Imagine waking up to the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread, infused with the rich flavors of chocolate, the zest of orange, and the sweetness of raisins. This Chocolate Orange Raisin Bread is not just a loaf; it's a delightful experience that will elevate your breakfast or snack time to a whole new level! With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, you can create a moist and flavorful bread that will impress your family and friends. Ready to embark on this delicious baking adventure? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 40 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 packet of active dry yeast. Mix these dry ingredients together until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with 1/4 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. Stir until the cocoa powder is fully dissolved in the warm water.
- Pour the cocoa mixture into the dry ingredients and add 1/4 cup of melted butter and 1 tablespoon of orange zest. Mix until a dough starts to form.
- Add 1/2 cup of raisins to the dough and knead the mixture in the bowl for about 5-7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour as needed.
- Once the dough is kneaded, shape it into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Transfer it to a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf by flattening it out and rolling it tightly.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 10-15 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the loaf has risen, place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Orange Raisin Bread as a delightful treat for breakfast or as a snack!
Tips
- Measure Ingredients Accurately: Baking is a science, so ensure you measure your ingredients precisely for the best results. Using a kitchen scale can help with accuracy.
- Check Water Temperature: When mixing the cocoa powder with warm water, make sure the water is around 110°F (43°C). This temperature activates the yeast without killing it.
- Knead Thoroughly: Knead the dough until it’s smooth and elastic. This process develops the gluten, which is essential for a good rise and texture.
- Let It Rise: Be patient during the rising times. A warm, draft-free spot is ideal for the dough to double in size. If your kitchen is cool, consider turning on the oven for a few minutes to warm it up, then turn it off before placing the dough inside.
- Don’t Rush the Baking: Keep an eye on the bread as it bakes. Every oven is different, so start checking for doneness at the 30-minute mark. The bread is ready when it's firm to the touch and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool Properly: Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This helps prevent it from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Store any leftover bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or slice and freeze for longer freshness.Enjoy your baking adventure with this delightful Chocolate Orange Raisin Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 15mg
