Imagine sinking your teeth into a slice of heavenly bread where rich dark chocolate meets sweet, tender prunes in a symphony of flavors that will make your taste buds dance! This French-inspired chocolate prune bread is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Whether you're a baking enthusiast or a curious foodie looking to impress, this recipe promises to elevate your home baking game with its luxurious texture and irresistible combination of ingredients.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs
Cuisine: French
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 200g prunes, chopped
- 100g dark chocolate, chopped
- 250g all-purpose flour
- 150g sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Grease and line a standard loaf pan with parchment paper, ensuring the paper overhangs the sides for easy removal.
- Chop the prunes into small, bite-sized pieces. Similarly, chop the dark chocolate into rough chunks, reserving a few pieces for topping if desired.
- In a large mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove any lumps.
- In a separate bowl, cream together the sugar and eggs until the mixture becomes light and slightly fluffy. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- Gradually fold the dry flour mixture into the egg mixture, stirring gently to create a smooth batter. Be careful not to overmix to maintain a tender texture.
- Gently fold in the chopped prunes and most of the chocolate chunks, reserving a few for topping. Ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chunks on top for additional decoration.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes. To check doneness, insert a wooden skewer into the center - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, using the parchment paper, lift the bread out and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once cooled, slice the bread and serve. It can be enjoyed on its own or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.
Tips
- Use high-quality dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher) for the most intense flavor profile.
- Chop prunes and chocolate uniformly to ensure even distribution in the batter.
- Don't overmix the batter—gentle folding helps maintain a tender, soft crumb.
- Check your bread's doneness by using the wooden skewer test, but remember that a few moist crumbs are okay.
- Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling.
- Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
- For an extra touch of elegance, serve with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg