Cream Cheese Brownie Bread with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

Introduction

This Cream Cheese Brownie Bread combines rich chocolate and creamy swirls of cheesecake into one irresistible loaf. Perfect for sharing or enjoying with a cup of coffee, it’s a delightful treat that’s both decadent and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweet cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for cream cheese layer)
• 1 large egg (for cream cheese layer)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (for cream cheese layer)
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for cream cheese layer)
• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk sunflower oil, sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until combined.
4. Step 4: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: In another bowl, beat the cream cheese, sugar, egg, flour, and vanilla extract until smooth to make the cream cheese layer.
6. Step 6: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared pan. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over this layer, then top with the remaining brownie batter.
7. Step 7: Bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is puffed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Step 8: Cool the bread in the pan for 10 minutes, then lift out and let cool completely. Wrap it in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
9. Step 9: To make the ganache, place chocolate chips and heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat at full power for 1 minute, let stand for 1 minute, then whisk until smooth.
10. Step 10: Pour the ganache over the chilled loaf, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and refrigerate until set.
11. Step 11: Slice the bread and bring to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• For a deeper chocolate flavor, try using dark cocoa powder instead of regular unsweetened cocoa.
• You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt thinned with a little milk if needed.
• Mix in chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter for added texture.
• If you prefer, replace sunflower oil with melted butter for a richer taste.

Storage

Store the brownie bread wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently at room temperature or warm briefly in the microwave before serving to enjoy the ganache’s smooth texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without espresso powder?

Yes, the espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor but can be omitted without affecting the overall texture. You can replace it with an equal amount of cocoa powder or leave it out entirely.

How long should I refrigerate the loaf before adding ganache?

Refrigerate the loaf for at least 4 hours or overnight to allow it to firm up. This helps the ganache set nicely and makes slicing easier.

Cream Cheese Brownie Bread with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 66 reviews

This Cream Cheese Brownie Bread is a decadent, rich loaf combining the deep flavors of cocoa and espresso with a smooth cream cheese layer. Baked to perfection and topped with a luscious chocolate ganache, this treat is perfect for dessert or a special occasion snack. The loaf is refrigerated to set properly, allowing the ganache to firm up, resulting in a deliciously moist and creamy bite every time.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Brownie Bread

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon fine grain sea salt
• 1 teaspoon espresso powder
• 1/2 cup sunflower oil
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Layer

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Ganache and Topping

• 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons chocolate shavings

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownie bread.
2. Prepare Pan: Coat a 9×5 inch loaf pan with cooking spray and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bread.
3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, unsweetened cocoa powder, espresso powder, and sea salt until fully combined.
4. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and well incorporated.
5. Combine Batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir until just combined, making sure not to overmix to keep the bread tender.
6. Make Cream Cheese Layer: In another bowl, beat the softened cream cheese, granulated sugar, egg, all-purpose flour, and vanilla extract together until smooth and creamy.
7. Assemble Layers: Pour half of the brownie batter into the prepared loaf pan. Evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over this layer, then top with the remaining brownie batter, smoothing the surface.
8. Bake: Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until the center is puffed and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. Cool and Refrigerate: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then lift it out using the parchment paper and cool completely on a wire rack. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to set the flavors and texture.
10. Prepare Ganache: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the semisweet chocolate chips and heavy cream. Heat at full power for 1 minute, then let it stand for 1 minute before whisking until smooth and glossy.
11. Add Ganache and Chill: Pour the ganache evenly over the chilled loaf, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, then return to the refrigerator until the ganache is set.
12. Serve: Before serving, slice the brownie bread and bring slices to room temperature for best flavor and a soft, tender texture.

Notes

• For a deeper chocolate flavor, ensure the cocoa powder is good quality and fresh.
• Line the loaf pan with parchment paper overhang to easily lift the bread out without damage.
• Refrigeration is key for the cream cheese layer to properly set and balance flavors.
• The ganache can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator; warm slightly before pouring if it thickens too much.
• Espresso powder enhances the chocolate flavor without adding coffee taste.
• Bring slices to room temperature to soften ganache and cream cheese layers before serving.

Keywords: cream cheese brownie bread, chocolate loaf, cream cheese layer, chocolate ganache, dessert bread, chocolate espresso bread