Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf

Name: Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 2 large eggs; ½ cup buttermilk; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup dark chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I absolutely love how my Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf combines the richness of dark chocolate with the vibrant zing of orange zest. Each slice offers a delightful contrast of flavors and textures, making it an irresistible treat for any time of the day. This loaf is perfect for afternoon tea or a cozy dessert, and I find that baking it just right brings every ingredient to life. Trust me, once you try a piece, you’ll be hooked on this refreshing twist on a classic snack loaf!

Created by

Imogen Price

Last updated on 2026-01-15T12:19:10.541Z

When I first decided to create this Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf, I wanted to encapsulate the deep flavors of chocolate with a hint of citrus. The secret lies in using quality dark chocolate and freshly grated orange zest, which not only enhances the taste but also provides a fragrant aroma that fills the kitchen. Baking it at the right temperature ensures the loaf remains moist yet perfectly set.

One trick I learned through experimentation is to let the loaf cool completely before slicing. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, giving every bite a harmonious taste. It’s a small step that makes a huge difference in enjoying this delicious snack loaf!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Rich chocolate flavor paired with fresh orange zest
Creamy texture that melts in your mouth
Perfect for celebrations or as a sweet indulgence

      

The Role of Each Ingredient

Understanding the role of each ingredient in your Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf can elevate your baking. The combination of all-purpose flour provides structure while the granulated sugar contributes sweetness that balances the slight bitterness of dark cocoa. The unsweetened cocoa powder is what gives this loaf its rich chocolatey taste. Each element works in harmony to create a loaf that isn't just tasty but has the perfect moistness and crumb.

Another hero in this recipe is the buttermilk. It not only helps to tenderize the loaf, creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture but also adds a subtle tang that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and the brightness of the orange zest. If you don't have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.

Perfecting Your Baking Technique

When you bake the loaf, ensuring your oven is at the right temperature is crucial. An oven thermometer can help you verify that it's accurately set to 350°F (175°C). Overbaking can dry out the loaf, so keep an eye on it after around 40 minutes. A good visual cue is to look for a slight dome shape and edges that pull slightly away from the pan when it's ready to come out.

I recommend using a toothpick test to ensure perfect doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the loaf, and if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs attached, it’s ready. This is better than waiting for it to look completely dry on the surface, which might lead to overbaking. After removing it from the oven, don't skip the cooling step; it helps enhance the loaf's flavor.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful loaf:

For the Loaf

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
½ cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup dark chocolate chips

Make sure to use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bake your Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf:

Prepare Your Baking Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a loaf pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until well combined.

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk the melted butter, eggs, buttermilk, and orange zest until smooth.

Combine the Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Fold in the chocolate chips.

Bake the Loaf

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Enjoy your delicious Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf!

Pro Tips

For a deeper flavor, consider adding a splash of orange juice to the batter or serving the loaf with a drizzle of chocolate ganache.

Storage and Freezing

After enjoying your Chocolate Orange Snack Loaf, proper storage ensures that it stays fresh for longer. You can wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to store it for an extended period, consider freezing slices individually. Place parchment paper between the slices, wrap them in plastic wrap, and then transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving hits!

To thaw a frozen slice, simply leave it out at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Alternatively, you can pop it in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds to warm it up. Reheating slightly can help to restore that just-baked softness and enhance the chocolate flavor. The loaf also makes a lovely addition to lunchboxes or afternoon tea gatherings.

Variations to Try

If you're feeling adventurous, consider adding nuts or dried fruit to this loaf for an extra dimension of flavor and texture. Walnuts or hazelnuts can enhance the richness while adding a delightful crunch. Alternatively, you could incorporate candied ginger or dried cranberries for a contrasting zing. Just ensure to reduce the amount of chocolate chips slightly so the loaf doesn’t become too heavy.

Experimenting with different types of chocolate can also produce delightful variations. Try swapping the dark chocolate chips for semi-sweet or even white chocolate to create a blend of flavors that highlight the orange zest in different ways. Just be mindful of the overall sweetness to avoid overpowering the loaf with sugar.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use milk instead of buttermilk?

Yes, you can use regular milk, but to mimic buttermilk, add a tablespoon of vinegar to the milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.

→ How should I store the leftover loaf?

Store the loaf in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

→ Can I freeze this loaf?

Absolutely! Wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to freeze for up to 3 months.

→ What variations can I try with this recipe?

Feel free to add nuts, dried fruits, or a different citrus zest for a unique twist!