Go Back
Print
a fresh baked pan of 2 loaves of chocolate bread by a window

Chocolate Walnut Bread

This recipe makes 1 large loaf of fluffy, soft chocolate bread with chunks of chocolate and walnuts throughout.

Course bread, Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine American, Canadian
Keyword bread, chocolate, walnut
Prep Time 3 hours
Servings 1 loaf (16 slices)
Author Naomi

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Tbsp. dry active yeast
  • 1/4 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1 cup lukewarm water
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/4 cup butter softened
  • 1/4 cup walnuts
  • 1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate chips OR chopped dark chocolate
  • 3 Tbsp. cocoa powder
  • 3 cup flour more or less; read the instructions before adding

Instructions

  1. Dissolve the yeast in 1/4 c. lukewarm water with 1/2 tsp. sugar and let this stand for about 10 minutes or until risen.  If the yeast doesn't rise, it is dead and you will have to start again.

To make the dough by hand:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the rest of the water, sugar, and salt.  Stir to dissolve.  Add the risen yeast mixture, and then add the butter, chocolate chips, and walnuts.

  2. Add the cocoa and about 1 c. of the flour. Mix to combine, and continue adding flour, 1/4 c. to 1/2 c. at a time, until the dough becomes too difficult to stir.  Turn out onto a floured work surface and knead, adding more flour as you go, until the mixture forms a smooth, soft dough with chocolate chips and nuts in it. Turn into a greased bowl, flip it upside down (smooth side up), and cover with plastic to rise or a damp tea towel to rise.

If you are making this bread in a stand mixer: 

  1. Combine the water, sugar, and salt in the bowl of the electric mixer, and add the yeast, butter, chocolate chips, walnuts and cocoa to that.  Use the dough hook attachment and mix in 1 c. flour until it is well incorporated.  Add more flour and mix, again until incorporated.  Keep doing this until you get the consistency of a smooth, soft dough.  Turn into a greased bowl and cover to rise.

Once the dough is made:

  1. Let the dough rise for 1 hour or until doubled in bulk.  Grease your hands with a bit of oil or butter and punch the dough down.  Divide into 2 sections, and roll between your hands until you get two 15" ropes.

  2. Twist the ropes together into a long loaf, pinching the edges to seal, and tucking the ends under to finish.

    Alternatively: You can shape the dough into a loaf and set it into a lightly greased loaf pan.

  3. Set the loaf onto a non-stick, parchment lined, or lightly greased pan. Cover loosely with a tea towel, and allow to rise 35 minutes. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and allow the oven to heat 10 minutes (for a total rising time of 45 minutes).

  4. Bake the bread for 35 minutes, or until it sounds hollow when tapped.

  5. Cool completely on wire racks before slicing. Store in a sealed container or plastic bag.