Description
A luxurious yet homey Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread that combines tangy, sweet, and earthy flavors, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup active sourdough starter (fed and bubbly)
- 3 cups bread flour (or half whole wheat)
- 1 1/4 cups filtered water (at room temperature)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed preferred)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 cup dark chocolate, chopped or chips (60–72% chocolate)
- 1 cup dried or fresh tart cherries (rehydrated if dried)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Refresh your sourdough starter to ensure it doubles in 4–6 hours and weigh ingredients precisely.
- If using dried cherries, soak them in warm water or cherry juice for 15–20 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Combine the bread flour, cocoa powder, and water in a bowl until no dry flour remains. Cover and let rest for 30–60 minutes for autolyse.
- Add the bubbly starter and sugar to the dough and knead briefly until rough gluten forms. Add salt and knead until the dough shows resistance.
- Allow dough to bulk ferment at room temperature for 3–4 hours, performing gentle stretches and folds every 30–45 minutes. Incorporate chopped chocolate and cherries during the final fold.
- Pre-shape dough into a boule and let it rest for 15–20 minutes, then shape tightly and place seam-side up in a floured banneton. Refrigerate overnight or proof at room temperature for 2–3 hours.
- Preheat the oven to 475°F with a Dutch oven inside for at least 45 minutes. Transfer dough to the Dutch oven, score it, and bake covered for 20 minutes.
- Remove the lid, lower the heat to 450°F, and bake for an additional 15–25 minutes until the crust is deep mahogany and internal temperature reads 200–205°F.
- Remove from the oven and cool on a rack for at least two hours before slicing.
Notes
To keep chocolate from melting during bulk fermentation, add it during later folds. Use high hydration for an open crumb, and brush the warm crust with melted butter post-baking for a buttery finish.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: sourdough, bread, chocolate, cherries, baking
