Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the bread bakes evenly from the start.

Grease your 9x5-inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, sugar, baking powder, and salt until well combined. This step ensures the leavening agents are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the melted butter, eggs, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Make sure the butter is slightly cooled to avoid curdling the eggs.

Step 4: Create the Batter

Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture until just combined—overmixing can result in dense bread.

Fold in the chocolate chips and any optional add-ins, like chopped nuts or dried fruit.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.

Step 6: Cool and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool on a cooling rack for about 10-15 minutes.

Carefully lift the bread out of the pan using the parchment paper or a spatula and let it cool completely before slicing.