Chocolate Quick Bread with Salted Caramel and Caramelized Pears
Prep. Time:
30 minutes
Baking Time:
65 minutes
Total Time:
95 minutes
Serves:
1 loaf (8-10 servings)
Ugnė's passionate chocolate creation showcases her "loving chocolate all the way" philosophy through rich, intensely flavored quick bread elevated with sophisticated accompaniments. Her "untraditional" approach combines dual leavening techniques with coffee-enhanced chocolate depth, topped with homemade salted caramel and tender caramelized pears. This innovative dessert-style bread balances sweet chocolate intensity with salty-sweet contrasts and fresh fruit textures, creating a comforting yet elevated treat perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
Instructions
MAKE THE CHOCOLATE QUICK BREAD:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 9x5-inch loaf pan.
2. In large bowl, whisk flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. In separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
4. Pour cooled coffee into wet ingredients, whisk until combined.
5. Pour wet ingredients into dry, stir just until combined - don't overmix.
6. Fold in chocolate chips if using.
BAKING THE QUICK BREAD:
7. Pour batter into prepared pan, smooth top gently.
8. Bake 60-65 minutes until toothpick comes out with few moist crumbs.
9. Cool in pan 10 minutes before turning onto wire rack.
10. Cool completely before slicing.
PREPARE THE SALTED CARAMEL SAUCE:
11. In heavy saucepan, heat sugar over medium heat, stirring until melted and amber.
12. Remove from heat, immediately whisk in butter (mixture will bubble).
13. Slowly pour in cream, whisking constantly until smooth.
14. Whisk in sea salt and vanilla extract.
15. Let cool slightly until sauce coats spoon but is still pourable.
CREATE THE CARAMELIZED PEARS:
16. Heat butter in large skillet over medium heat.
17. Add brown sugar, cook until bubbly and golden.
18. Add sliced pears, cook 8-10 minutes until tender and caramelized.
19. Add lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt. Cook 2 minutes more.
20. Pears should be tender but still hold their shape.
ASSEMBLY AND PRESENTATION:
21. Cut cooled bread into thick slices.
22. Drizzle each slice generously with warm salted caramel sauce.
23. Top with caramelized pear slices.
24. Additional caramel sauce on the side for extra drizzling.
