Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich dark chocolate flavor
- Sweet-tart cherries in every bite
- Beautiful artisan crust
- Naturally leavened sourdough
- Perfect for gifting
- Excellent toasted or fresh
- Bakery-quality results at home
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 500g bread flour
- 350g water, room temperature
- 100g active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 10g fine sea salt
- 25g cocoa powder
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey
Mix-Ins
- 120g dried cherries
- 150g dark chocolate chunks or chips
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Bench scraper
- Dutch oven or bread cloche
- Banneton basket or bowl lined with a towel
- Kitchen scale
- Lame or sharp knife
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large bowl combine:
- Water
- Active sourdough starter
- Brown sugar or honey
Stir until dissolved.
Add:
- Bread flour
- Cocoa powder
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Add Salt
Sprinkle the salt over the dough.
Mix thoroughly until incorporated.
The dough will become smoother and more elastic.
Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Perform a set of stretch-and-folds:
- Grab one side of the dough.
- Stretch upward.
- Fold over itself.
Rotate the bowl and repeat four times.
Cover and rest 30 minutes.
Repeat this process 3-4 times over 2 hours.
Step 4: Add Chocolate and Cherries
During the second set of folds, gently incorporate:
- Dried cherries
- Chocolate chunks
Distribute evenly throughout the dough.
Avoid tearing the dough excessively.
Step 5: Bulk Fermentation
Cover the dough and allow it to rise until expanded by about 50%.
This typically takes 4-6 hours depending on room temperature.
The dough should appear puffy and airy.
Step 6: Shape the Dough
Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Shape into a tight round loaf.
Use a bench scraper to create surface tension.
Step 7: Final Proof
Place seam-side up in a floured banneton basket.
Cover and refrigerate overnight for 8-12 hours.
This develops deeper flavor and improves scoring.
Step 8: Preheat the Oven
Place a Dutch oven inside the oven.
Preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Step 9: Score the Loaf
Turn the dough onto parchment paper.
Score the top with a sharp blade.
A simple slash or decorative pattern works well.
Step 10: Bake Covered
Carefully place the dough into the hot Dutch oven.
Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
The steam helps create a crisp crust.
Step 11: Bake Uncovered
Remove the lid.
Reduce temperature to 450°F (230°C).
Bake another 15-20 minutes until deeply browned.
The internal temperature should reach about 205°F (96°C).
Step 12: Cool
Transfer to a wire rack.
Allow the loaf to cool completely before slicing.
This step is important for proper crumb texture.
Baker’s Tips
Use Active Starter
Your starter should be bubbly and recently fed for the best rise.
Soak Dry Cherries (Optional)
Soak in warm water for 10 minutes, then drain well for softer fruit pieces.
Choose Good Chocolate
High-quality dark chocolate creates richer flavor and better melting pockets.
Don’t Skip the Cold Proof
An overnight proof improves both flavor and texture.
Let It Cool Completely
Cutting too soon can result in a gummy crumb.
Variations
Chocolate Cherry Walnut Sourdough
Add:
- ½ cup (60g) chopped walnuts
for extra crunch.
Black Forest Sourdough
Add:
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
- Extra cherries
for Black Forest cake-inspired flavor.
White Chocolate Cherry Sourdough
Replace dark chocolate with white chocolate chunks.
Orange Chocolate Cherry Sourdough
Add:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
for a bright citrus note.
Storage
Room Temperature
Store wrapped at room temperature for up to 4 days.
Freezer
Slice and freeze for up to 3 months.
Toast directly from frozen.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 260
- Protein: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 12g
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy with:
- Salted butter
- Cream cheese
- Mascarpone
- Coffee or espresso
- Hot chocolate
- Cherry preserves
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Fresh Cherries?
Yes, but fresh cherries contain more moisture. Pat them dry thoroughly and reduce the quantity slightly to prevent excess moisture in the dough.
Can I Use Chocolate Chips?
Yes, though chocolate chunks create larger pockets of melted chocolate throughout the loaf.
Is This Bread Sweet?
It is mildly sweet, more like a breakfast or specialty artisan bread than a dessert loaf.
Can I Make It Without Cocoa Powder?
Yes. The cocoa deepens the chocolate flavor and darkens the crumb, but the bread can still be made with only chocolate chunks and cherries.
Recipe Notes
Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread is a stunning artisan loaf that balances the tang of naturally fermented sourdough with rich chocolate and sweet cherries. With its chewy crumb, crisp crust, and indulgent flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, gifting, or simply enjoying toasted with a smear of butter. Every slice offers a delicious combination of rustic bread and dessert-like comfort.
