Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf: A Rich, Moist, and Nutty Delight

If you’re a fan of deep, rich chocolate paired with buttery toasted pecans, then this Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf is about to become your new favorite bake. It’s dense yet tender, perfectly balanced between sweet and nutty, and irresistibly indulgent — the kind of dessert bread that makes your whole kitchen smell heavenly.

Whether served warm with a pat of butter, as an afternoon treat with coffee, or even as a holiday dessert, this chocolate loaf is a timeless crowd-pleaser. With its fudgy texture and crunchy pecans in every bite, it’s comfort and elegance baked into one loaf.

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🍫 Why You’ll Love This Chocolate Pecan Loaf

• Moist and tender texture – never dry or crumbly.
• Deep chocolate flavor – thanks to real cocoa and melted chocolate.
• Loaded with pecans – for crunch, flavor, and natural sweetness.
• Simple to make – one bowl and no mixer required!
• Perfect for gifting or holiday gatherings.

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🧂 Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Loaf:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-process preferred)
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (optional, for extra fudginess)
• 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Optional Glaze:

• ½ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon butter
• A handful of pecan halves for garnish

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🍰 How to Make Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for easy removal.

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Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Cocoa powder
• Baking soda
• Baking powder
• Salt

Set aside.

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Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk melted butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth and glossy. Add in eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.

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Step 4: Combine and Fold

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with buttermilk, beginning and ending with dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined — do not overmix.

Fold in toasted pecans and chocolate chips for extra richness.

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Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect!).

Let the loaf cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

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Step 6: Add the Chocolate Glaze (Optional but Divine)

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt together chocolate chips, cream, and butter in 20-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Pour the glaze over the cooled loaf and let it drip naturally down the sides.

Top with pecan halves for a stunning finish.

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🥄 Tips for the Best Chocolate Pecan Loaf

1. Toast your pecans first. It brings out a rich, nutty flavor that enhances the chocolate beautifully.
2. Don’t overmix the batter. Overmixing can make the loaf dense.
3. Check early. Every oven is different—start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking.
4. Use quality cocoa. A dark, high-fat cocoa powder will give a more intense chocolate taste.
5. Add a pinch of espresso powder to deepen the chocolate flavor (optional but recommended).

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🍫 Variations to Try

• Chocolate Pecan Banana Loaf: Add one mashed banana for extra moisture and sweetness.
• Bourbon Pecan Loaf: Stir in 1 tablespoon of bourbon for a Southern twist.
• Mocha Pecan Loaf: Add 1 teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute pecans with chocolate chunks or dried cherries.

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☕ How to Serve

This decadent loaf can be enjoyed in so many ways:

• Warm with butter or cream cheese for breakfast.
• Sliced and served with ice cream for dessert.
• Paired with coffee, espresso, or hot chocolate for an afternoon pick-me-up.
• Wrapped in parchment and ribbon as a thoughtful homemade gift.

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🧊 Storage & Freezing Tips

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate: Keeps fresh for up to 1 week in the fridge.
• Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

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💡 Make It Healthier

If you’d like to make a lighter version:

• Substitute half the butter with applesauce or Greek yogurt.
• Use maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of refined sugar.
• Replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat pastry flour for added fiber.

You’ll still get that luscious texture with a touch of wholesome goodness.

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🌰 The Magic of Chocolate and Pecans

Chocolate and pecans are a match made in dessert heaven. The bittersweet richness of cocoa and the buttery crunch of pecans balance each other perfectly. The result? A loaf that’s elegant enough for a dinner party but cozy enough for everyday indulgence.

Each slice has layers of flavor — chocolatey depth, nutty crunch, and a hint of caramel warmth from brown sugar. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and oh-so-satisfying.

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🎉 Perfect for Every Occasion

• Thanksgiving or Christmas dessert tables
• Valentine’s Day treat for chocolate lovers
• Brunch or tea parties
• Homemade food gifts
• Cozy weekend baking

This Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf is that rare dessert that’s both simple and sophisticated — equally at home in a holiday spread or wrapped in parchment as a sweet homemade present.

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💬 Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s moist, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress, this Luscious Chocolate Pecan Loaf is the one. Every bite melts in your mouth with rich chocolate and a satisfying nutty crunch — it’s like a brownie and a quick bread rolled into one irresistible treat.

Whether you’re baking for yourself, your family, or your friends, this loaf is pure comfort in every slice. So, preheat your oven, grab your pecans, and get ready to bake something truly special.

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