Name: Chocolate Bread Recipe with Orange Glaze
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 70 min
Ingredients: 1 1/2 sticks butter, (softened); 1 cup sugar; 2 eggs; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; 2 tsp. orange zest ((or 1 tsp. dried orange peel)); 1 cup orange juice; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 2 cups flour; 1 tsp. baking soda; 1/2 tsp. salt; 1/2 cup cocoa powder ((unsweetened)); 1 cup chocolate chips ((semi sweet)); 1/2 cup powdered sugar; 2-3 tbsp. fresh orange juice

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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

This amazingly delicious and rich Orange Chocolate Bread recipe is made with cocoa powder, orange zest, orange juice, buttermilk and filled with creamy chocolate chips...and then topped with an amazing homemade orange glaze for the most deliciously decadent chocolate bread you'll ever eat.

chocolate bread pieces on a plate with loaf in the background

This recipe was originally published in December 2018. It has been updated with better content, photos and I've added a step-by-step video.

This Chocolate Bread is made with orange juice, fresh orange zest, and drizzled with a homemade orange glaze for that perfect touch of orange flavor.

I mean orange and chocolate is just the best flavor combo am I right? With chocolate chips mixed in for some extra chocolaty goodness, this orange chocolate bread is DAMN GOOD.

And seriously guys, who doesn't love a quick bread (like this classic banana bread with brown sugar)? They are so easy to make.

No kneading or rising, just plain old mix it up, dump it in a loaf pan and bake it. Simple.

Jump to:

Why This Recipe Works
The Ingredients
Step By Step Instructions
Baking Instructions
Expert Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
More Quick Bread Recipes
Reader Favorite Chocolate Desserts
Recipe
💬 Comments

Why This Recipe Works

Buttermilk and yogurt in the batter result in an incredibly moist and tender bread;
Chocolate chips give the bread a decadent melted chocolate texture;
A hint of orange from the zest and juice complements the deep chocolate flavor perfectly.

What is Considered a Quick Bread?

Quick breads are chemically leavened breads that use a leavening agent like baking soda or baking powder.

What is Chocolate Bread?

Well, chocolate bread is bread made with cocoa powder. In the case of this chocolate bread recipe, it is also made with chocolate chips that add a touch of extra chocolaty goodness.

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The Ingredients

I like to use Ghirardelli chocolate chips and cocoa powder because I like the quality (this is not a sponsored post, I just like the brand).

For the orange juice, fresh squeezed or bottled will work just fine. I highly recommend using fresh orange zest. You can substitute dried if that's your only option, but cut the amount in half.

The buttermilk and yogurt are musts if you want moist delicious bread.

I've included links to buy some of the ingredients on Amazon if you're looking to save some time, but they can also all be found at your local grocery store (affiliate links):

plate of chocolate bread and sliced bread n a cutting board

Step By Step Instructions

Start by preheating the oven to 350F degrees. Combine all the dry ingredients and mix well to combine. Set aside.

Use a mixer to cream the butter and sugar - beat until fluffy.

Add the eggs, orange zest and vanilla extract and beat for 1 minute.

Then add the orange juice, yogurt and buttermilk and mix well.

Combine the wet and dry ingredients, being careful not to over-mix. If you over-mix, the bread will come out tougher and drier. Gently stir in the chocolate chips.

chocolate orange read batter in a bowl with chocolate chips

Grease a loaf pan and pour the batter into the pan. Smooth out the top.

chocolate orange bread batter in a loaf pan

Baking Instructions

Bake for 50-60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. If using a thermometer, bread should register 190 degrees. Be careful not to overcook or your bread will be dry. Mine was done at 55 minutes, but everyone's oven is different.

Let the bread cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Remove it from the pan and finish cooling on a wire rack (if you can resist it that long). Drizzle it with the orange glaze before serving.

How to Make Orange Glaze

Make the orange glaze by combining the powdered sugar with the orange juice and mixing until a glaze forms. Drizzle the glaze over the top of the bread.

I mean guys, come one, how easy is this chocolate filled bread? There is no excuse not to make it. No excuse.

Expert Tips

Be sure to use softened or room temperature butter or your batter will not be smooth;
Add an additional ½ cup of chocolate chips if you want the bread to be extra chocolaty;
For a stronger orange flavor, add more orange zest;
Make sure to thoroughly grease the pan, otherwise it may be difficult to get your bread out;
Use a toothpick to test doneness. If it comes out clean, the bread is done - if it comes out covered in batter, bake for additional time. You can also use a thermometer - it should read 190 degrees when the bread is done;
Drizzle with orange glaze once the bread is mostly cooled. If you can wait. However, the orange glaze is optional if you prefer to eat it plain (or with yummy salted butter).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I freeze chocolate bread? To freeze this chocolate orange bread, let it cool fully, then wrap it in plastic wrap. Place it in an airtight freezer safe bag and seal tightly. The bread can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. It will stay safe after 3 months, but will degrade in quality. To thaw it out, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes to warm it.
How long will chocolate bread last? It will last about 3-5 days wrapped in plastic (zip lock bag) stored at room temperature. The longer it sits, the more stale it gets.
How do you make bread without yeast? A quick bread does not require yeast. Quick breads are chemically leavened breads that typically use leavening agent like baking soda or baking powder. This chocolate bread recipe is considered a quick bread and uses baking soda as a leavening agent.