Creating a chocolate loaf bun is a delightful way to enjoy the rich flavors of chocolate in a soft and fluffy bread. Here’s a simple recipe to make a chocolate loaf bun:
Ingredients:
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk, warmed to about 110°F (45°C)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chopped chocolate (optional)
Instructions:
- Activate the Yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine the warm milk and a pinch of sugar. Sprinkle the yeast over the milk and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until foamy.
- Prepare the Dough:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, and salt.
- Add the activated yeast mixture, melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Mix until a rough dough forms.
- Knead the Dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic. You may need to add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- Add Chocolate Chips (Optional):
- If using chocolate chips or chopped chocolate, knead them into the dough until evenly distributed.
- First Rise:
- Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf:
- Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf shape and place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise:
- Cover the loaf pan with a clean kitchen towel and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until it fills the pan and rises slightly above the edges.
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) while the dough is rising.
- Bake the Loaf:
- Once the dough has finished rising, bake the chocolate loaf bun in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool and Serve:
- Remove the chocolate loaf bun from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Enjoy:
- Once cooled, slice the chocolate loaf bun and serve it as is or with your favorite spreads like butter, jam, or Nutella.
This chocolate loaf bun is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a sweet treat any time of the day. Enjoy its rich chocolate flavor and soft texture!
