocolate Pecan Loaf — a perfect blend of velvety chocolate and crunchy pecans. Easy to make, irresistibly delicious, and ideal for breakfast, dessert, or gifting.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp baking soda
- ¼ tsp salt
Wet Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¾ cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar)
Add-ins:
- ¾ cup chopped toasted pecans
- ½ cup melted dark chocolate (or chocolate chips)
- Optional: extra pecans or chocolate chips for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a separate bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy (2–3 minutes).
- Add eggs and vanilla: Mix in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Combine mixtures: Alternate adding dry ingredients and buttermilk into the butter mixture. Mix until just combined — do not overmix.
- Fold in chocolate and pecans: Gently stir in melted chocolate and chopped pecans.
- Pour into pan: Transfer the batter to the loaf pan, smoothing the top. Sprinkle extra pecans or chocolate chips if desired.
- Bake: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool: Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Slice and serve: Enjoy plain or with a drizzle of melted chocolate!
Notes
- Toast your pecans before mixing for extra crunch and flavor.
- Use good-quality cocoa powder for the best chocolatey taste.
- Don’t overmix the batter — this ensures a moist, tender loaf.
- Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to enhance the chocolate flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes