Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Swirl Milk Bread
- Stunning Presentation: The intricate chocolate swirls make it look bakery-worthy.
- Soft and Fluffy: Milk bread’s pillowy texture melts in your mouth.
- Rich Chocolate Flavor: The cocoa swirl adds an indulgent touch without being overly sweet.
- Versatile Treat: Enjoy it plain, with butter, or as a base for French toast.
Tools You’ll Need
- Pastry brush: For spreading the filling and egg wash.
- Mixing bowls: For preparing the dough and filling.
- Rolling pin: To shape the dough.
- 9×5-inch loaf pan: For baking the bread.
Chocolate Swirl Milk Bread
- Total Time: 0 hours
Description
Delicate, fluffy, and packed with swirls of rich chocolate, this Chocolate Swirl Milk Bread is a dream for bread and dessert lovers alike. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or even as a light dessert, this bread is as beautiful as it is delicious. Let’s bake something special today!
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup warm milk (about 110°F)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
For the Chocolate Filling:
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Dough
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.
- In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, heavy cream, and egg. Gradually pour this mixture into the dry ingredients.
- Knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook until it comes together. Add the softened butter and continue kneading for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic.
- Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 2: Make the Chocolate Filling
- In a small bowl, mix the cocoa powder, sugar, melted butter, and milk until a smooth paste forms. Set aside.
Step 3: Shape the Dough
- Punch down the risen dough and divide it into two equal parts.
- Roll out one piece of dough into a rectangle about 12×8 inches. Spread half of the chocolate filling evenly over the dough.
- Roll the dough tightly from the shorter side to form a log. Repeat with the other half of the dough and filling.
- Place the logs side by side and twist them together to form a braid. Transfer the braided dough to a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
Step 4: Second Rise
- Cover the loaf pan with a towel and let the dough rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until puffy.
Step 5: Bake the Bread
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Brush the top of the dough with a little milk or an egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Don’t Skip the Second Rise: This ensures the bread is soft and fluffy.
- Use Good-Quality Cocoa Powder: The better the cocoa, the richer the chocolate flavor.
- Seal the Edges: When rolling the dough, pinch the seams to prevent the chocolate from leaking out.
- Let It Cool: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to avoid squishing the soft interior.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Rising Time: 2-3 hours
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Cuisine: American
Storage Instructions
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?
A: Yes! You can knead the dough by hand—it may take a bit longer but works just as well.
Q2: Can I add other flavors to the filling?
A: Absolutely! Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth.
Q3: Can I make the dough in advance?
A: Yes! After the first rise, cover the dough and refrigerate overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.
Conclusion: A Swirl of Delight
This Chocolate Swirl Milk Bread is a delightful blend of soft, buttery dough and rich, chocolaty goodness. Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or toasted the next day, every bite is pure bliss.
Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Rising Time: 2-3 hours
Baking Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per slice):
- Calories: 230
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fat: 10g
Did you bake this bread? Share your creation with us online and tag us! Enjoy every fluffy, chocolaty bite!
