Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 500g bread flour
- 100g cocoa powder
- 50g sugar
- 10g salt
Wet Ingredients
- 300g sourdough starter (active)
- 350ml water
Add-ins
- 200g dark chocolate chips
Instructions
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the bread flour, cocoa powder, and sugar thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the cocoa and sweetness.
- Add Wet Ingredients and Form Dough: Add the active sourdough starter and water to the dry mix. Stir until a cohesive dough begins to form, ensuring all flour is hydrated.
- Knead the Dough: Transfer the dough onto a clean surface and knead for about 10 minutes until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, which develops gluten and structure.
- Add Salt and Chocolate Chips: Gently incorporate the salt and dark chocolate chips into the dough, folding so they are evenly dispersed without melting the chips.
- First Rise (Bulk Fermentation): Place the dough in a clean bowl, cover with a damp cloth or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for 4 to 6 hours, or until it has doubled in size and shows air bubbles.
- Shape Dough: After the first rise, gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan to hold its shape during the final rise and baking.
- Second Rise (Proofing): Cover the loaf pan again and let the dough rise for another 2 to 3 hours at room temperature until it becomes puffy and nearly doubles in volume.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F) to ensure it is hot enough for crust development and proper oven spring.
- Bake the Bread: Bake the loaf for 30 to 35 minutes. The bread is done when the crust is firm and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool Before Slicing: Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool completely on a wire rack to set the crumb before slicing.
Notes
- Use high-quality dark chocolate for a richer and more complex chocolate flavor.
- Store the bread in an airtight container or bread box to maintain freshness and moisture.
- This bread is delicious toasted with butter or served as a decadent dessert.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
