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Cream Cheese Brownie Bread with Chocolate Ganache Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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