Double Chocolate Quick Bread Loaf with Blood Orange Glaze

Are ya gearing up for the big v-day this Sunday? Idk about you but I'm not that into Valentine's Day. Not in the traditional sense anyway. Yes, of course I love all the red, pink, white, the cookies and cakes, the adorably punny cards, and the idea of shinning a little extra adoration at your loved ones. But, and yes, there is a but...but I refuse to go out to a fancy dinner and get squeezed into a tiny two-top next to 50 other couples doing the exact same thing. This year, Moses and I are taking a wooden spoon carving class to celebrate. What are you guys doing to celebrate? Watching 10 Things I Hate About You for the millionth time is a totally reasonable and acceptable answer. I can't even remember what we did last year, but I'm hoping it involved popcorn and The Breakfast Club. Anywhooo, despite my desire to stay away from the masses, I can't pass up an excuse to whip up something sweet (and pink!) to celebrate all the lovely things in this world. 

This double chocolate quick bread with blood orange glaze is pretty much my dream v-day treat. It's not cloyingly sweet, yet it's still packed with decadence thanks to all that double dose of chocolate. Then there's the fact that it's got a naturally pretty pink blood orange glaze. I love the way the citrus notes mingle with the richness of the chocolate, but what I love most is how quickly (durrh) this bread comes together. My friends always make fun of me 'cuz I'm constantly telling them that everything's really easy to make, but this bread really is super duper easy!!! And pretty how many times can I say pretty today? Do I get a free pass since it's almost Valentine's Day? 

Also, before I forget, my friends at Hedley and Bennet, the makers of the coolest aprons on the block, are spreading a little extra love this season and teaming up with my favorite chocolate company, Guittard, and hosting a sweet contest. To enter, all you've got to do is share a photo of something sweet you're whipping up to celebrate up on Instagram, tag @hedleyandbennet + @guittardchocolate, and hashtag it with #14hbsweets. I also heard they're including some chocolatey treats in all February orders (while supplies last), so now might be a good time to snag an apron and join the #apronsquad! My personal favorites are this Dearborn Ave Bistro and any and all Bartenders ('cause they're perfect for shorties like me). Happy Valentine's week, guys--may it be filled with all things sweet. <3

Double Chocolate Quick Bread Loaf w/Blood Orange Glaze

Makes one 9" x 5" loaf

INGREDIENTS

QUICK BREAD

  • 1 1/2 c. all-purpose flour

  • 1/2 c. + 1 Tbsp.  unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 1/2 tsp. kosher salt

  • 1 tsp. baking powder

  • 1/2 tsp. baking soda

  • 4 oz. (1/2 c.) unsalted butter, softened at room temperature

  • 1/3 c. granulated sugar

  • 1/3 c. dark brown sugar, packed

  • 2 large eggs, at room temperature

  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract

  • 1 c. buttermilk

  • 4 oz. 70% cacao bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped

GLAZE

  • 1 1/4 c. powdered sugar

  • 2 1/2 Tbsp. blood orange juice

  • Blood orange slices (optional)

TOOLS

  • Stand mixer

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Measuring cups and spoons

  • Silicone spatula

  • 9" x 5" loaf pan

  • Wire cooling rack

  • Parchment paper

FIX

QUICK BREAD

  1. Preheat oven to 350° F. Line a 9-inch x 5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, grease, and set aside.

  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, kosher salt, baking powder, and baking soda. In the bowl of a stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar on medium until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. 

  3. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until thoroughly combined and scraping down the sides with a spatula after each addition. Add vanilla extract and beat until just combined. 

  4. Gradually beat in flour mixture and buttermilk in 3 parts each, alternating between the wet and dry ingredients. 

  5. Fold in chopped chocolate and scoop into prepped pan. 

  6. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick, inserted into the middle comes out clean. Set pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes, then remove loaf from pan and set on rack to cool completely.

GLAZE

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and blood orange juice until smooth. 

  2. Pour over the top of the cooled loaf. 

  3. Garnish with fresh blood orange slices if desired.

  4. Serve and enjoy!

food, recipesAlana Kysarbars and breads, chocolate, baked goods, orange, blood orange, breakfast, baked goods 2, holiday treatsComment