Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf

Name: Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour; 1 cup granulated sugar; ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 large eggs; ¾ cup buttermilk; ½ cup vegetable oil; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Zest of 1 orange; 1 cup chopped walnuts; 1 cup chocolate chips

Highlighted under: Oven Planning

I absolutely love making this Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf whenever I need a sweet pick-me-up. The combination of rich chocolate with a burst of fresh orange zest keeps every bite exciting. This loaf comes together quickly and is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack with a cup of tea. The walnuts add a lovely crunch, making it a delightful treat that I can’t get enough of. Trust me, once you try it, this will become a go-to recipe in your household!

Created by

Fern Holloway

Last updated on 2026-01-14T04:05:34.760Z

When I first tried this Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf, I was instantly hooked! The pairing of chocolate and orange is such a classic yet often overlooked combination. I remember experimenting with the proportions of each ingredient, aiming for a perfect balance of flavors. The addition of walnuts not only complements the chocolate but also adds texture, making every slice a delightful experience.

One tip I've found essentials is to use fresh orange zest rather than bottled for a more vibrant flavor. Also, letting the loaf cool completely before slicing helps it firm up, resulting in cleaner cuts and a moist interior. This has truly become a staple recipe in my kitchen!

Why You'll 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 Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf plays a specific role that contributes to its unique flavor and texture. The all-purpose flour provides the structure, while the cocoa powder brings richness and a deep chocolate flavor. The buttermilk not only helps the loaf stay moist but also reacts with the baking soda, aiding in the rise. The combination of eggs and oil yields a velvety texture, which is enhanced by the addition of walnuts that offer a delightful crunch.

The orange zest is a game-changer here; it brings a refreshing citrus brightness that cuts through the richness of the chocolate. Don’t skip this ingredient, as it balances the flavors perfectly. If you don’t have fresh oranges on hand, you can substitute it with a teaspoon of orange extract, but be cautious as extracts can be more concentrated.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This loaf is perfect for making ahead of time, as the flavors improve after a day. To prepare in advance, you can bake the loaf and then allow it to cool completely before wrapping it in plastic wrap and storing it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Alternatively, you can freeze the loaf wrapped tightly in foil for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight when you're ready to enjoy it again.

If you find yourself with some leftovers, slice the loaf and store it in an airtight container to maintain its freshness. For a special treat, consider toasting individual slices with a bit of butter to enhance the chocolate flavor. You could even drizzle some melted chocolate or a sprinkle of powdered sugar on top before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious loaf:

Ingredients

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour
1 cup granulated sugar
½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
¾ cup buttermilk
½ cup vegetable oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup chocolate chips

Make sure to measure accurately for the best results!

Instructions

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

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the buttermilk, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and orange zest until well combined.

Combine Mixtures

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.

Add Walnuts and Chocolate Chips

Fold in the chopped walnuts and chocolate chips evenly into the batter.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Cool and Slice

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

Enjoy your freshly baked loaf!

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle some melted chocolate over the cooled loaf before serving.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your loaf seems to rise too much and then collapse, it might be due to overmixing the batter. Be sure to mix until just combined, as overworking the flour can develop the gluten and create a dense loaf. Additionally, make sure your baking soda is fresh; old leavening agents won’t provide the rise needed for light and fluffy texture.

If you notice that your loaf turns out too dry, this could be a sign of baking it for too long. Start checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. It should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not wet batter. If it comes out clean, it’s done!

Serving Suggestions

To enhance the flavor experience, serve slices of this loaf warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert. Pairing it with a steaming cup of black tea with notes of citrus can also elevate the enjoyment. The contrasting flavors work harmoniously to balance the richness of the chocolate.

For a fun twist, consider transforming this loaf into a breakfast treat by toasting it and spreading a thin layer of cream cheese with a hint of honey or orange marmalade on top. This adds a creamy texture and extra flavor layer that complements the cake beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour, but the texture may be slightly denser.

→ How should I store the leftovers?

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

→ Can I freeze this loaf?

Yes, you can freeze the loaf. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

→ What can I use instead of buttermilk?

You can make a buttermilk substitute by mixing ¾ cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.