The Most Scrumptious Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread Recipe

Bread baking reaches new heights with this delectable double chocolate sourdough bread recipe that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, decadent chocolate weaves through every tender crumb, creating a symphony of flavors.

sourdough enthusiasts will adore this unique twist on traditional bread making.

Dark cocoa and chocolate chips combine to create a deeply satisfying treat that feels both indulgent and rustic.

The fermentation process adds complexity and depth to each slice, making this bread more than just a simple baked good.

Each bite tells a story of careful crafting and passionate baking.

You’ll want to slice into this chocolate-laden loaf and savor every delicious moment.

FAQs

• How do I know if my sourdough starter is active enough?

Look for bubbles throughout the starter, a mild tangy smell, and it should double in size within 4-6 hours after feeding. A healthy starter will be very bubbly and have a noticeable rise.

• Can I substitute the cocoa powder with something else?

No, cocoa powder is essential for creating the chocolate flavor and color in this bread. Replacing it will significantly change the recipe’s taste and texture.

• Why do I need to do stretch and folds during the process?

Stretch and folds help develop gluten, strengthen the dough’s structure, and create a better crumb texture. This technique helps distribute ingredients evenly and improves the bread’s overall quality.

Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread That’s Seriously Addictive

• Culinary Adventure: Elevate your dinner game with this restaurant-quality dish that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.
• Quick Nutrition Boost: Packed with protein from steak, vitamins from herbs, and complex carbohydrates from sweet potatoes, this meal delivers balanced nutrition in one plate.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for date nights, family dinners, or impressing guests with minimal cooking skills required, this recipe suits multiple dining scenarios.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of juicy steak, creamy sweet potatoes, and zesty green sauce creates a multi-dimensional taste profile that tantalizes every taste bud.

What You Need to Bake Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread

• Active Sourdough Starter: The foundation of the bread that provides fermentation and unique tangy flavor.

• Warm Water: Helps hydrate the flour and activate the sourdough starter.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness and helps feed the sourdough culture.

• Bread Flour: Provides the necessary protein structure for a chewy and elastic bread.
• Cocoa Powder: Gives the bread a rich chocolate flavor and dark color.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and helps control fermentation.

• Chocolate Chips: Adds extra chocolate bursts and texture throughout the bread.

Step-by-Step Guide to Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread

Step 1: Awaken the Sourdough Starter

Nurture your sourdough starter until it’s bubbling with life and ready to create magic, typically taking 4-6 hours.

Step 2: Create Liquid Foundation

Blend warm water, active sourdough starter, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl.

Stir until the ingredients dance together smoothly.

Step 3: Build Dry Landscape

• Bread flour
• Cocoa powder
• Salt

Mix until a rough, shaggy dough emerges.

Step 4: Allow Flour Hydration

Cover the bowl and let the dough rest, allowing the flour to absorb moisture for 30 minutes.

Step 5: Perform Gentle Dough Stretches

• Gently lift one side of dough upwards
• Fold it toward the center
• Rotate the bowl
• Repeat on all sides

Rest for 30 minutes, then repeat two more times.

Step 6: Sprinkle Chocolate Goodness

During the final stretch, tenderly fold chocolate chips throughout the dough.

Step 7: Encourage Dough Growth

Cover the bowl and let the dough rise at room temperature for 4-6 hours until it doubles in size.

Step 8: Craft Loaf Shape

Transfer dough to a floured surface. Create a tight round loaf by folding edges inward, then flip seam-side down and gently round with hands.

Step 9: Prepare for Overnight Rest

Place shaped dough in a proofing basket or cloth-lined bowl. Refrigerate overnight or minimum 8 hours.

Step 10: Fire Up the Oven

Preheat oven to 475F (246C) with Dutch oven inside, approximately 30 minutes before baking.

Step 11: Final Dough Preparation

Carefully flip dough onto parchment paper.

Create artistic score marks using a sharp blade.

Step 12: Bake to Perfection

Transfer dough (with parchment) into hot Dutch oven.

Cover and bake 20 minutes.

Step 13: Develop Crusty Exterior

Remove lid and continue baking 20-25 minutes until crust reaches deep brown glory.

Step 14: Patient Cooling

Remove bread and let cool on wire rack for minimum one hour before slicing.

Pro Tips to Get Your Double Chocolate Sourdough Just Right

• Ensure your sourdough starter is bubbly and active before beginning to guarantee maximum rise and flavor in your chocolate bread.
• Fold chocolate chips gently during the final stretch and fold to prevent breaking them and ensure even spread throughout the dough.
• Use warm water at the right temperature to help activate the starter and create a smooth, well-integrated dough texture.
• Refrigerate the shaped loaf overnight to develop deep, complex flavors and improve the bread's overall structure and taste.
• Use a preheated Dutch oven to create steam and achieve a crispy, beautifully caramelized crust on your chocolate sourdough bread.

Sweet and Savory Ways to Change Up Your Sourdough Bread

• Gluten-Free Chocolate Bread: Replace bread flour with a gluten-free blend and add xanthan gum for structure. Use almond flour for extra moisture and nutty flavor.
• Vegan Chocolate Sourdough: Swap brown sugar with maple syrup or coconut sugar. Use dairy-free chocolate chips and replace water with plant-based milk for richer texture.
• Low-Sugar Chocolate Loaf: Reduce brown sugar or substitute with stevia. Add mashed banana or applesauce to maintain moisture and sweetness without excess sugar.
• Nutty Chocolate Version: Incorporate chopped walnuts or almonds during the final stretch and fold. Mix different chocolate chip varieties like dark and milk chocolate for complex flavor profile.

Perfect Pairings for Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a bold, fruity red wine like Zinfandel or Merlot that complements the rich chocolate notes and cuts through the bread's dense texture.
• Ideal Coffee Companion: Brew a smooth medium-roast Colombian coffee with hints of caramel and chocolate, which will enhance the sourdough's deep cocoa flavor without overwhelming its complexity.
• Dessert Match-Up: Serve alongside vanilla bean gelato or a light raspberry sorbet to create a delightful contrast between the bread's intense chocolate profile and the creamy, tangy accompaniments.
• Cheese Partner: Pair with a creamy mascarpone or mild brie that provides a subtle, buttery counterpoint to the bread's intense chocolate and slight sourdough tanginess.

How to Store Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread to Keep It Fresh

• Store wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed container for up to 5 days, keeping bread's moisture and preventing staleness.
• Wrap completely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, storing in freezer for 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature for 2-3 hours before serving.
• Cut bread into individual slices, separate with parchment paper, place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months, toast directly from frozen state for quick serving.
• Keep in airtight container or bread box for 2-3 days, protecting from direct sunlight and moisture. Consume within 48 hours for best flavor and texture.

Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent double chocolate sourdough bread marries tangy fermentation with rich cocoa depths, creating a luxurious baking experience. Chocolate lovers will savor each slice of this complex, artisan-style loaf that brings intense flavor and tender crumb to your table.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 475 grams (16.75 ounces) bread flour
• 350 milliliters (11.8 fluid ounces) warm water
• 100 grams (3.5 ounces) active sourdough starter
• 1 cup chocolate chips

Flavor Enhancers:

• 50 grams (1.75 ounces) cocoa powder
• 50 grams (1.75 ounces) brown sugar

Seasoning:

• 10 grams (0.35 ounces) salt

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Instructions

1. Activate the sourdough starter, allowing it to become vibrant and bubbly for 4-6 hours.
2. Whisk warm water, active starter, and brown sugar in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Incorporate bread flour, cocoa powder, and salt into the wet mixture, creating a rough, shaggy dough.
4. Allow the dough to rest, covered, for 30 minutes to enable flour hydration.
5. Execute a series of stretch and fold techniques: gently lift and fold dough edges towards the center, rotating the bowl between each fold.
6. Repeat the stretch and fold process two additional times, with 30-minute resting periods.
7. During the final fold, delicately integrate chocolate chips throughout the dough.
8. Let the dough develop at room temperature for 4-6 hours, or until it doubles in volume.
9. Gently transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface, shaping it into a compact round by folding edges inward and smoothing the exterior.
10. Position the shaped loaf into a proofing basket or cloth-lined bowl, then refrigerate overnight or for minimum 8 hours.
11. Preheat oven to 475F (246C) with a Dutch oven inside, approximately 30 minutes before baking.
12. Carefully invert the dough onto parchment paper and create a decorative scoring pattern using a sharp blade.
13. Slide the dough into the preheated Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes.
14. Uncover and continue baking for 20-25 minutes until achieving a deep, rich brown crust.
15. Transfer bread to a wire rack and allow to cool completely for at least 1 hour before slicing.

Notes

• Ensure starter is super active and bubbly before starting to guarantee a perfect rise and tangy sourdough flavor.
• Use high-quality dark cocoa powder for a rich, intense chocolate taste that complements the sourdough’s natural tanginess.
• Try different chocolate chip varieties like dark, milk, or even white chocolate to customize the bread’s sweetness and complexity.
• Consider adding chopped nuts or dried fruits during the final fold to create additional texture and depth of flavor in the sourdough.

• Prep Time: 5 hours 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 210 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg