Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich chocolate flavor in every bite
- Naturally fermented with sourdough starter
- Soft, chewy artisan texture
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy
- Great for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- Freezes beautifully
- Impressive homemade bakery-style loaf
Ingredients
For the Dough
- 100g active sourdough starter
- 350g bread flour
- 50g unsweetened cocoa powder
- 280g warm water
- 40g brown sugar
- 8g salt
Chocolate Add-Ins
- 150g dark chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
Optional Toppings
- Extra chocolate chips
- Coarse sugar
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Step 1: Mix the Dough
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Active sourdough starter
- Warm water
- Brown sugar
Stir until mostly dissolved.
Add:
- Bread flour
- Cocoa powder
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Cover and let rest for 30 minutes.
Step 2: Add Salt
Sprinkle salt over the dough.
Mix thoroughly until fully incorporated.
The dough should feel soft and slightly sticky.
Step 3: Stretch and Fold
Over the next 2 hours, perform 4 sets of stretch-and-folds every 30 minutes.
During the second fold, gently incorporate the chocolate chunks.
Continue folding until the dough becomes smooth and elastic.
Step 4: Bulk Fermentation
Cover the bowl and allow the dough to ferment at room temperature for 4–6 hours, or until it increases in size by about 50%.
Fermentation time will vary depending on room temperature and starter strength.
Step 5: Shape the Dough
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface.
Shape into a tight round or oval loaf.
Place seam-side up in a floured proofing basket or bowl lined with a floured kitchen towel.
Step 6: Cold Proof
Cover and refrigerate overnight for 8–12 hours.
This develops flavor and improves texture.
Step 7: Preheat the Oven
Place a Dutch oven inside your oven.
Preheat to 475°F (245°C) for at least 30 minutes.
Step 8: Bake
Carefully transfer the dough onto parchment paper.
Score the top with a sharp knife or bread lame.
Transfer to the hot Dutch oven.
Bake covered for 25 minutes.
Remove the lid and bake for an additional 15–20 minutes until the crust is deeply browned.
Step 9: Cool
Remove from the Dutch oven and cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Allow at least 1–2 hours of cooling time for the crumb to set properly.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Sourdough Bread
- Use active, bubbly starter for the best rise.
- High-quality cocoa powder provides richer flavor.
- Dark chocolate chunks create gooey chocolate pockets.
- Avoid cutting into the loaf while hot.
- Overnight cold proofing greatly improves flavor.
- Dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Delicious Variations
Double Chocolate Sourdough
Increase chocolate chunks to 200g for extra richness.
Chocolate Orange Sourdough
Add:
- 1 tablespoon orange zest
Chocolate Cherry Sourdough
Fold in:
- ½ cup dried cherries
Chocolate Hazelnut Sourdough
Add:
- ½ cup chopped toasted hazelnuts
Mocha Chocolate Sourdough
Add:
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder
Storage Instructions
Room Temperature
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Refrigerator
Store for up to 1 week.
Freezer
Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Nutrition Information (Approximate Per Slice)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 6g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 8g
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chocolate Sourdough Bread sweet?
It is mildly sweet with rich chocolate flavor, but it’s less sweet than cake or dessert bread.
Can I use sourdough discard?
For proper fermentation and rise, an active starter is recommended.
What type of chocolate works best?
Dark chocolate chunks or bittersweet chocolate provide the best flavor balance.
Can I make this bread without a Dutch oven?
Yes. Use a baking stone or baking sheet with a tray of hot water in the oven to create steam.
What can I serve with Chocolate Sourdough Bread?
It pairs wonderfully with butter, cream cheese, mascarpone, fresh berries, peanut butter, or a cup of coffee.
Chocolate Sourdough Bread is the perfect combination of artisan baking and chocolate indulgence. With its rich cocoa flavor, chewy crumb, and pockets of melted chocolate, this unique loaf transforms ordinary sourdough into an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any chocolate lover.
