Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
480 grams (4 cups) bread flour
02 -
60 grams (¾ cup) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
03 -
50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar
04 -
10 grams (3½ teaspoons) Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt
→ Wet Ingredients
05 -
420 grams (1¾ cups) warm water (80-90°F)
06 -
100 grams (½ cup) active sourdough starter or fresh sourdough discard
→ Mix-ins
07 -
85 grams (½ cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
08 -
80 grams (½ cup) dried cherries, roughly chopped
09 -
Rice flour for dusting banneton
10 -
2 ice cubes for steam
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by feeding your sourdough starter 6-12 hours before baking to ensure it's bubbly and active. Timing depends on kitchen temperature: 6 hours for warmer kitchens (around 75℉), up to 12 hours in cooler kitchens (65-68℉).
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together bread flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Add warm water and the sourdough starter, mixing until fully incorporated with no dry flour remaining. Cover and let rest for 20 minutes to allow the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax.
03 -
Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Flatten the dough slightly and gradually incorporate chocolate chips and dried cherries through a series of stretch-and-folds, adding ingredients in portions. Perform this process 4 times total, resting 20 minutes between each fold.
04 -
Cover the dough and let it rise until nearly doubled in size, with visible fermentation bubbles. Rise time varies from 4-12 hours depending on kitchen temperature and starter strength.
05 -
Shape the dough into a loaf, transfer to a rice flour-dusted banneton seam-side up, and refrigerate overnight (12-16 hours) for cold proofing.
06 -
Preheat Dutch oven at 450℉. Score dough, add ice cubes for steam, and bake covered for 45 minutes. Remove lid and bake additional 5 minutes if needed for desired crust color.
07 -
Allow bread to cool on a wire rack for 2-4 hours before slicing and serving.
# Notes:
01 -
Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 4 days
02 -
Can be frozen sliced for up to 3 months
03 -
A decadent dessert loaf perfect for Valentine's Day or special occasions