Name: Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: PT-482651H58M34S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup sourdough starter, fed and active; 1/4 cup water; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened); 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup water (or milk for a richer dough); 1/4 cup sourdough starter (fed and active); 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips; 1/4 cup chopped dark chocolate (optional, for extra richness); 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk, optional for a slightly tangy flavor); 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional); 1 tablespoon cocoa powder for dusting (optional)

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If you’re a fan of sourdough bread, chocolate, and just the right balance of tangy and sweet, then Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread is going to steal your heart! This unique bread brings the beloved sourdough texture together with rich, gooey chocolate, creating a one-of-a-kind treat. Think of it like your favorite chocolate cake meets the hearty chew of artisan bread—trust me, you’re going to fall in love with this combo!

Why You’ll Love Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread

A Perfect Combo of Tangy and Sweet: The sourdough adds a bit of tang that balances out the sweetness of the chocolate. It’s the perfect flavor pairing that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Moist & Dense: This isn’t your typical light and airy bread—thanks to the chocolate and sourdough starter, this bread has a moist, slightly dense texture that’s just irresistible.

Great for Breakfast or Dessert: It’s sweet enough to enjoy as a treat but hearty enough to be served with butter or cream cheese for breakfast. This bread truly fits any time of day.
Impressive Yet Easy: It looks like something you’d find at a fancy bakery, but it’s surprisingly simple to make. You don’t need to be a baking expert to achieve bakery-worthy results!

Ingredients

Let’s gather the ingredients that will make this unique sourdough bread the star of the show:

Sourdough Starter: This is the foundation of the bread’s texture and flavor. If you don’t have one, it’s easy to make your own or use a store-bought version.
Bread Flour: For that perfect chewy texture.
Cocoa Powder: This gives the bread its rich chocolate flavor. You’ll want to use a high-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for the best taste.

Chocolate Chips: Semi-sweet chocolate chips (or chunks) are folded into the dough for that irresistible chocolate goodness in every bite.
Water: You’ll need water to activate the dough and help bring everything together.
Salt: Essential to bring out the flavors and balance the sweetness of the chocolate.

Sugar: Adds a bit of sweetness to the bread and enhances the chocolate flavor.
Baking Soda: A small amount of baking soda gives the bread a slight lift and helps it rise beautifully.
Olive Oil or Butter: Adds richness to the dough and helps with moisture.

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to bake this decadent Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread:

1. Mix the Dough:

In a large bowl, combine your sourdough starter, water, bread flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix everything together until the dough forms a rough ball. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time, until it’s workable but still slightly sticky.

2. Add the Chocolate Chips:

Once your dough comes together, sprinkle in the chocolate chips (or chunks) and fold them into the dough until they’re evenly distributed. The chocolate will melt slightly into the dough, creating gooey pockets of chocolate in the finished bread.

3. Knead the Dough:

Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead it for about 8-10 minutes, until the dough is smooth and elastic. This will help develop the gluten, giving the bread its chewy texture.

4. First Rise:

Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover it with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise at room temperature for about 4-6 hours, or until it has doubled in size. If you have time, you can also refrigerate it overnight for a slower rise (this enhances the sourdough flavor).

5. Shape the Loaf:

Once the dough has risen, turn it out onto a floured surface and gently deflate it. Shape it into a round or oval loaf, depending on your preference. You can also place it into a greased loaf pan if you want a more uniform shape.

6. Second Rise:

Let the shaped dough rise for another 2 hours, or until it has puffed up nicely. You can also refrigerate the dough for up to 12 hours to give it a longer rise and deepen the flavor.

7. Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). If you’re baking on a baking stone or a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it preheats. You can also bake the bread on a regular baking sheet.

8. Bake the Bread:

Once the oven is preheated, place your loaf on the baking stone or a sheet pan. Score the top of the dough with a sharp knife or razor blade, making shallow slashes to help it expand as it bakes. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the bread has a deep brown color, and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Cool and Enjoy:

Allow the bread to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing. This helps the texture set, making it easier to slice without it falling apart.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 240
Total Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 200mg
Total Carbohydrates: 38g
Dietary Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 15g
Protein: 5g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 6-18 hours (depends on whether you refrigerate overnight)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 6-18 hours (including rise time)

How to Serve Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread

For Breakfast: Toast a slice and spread it with butter, jam, or nut butter for a sweet, satisfying start to your day.
With Coffee or Hot Cocoa: This bread pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a mug of cocoa, creating the perfect cozy treat.

For Dessert: Serve this as a dessert bread with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or drizzle with a bit of melted chocolate for extra indulgence.
On Its Own: Sometimes, the best way to enjoy it is simply by itself, allowing that rich chocolate flavor and tangy sourdough to shine through.

Additional Tips

Don’t Rush the Rise: Allowing the dough to rise slowly, either at room temperature or in the fridge, enhances the sourdough flavor and gives the bread a better texture.

Chocolate Variety: Experiment with different types of chocolate chips—dark chocolate, milk chocolate, or even white chocolate chips—depending on your taste preference.
Storage: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze individual pieces.
Make it Even Richer: Add a drizzle of chocolate ganache on top for an extra chocolatey treat, or sprinkle powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular yeast instead of sourdough starter?
A1: This recipe is specifically designed for sourdough starter, which gives the bread its unique flavor and texture. However, if you don’t have a sourdough starter, you can use instant yeast, but it will change the texture and flavor of the bread.

Q2: How do I know when my dough has risen enough?
A2: The dough should double in size. You can gently press a finger into the dough—if the indentation stays, it’s ready for the next step.

Q3: Can I refrigerate the dough overnight?
A3: Yes! Refrigerating the dough overnight allows it to rise slowly and develops deeper flavors. Just make sure to bring the dough back to room temperature before shaping it.

Q4: What if I don’t have a baking stone?
A4: No problem! You can bake the bread on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and it will still turn out perfectly.

Q5: Can I add nuts to this bread?
A5: Yes! Chopped walnuts or hazelnuts would make a wonderful addition to the dough, giving it a little extra crunch.

Q6: Can I make this bread without chocolate chips?
A6: Absolutely! If you prefer a more traditional sourdough flavor, simply leave out the chocolate chips. The bread will still have the tangy, rich flavor.

Q7: How can I get a crustier crust on my bread?
A7: To achieve a thicker, crustier crust, place a pan of water in the oven while baking. The steam will help the bread get that perfect crunchy crust.

Q8: Can I freeze Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread?
A8: Yes! Slice the bread and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. Just thaw at room temperature or toast slices when ready to eat.

Q9: Can I use all-purpose flour instead of bread flour?
A9: You can, but the bread will be a bit softer and less chewy. Bread flour has a higher protein content, which is what gives sourdough its characteristic texture.

Q10: Can I double this recipe?
A10: Yes, you can double the recipe! Just make sure to adjust the baking time if you’re making more than one loaf, as it may require a bit more time in the oven.

Conclusion

Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread is a perfect mix of rich chocolate flavor and tangy sourdough goodness, and it’s bound to be a hit in your house. Whether you enjoy it as a breakfast treat, a decadent dessert, or a delicious snack, this bread will quickly become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade bread with a sweet twist!

Double Chocolate Sourdough Bread