Cream Cheese Brownie Bread with Chocolate Ganache Recipe
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
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
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the brownie bread.
- 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.
- 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.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk until smooth and well incorporated.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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