Triple Chocolate Cherry Quick Bread

 

This is a very moist and delicious chocolate quick bread that my family gobbled up quickly. I would have liked a stronger chocolate flavor and next time I make this bread, I’ll add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to up the chocolate factor.  I also read that if you add a bit of red food coloring it gives chocolate bread a deeper color. I’d definitely like to give that a try next time as well.

I loved my addition of tart cherries. The original recipe adds a chocolate glaze as the third chocolate element in this bread which I didn’t add. I am sending this to Jamie, Life’s a Feast, for her Bread and Chocolate Monthly Mingle. Thanks Jamie for encouraging me to post this for the Mingle! 

Triple Chocolate Cherry Quick Bread
adapted from Taste of Home

1-1/2 cups miniature semisweet chocolate chips, divided
1/2 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
2 eggs
1-1/2 cups unsweetened applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup coarsely chopped dried cherries

Directions
Ina microwave-safe bowl, melt 1 cup chocolate chips; set aside to cool. In a large bowl, cream butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and cooled chocolate; mix well. Add applesauce and vanilla; set aside. Combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt; add to creamed mixture and mix to combine. Stir in the remaining chocolate chips and cherries.

Spoon into four greased 5-3/4-in. x 3-in. x 2-in. loaf pans. Bake at 350° for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 10 minutes before removing to wire racks.

Yield: 4 mini-loaves.