Hello, my fellow baking enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found joy in the soul-soothing ritual of baking, you’re in for a treat today. Imagine the warm, decadent aroma of chocolate wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the delightful tang of sourdough. This Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread is here to spark your creativity and satisfy your sweet tooth. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just dipping your toes into the world of yeasted bread, this recipe will charm you and make your home smell heavenly!

Why This Recipe Works

Why settle for ordinary bread when you can have something spectacular? This Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread combines the unique flavor profile of sourdough with the rich decadence of chocolate. The fermentation process not only boosts the bread’s flavor but also adds a delightful chewiness to the texture. You’ll be amazed at how the sourdough starter enhances the chocolate notes, making each bite an experience worth savoring.

This recipe is also incredibly forgiving, allowing you to experiment with chocolate chip amounts and different types of flour. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a beautiful loaf from scratch is beyond compare. So, if you love the idea of indulging in a warm, chocolatey hug in bread form, keep reading!

Loaf of easy chocolate sourdough bread with chocolate chunks

Easy Instructions for Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread

Ready to dive in? Here’s your step-by-step guide to making this mouthwatering delight. Prepare yourself for a little bit of patience, as good things take time!

Ingredients:

40 grams cocoa powder
500 grams white bread flour (or unbleached white flour)
8 grams salt
50 grams sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
375 grams water
50 grams brown sugar
120 grams chocolate chips (add more or less to taste)

Directions:

Feed your sourdough starter: Start by feeding your sourdough starter 4-8 hours before you plan to bake, ensuring it’s bubbly and ready to work its magic.
Measure your ingredients: Use a scale to weigh out the flour, cocoa powder, and salt accurately. This will ensure consistency in your bread.
Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cocoa powder, and salt together very well to combine.
Create a well: Make a well in the center of the flour mixture, then weigh in the sourdough starter, water, and brown sugar.
Mix the dough: With a spatula, gently mix the ingredients until they come together, then shape the dough into a rough ball using your hands.
First resting period: Let the dough rest for one hour, which allows the gluten to relax.
Add chocolate chips: After resting, gently incorporate the chocolate chips into your dough.
Stretch and fold: Perform three sets of stretch and folds, spaced thirty minutes apart. This helps develop the gluten structure in your bread.
Ferment overnight: Cover the dough with a damp tea towel or plastic wrap and let it ferment overnight in a warm spot, allowing it to double in size. This process can take anywhere from 8-12 hours, depending on your home’s temperature.
Shape your bread: In the morning, perform one more set of stretching and folding, then shape the dough into a loaf.
Final rise: Place the dough in a banneton or lightly floured bowl, and set it in the fridge for at least 3 hours.
Preheat your Dutch oven: Line your Dutch oven with parchment paper, then place your sourdough into it and cover with the lid.
Bake: Place the Dutch oven into a cold oven, then set the temperature to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for 45 minutes, then carefully remove the lid and check the bread. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool: Once baked, remove the bread from the Dutch oven and allow it to cool for at least 3 hours before slicing.

Best Ways to Serve Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread

Now that your kitchen is filled with the tantalizing scent of chocolate sourdough, it’s time to think about serving it! This chocolatey bread can be enjoyed in various delightful ways:

Straight from the Loaf: Slice it thick and enjoy it fresh. The chocolate chips provide bursts of sweetness with every bite!
Toast It Up: Pop a slice or two in the toaster and spread on a generous layer of butter or nut butter for a tasty breakfast or snack.
Sandwiches: Make a luxurious sandwich by filling it with creamy peanut butter and banana slices or your favorite jam.
Dessert Time: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a divine dessert.

How to Store Leftover Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread

To keep that scrumptious bread fresh:

Room Temperature: Store the bread in a paper bag at room temperature for up to three days. This allows it to breathe and maintain its crustiness.
Freezing: If you have leftover bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a zip-seal bag in the freezer for up to three months. Just defrost and toast when you’re ready to enjoy more!

Top Tips for Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread Success

Use a Digital Scale: Precision is key in baking. Weighing your ingredients ensures consistent results.
Check Temperature: The temperature of your home can significantly influence dough rise. Find a warmer spot if your dough is slow to rise.
Experiment with Add-ins: While chocolate chips are delicious, consider adding nuts or even dried fruit for variety.
Be Patient: Sourdough baking is all about the process. Allow ample time for fermentation for optimal flavor.

Delicious Variations of Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the dough for a surprising flavor twist.
Nutty Delight: Incorporate nuts like walnuts or hazelnuts along with the chocolate for an added crunch.
Fruity Flavor: Toss in some orange or almond extract for a delightful aroma and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour?
Absolutely! You can substitute half of the white flour with whole wheat flour, but keep in mind that this may alter the texture slightly.
What if my sourdough starter isn’t bubbly?
Ensure your sourdough starter is active and fed before using. A bubbly starter is key to a good rise!
Can I add more chocolate chips?
Of course! If you’re a chocolate fanatic, feel free to increase the amount of chocolate chips for an even sweeter loaf.

Baking this Easy Chocolate Sourdough Bread is not just about creating something tasty; it’s about embracing the joy of the process and the love that goes into making homemade food. Whether you choose to enjoy it with family, friends, or all to yourself, know that you are crafting a beautiful experience, one slice at a time. Happy baking, friends!