Hot Fudge Brownie Bread: A Warm, Gooey, Chocolate-Loaded Loaf for True Brownie Lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hot Fudge Brownie Bread is the ultimate dessert hybrid—part brownie, part loaf cake, and entirely irresistible. It bakes into a rich, fudgy centre with slightly crisp edges, all swirled together with warm hot fudge that keeps the texture decadently moist. If you’ve ever wished your brownies sliced like bread but stayed as gooey as the pan edges, this recipe is your dream come true. I once thinned the fudge sauce using a splash of almond milk when it was too thick, and the texture remained beautifully smooth, proving how forgiving this recipe can be. Whether served warm with ice cream, enjoyed as an afternoon treat, or gifted to chocolate-loving friends, this brownie bread delivers indulgence in every slice.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Adds structure to the bread while still allowing for a dense, brownie-like interior.

Cocoa powder
Provides deep chocolate flavour and helps create the classic brownie colour and richness.

Sugar
Sweetens the bread and helps achieve a moist, tender crumb.

Brown sugar
Adds a hint of caramel flavour and enhances the fudginess.

Eggs
Bind the batter and contribute to its soft, brownie-like texture.

Butter or oil
Adds richness and moisture, helping the bread stay tender.

Hot fudge sauce
Swirled into the batter, it bakes into pockets of gooey chocolate throughout the loaf.

Milk
Loosens the batter slightly and helps achieve the right consistency. Almond milk works perfectly as a substitute.

Vanilla extract
Adds warmth and depth to the chocolate flavours.

Salt
Balances sweetness and sharpens the chocolate profile.

Baking powder
A small amount gives the bread slight lift without losing its fudgy density.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease a loaf pan or line it with parchment paper. In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine melted butter or oil, eggs, milk, and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix just until combined; overmixing can toughen the loaf.

Warm the hot fudge slightly so it’s pourable. Pour half the brownie batter into the loaf pan, then drizzle a generous layer of hot fudge over it. Add the remaining batter on top and finish with more fudge, swirling it gently with a knife or skewer. This creates the signature gooey interior and marbled top.

Bake for 45–55 minutes. The centre will remain fudgy, so a toothpick inserted may come out with moist crumbs—that’s expected. Allow the bread to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing; this helps the structure set and ensures cleaner slices while keeping the interior gooey.

Essential Equipment

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.

Servings and timing

Serves 8–10.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Baking time: 50 minutes
Cooling time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 1 hour 20 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store leftover brownie bread tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 10–12 seconds to restore the warm, gooey texture. This loaf also freezes well—wrap in plastic and freeze for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature and warm lightly before serving.

Variations and Customizations

Double Chocolate Chip Version

Add chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for extra pockets of melted chocolate.

Peanut Butter Swirl

Swirl warmed peanut butter into the loaf along with the fudge for a sweet-salty twist.

Mocha Brownie Bread

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavour.

Walnut or Pecan Crunch

Fold chopped nuts into the batter for texture and nutty richness.

Salted Caramel Brownie Bread

Drizzle caramel sauce into the batter and sprinkle flaky salt on top before baking.

Marshmallow-Stuffed

Add mini marshmallows for gooey, s’mores-inspired bites.

Gluten-Free Version

Use a high-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Mint Chocolate Variation

Add a few drops of peppermint extract to the batter.

White Chocolate Drizzle

After baking, drizzle melted white chocolate over the top for contrast.

Extra Fudge Centre

Add an additional layer of hot fudge in the middle for maximum gooeyness.

FAQs

Why is my brownie bread too dry?

It may have been overbaked. Remove it when the top is set but the centre remains slightly soft.

Can I use boxed brownie mix?

Yes. Mix according to package instructions and swirl in fudge before baking as a loaf.

Does the hot fudge need to be warm?

Yes, warming helps it swirl easily without clumping.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes. Use oil instead of butter and almond milk instead of dairy milk.

Why did my bread sink in the middle?

This is common with fudgy loaves. Cooling in the pan helps reduce sinking.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Walnuts or pecans add great flavour and crunch.

How do I prevent sticking?

Use parchment paper to lift the loaf out easily.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, bake in two loaf pans or a 9×13 pan.

Should the batter be thick?

Yes, brownie-style batter is thicker than traditional cake batter.

Can I serve it warm?

Warm slices are delicious, especially with ice cream.

Conclusion

Hot Fudge Brownie Bread blends the best qualities of brownies and quick breads into one intensely chocolatey, gooey loaf. It’s simple to prepare, deeply indulgent, and endlessly customizable. Whether you enjoy it warm from the oven, reheated the next day, or straight from the freezer, this brownie bread is the perfect treat for chocolate lovers seeking comfort, richness, and pure dessert bliss.

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