1. Preheat Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9×5-inch loaf pan by greasing and flouring it. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare Dry Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together all the dry mix ingredients: 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon baking powder.

3. Combine Wet Mix

In a separate bowl, mix together all the wet ingredients: 1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes), 1/2 cup vegetable oil, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract until smooth.

4. Combine Mixtures

Gently pour the wet mix into the dry mix and stir until just combined. It’s alright to have a few lumps! Avoid overmixing to keep the bread tender.

5. Add Chocolate Chips

If you’d like, fold in 1/2 cup chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey flavor.

6. Fill Loaf Pan

Spoon the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top with a spatula.

7. Bake

Bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean. The top of the bread will have charming little cracks.

8. Cool the Bread

Let the loaf cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. Serve

Slice the bread and enjoy it warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful on its own or can be enhanced with a spread of butter.