Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of moist, intensely chocolatey bread that whispers hints of robust espresso and crunchy walnuts. This chocolate walnut espresso loaf is more than just a quick bread—it’s a luxurious experience that transforms an ordinary afternoon into a moment of pure indulgence. Perfect for coffee lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike, this recipe promises a rich, tender crumb that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients:
- 120 ml (½ cup) mild vegetable oil
- 150 g (¾ cup) sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 10 ml (2 teaspoons) vanilla extract
- 5 g (1 tablespoon) instant espresso powder (optional)
- 180 ml (¾ cup) buttermilk
Dry Ingredients:
- 50 g (½ cup) unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) salt
- 2.5 g (½ teaspoon) baking soda
- 125 g (1 cup) all-purpose flour
- 120 g (1 cup) chopped walnuts (reserve 2 tablespoons for topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 165°C (325°F). Spray a standard 23×13 cm (9×5 inch) loaf pan and line with baking paper, ensuring the ends hang over for easy removal.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla, and espresso powder until well combined. Add buttermilk and whisk again to create a smooth mixture.
3. Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Whisk in cocoa powder, salt, and baking soda until the mixture is smooth. Switch to a spatula and gently fold in flour until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
4. Add Walnuts
Reserve 2 tablespoons of walnuts and chop them finely for topping. Fold the remaining nuts into the batter until just incorporated.
5. Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared pan—it will be quite thin. Sprinkle the reserved chopped nuts on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with just a few fudgy crumbs.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then use the parchment paper to lift it onto a cooling rack. Slice with a sharp serrated knife using a gentle sawing motion.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Bake Time: 45-50 minutes
- Servings: 10-12 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
Nutrition (per slice)
- Calories: 280
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 5g
Pro Tip: This loaf tastes even better the next day and pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk!