Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf

Name: Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 1 loaf
Ingredients: 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed; 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup buttermilk; Zest of 1 large orange; 1/2 cup chopped walnuts; 1 tsp vanilla extract

Highlighted under: Oven Inspiration

I love how this Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf combines the richness of chocolate with the bright zest of fresh oranges. The earthy crunch of walnuts adds a delightful texture that makes every slice a pleasure. When I first made this recipe, I was amazed at how well the flavors complemented each other, creating a perfect harmony. This loaf is simple to prepare and makes for an irresistible treat that’s great for an afternoon snack or dessert.

Created by

Sybil Hawkes

Last updated on 2026-01-14T02:17:34.850Z

When I first decided to create a snack loaf, I thought about how I could marry my love for chocolate with a refreshing citrus twist. Orange zest was the perfect answer! This recipe has been a hit amongst my friends and family, who rave about the moist texture and how the citrus brightens up each bite. The secret is to use fresh instead of dried zest to truly capture that vibrant flavor.

What I love most is how easy it is to make. Even the novice baker can create something special with very little fuss. The walnuts not only enhance the texture but also add a depth of flavor that makes this loaf stand out. I often bake a double batch to ensure I have enough to share—or to keep all to myself!

Why You Will 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 Perfect Balance of Flavors

One of the standout features of this Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf is its expertly balanced flavors. The richness of the cocoa and the brightness of the orange zest blend beautifully, creating a loaf that’s both indulgent and refreshing. When zesting the orange, be careful to avoid the bitter white pith underneath the skin, as it can overpower the bright citrus notes you want to highlight. This attention to detail ensures that each bite delivers a harmonious taste experience.

Adding walnuts to this recipe not only contributes a delightful crunch but also enhances its nutritional profile. Nuts provide healthy fats, which help to create a moist crumb while also adding satisfying texture. If you prefer a different nut, feel free to substitute pecans or almonds, but remember to chop them coarsely to maintain some bite in each slice. Toasting the nuts before mixing them in can elevate their flavor even further.

Baking Tips for Success

When mixing your batter, be cautious not to overcombine the wet and dry ingredients. The goal is to combine them until just mixed for a tender crumb. Overmixing can lead to a tougher loaf due to the development of gluten. Once you see no dry flour, you’re good to go! I recommend using a rubber spatula to fold in the walnuts gently at the end to keep the mixture light.

The baking time for this loaf may vary slightly depending on your oven's calibration, so it's wise to start checking for doneness at around 40 minutes. Look for a toothpick inserted into the center to come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, which indicates the loaf is perfectly baked. If your loaf is browning too quickly, you can tent it with aluminum foil during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking.

Ingredients

For the Loaf

1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
Zest of 1 large orange
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat the Oven

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

Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Mix Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in the buttermilk, orange zest, and vanilla extract.

Combine Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Fold in the chopped walnuts.

Bake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool and Serve

Allow the loaf to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, drizzle a simple orange glaze on top once the loaf has cooled. Just mix powdered sugar with a bit of orange juice until you achieve a pourable consistency.

Serving and Storage

This Chocolate Orange Walnut Snack Loaf is best enjoyed fresh, but it will keep well if stored properly. To maximize freshness, wrap the cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Although it’s delicious the first day, this loaf develops even richer flavors after a day or two, making it a fantastic make-ahead treat for gatherings.

If you want to enjoy this loaf later, consider freezing it. Slice the loaf and wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to three months! When ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices at room temperature or pop them in the microwave for a quick warm-up.

Variations to Try

For those looking to experiment, consider adding chocolate chips or chunks to the batter for an extra chocolatey boost. Semi-sweet or dark chocolate pairs wonderfully with the orange and walnut flavors. Alternatively, you could replace the buttermilk with yogurt for a tangy twist, which will also help keep the loaf moist.

If you're in the mood for an even more decadent treat, drizzling a simple glaze of powdered sugar and orange juice over the cooled loaf can add a beautiful finish and enhance the citrus flavor. This simple addition elevates the loaf for special occasions or a delightful afternoon treat!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use dark chocolate cocoa powder?

Absolutely! Using dark chocolate cocoa powder will intensify the chocolate flavor of the loaf.

→ Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, keeping in mind that the texture may vary slightly.

→ How can 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 snack loaf?

Yes! Wrap the cooled loaf in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.