Oh my goodness, you’re in for a treat! I just have to share my absolute favorite recipe: Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread. Now, I know what you’re thinking—how could sourdough possibly be enhanced by chocolate? Well, allow me to tell you: once you try this decadent twist on classic sourdough, you’ll wonder why you never thought of this before!
I remember the first time I made this bread. It was a cozy weekend afternoon, and I had just fed my sourdough starter, feeling particularly adventurous. I had some cocoa powder left over from baking brownies the night before and thought, “Why not throw it into my sourdough?” Well, the result was a heavenly loaf that was both tangy and rich, and it had my whole family clamoring for more. It’s the perfect bread for decadent French toast or just slathered with a bit of butter (or, let’s be real, maybe some chocolate spread). Trust me, this bread is bound to create its own special memories in your kitchen!
What’s in Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread?
Let’s break down the ingredients so you know exactly what you’ll be working with:
Active sourdough starter: This is the magical base for your bread. Make sure it’s nice and bubbly to ensure a good rise. I usually keep mine fed and ready for baking adventures!
Warm water: The warmth helps activate the sourdough starter and brings everything together nicely.
All-purpose flour: This is your basic structure for the bread. You could use a bread flour if you want a chewier texture, but all-purpose works great too.
Cocoa powder: This is where the magic happens! It adds that rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
Sugar: A hint of sweetness enhances the chocolate without making it a dessert bread (even though it totally could be!).
Salt: Essential for flavor balance and helps strengthen the dough structure.
Chocolate chips: I personally like semi-sweet chocolate chips, but feel free to mix it up with dark chocolate for an extra indulgent taste.
Melted butter or oil: This is all about richness! It adds moisture and gives your bread that delectable texture.
Extra flour for dusting: This will keep things from sticking when you’re shaping your dough.
Is Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread Good for You?
Now, let’s talk health benefits, because while this bread is an indulgence, it does have some great features:
Sourdough starter: It’s loaded with beneficial bacteria and is known for being easier to digest. Plus, it has a lower glycemic index than regular bread, which is a win for blood sugar levels.
Cocoa powder: It’s packed with antioxidants and can even improve mood! Who knew your bread could be a form of self-care?
Chocolate chips: While they add a touch of sweetness, you can control how many you add based on your preference.
Of course, watch out for the sugar and fat content from the butter or oil, especially if you’re trying to keep things light. Enjoy the richness in moderation, and this bread can be a delightful treat that you can feel good about!
Ingredients
– 1 cup active sourdough starter
– 1 1/2 cups warm water (about 110°F)
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder
– 1/4 cup sugar
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
– 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
– Extra flour for dusting
This recipe will make one delicious loaf of Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread—perfect for sharing or savoring all on your own!
How to Make Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread?
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the active sourdough starter and warm water. Stir until the starter is fully dissolved.
2. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt.
3. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until a shaggy dough forms.
4. Add the melted butter or oil and continue to mix until fully incorporated. The dough will be sticky.
5. Fold in the chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
6. Cover the bowl with a damp kitchen towel and let it rest at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until the dough has risen and bubbles form on the surface.
7. After resting, lightly flour a clean surface and transfer the dough onto it. Gently shape it into a round or oval loaf, trying not to deflate it too much.
8. Place the shaped loaf onto a piece of parchment paper and cover it again with a towel. Allow it to rise for an additional 1-2 hours.
9. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and place a Dutch oven (with the lid) inside to heat up.
10. Once the dough has risen, carefully remove the hot Dutch oven from the oven. Lift the parchment with the loaf and place it into the hot Dutch oven, cover with the lid.
11. Bake for 30 minutes covered, and then remove the lid to bake for another 15-20 minutes until the crust is deep brown and crisp.
12. Carefully remove the bread from the Dutch oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing.
Enjoy your delicious Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread!
Sweet Surprises & Tips for Success
– If you want to mix things up, try adding nuts or even dried fruit into the dough. Chopped walnuts or dried cherries would be divine.
– Remember, patience is key! The longer fermentation time not only helps develop the flavor but also improves the texture.
– If you find your bread sticking to the parchment too much after baking, a light dusting of cocoa powder can help. It’s the little tricks that make a big difference!
I’ve lovingly walked you through my cherished recipe, and I can’t wait for you to try making this bread yourself! I guarantee it will be a hit whether it’s for a weekend brunch or a cozy evening treat. Once you pull that warm, chocolatey loaf out of the oven, let me know how it went! Happy baking!
