01 -
Preheat oven to 175°C. Grease a 23×13 cm loaf pan or line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang for effortless removal.
02 -
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly blended.
03 -
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar using a hand or stand mixer on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until light and fluffy.
04 -
Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract.
05 -
Add dry mixture and buttermilk alternately to the creamed mixture, starting and finishing with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
06 -
Gently fold in hot fudge sauce and chocolate chips, taking care not to overmix.
07 -
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan. Smooth surface and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the centre emerges mostly clean with only a few moist crumbs.
08 -
After letting it cool in the pan for 10 minutes, carefully remove bread and transfer to a wire rack. While slightly warm, drizzle with warmed hot fudge sauce and top with chocolate chips and optional nuts.