Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread
Chocolate Cherry Sourdough Bread is a delightful treat combining tangy sourdough with rich dark chocolate and tart cherries. This unique bread offers a crispy crust and a soft, chewy crumb studded with juicy cherries and melty chocolate chunks. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert, it brings a gourmet touch while remaining approachable for bakers of all levels.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 4-6 hours to activate starter and bulk fermentation time)
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 12-16 hours (including fermentation and proofing)
- Yield: 1 loaf (about 800g)
- Category: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Artisan Bread
- Diet: Vegetarian (vegan if honey is omitted or replaced)
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Active sourdough starter – 150g (about 100% hydration)
- All-purpose flour – 500g
- Water – 375ml (75% hydration)
- Salt – 10g (about 2% of flour weight)
- Dark chocolate chunks – 150g
- Dried or fresh tart cherries – 100g
- Optional honey or maple syrup – 1 tbsp
Instructions
- Prepare Your Sourdough Starter: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly by feeding it about 4-6 hours before beginning to achieve the best rise and flavor.
- Mix the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, water, active sourdough starter, and salt. Stir until a shaggy dough forms, then let it rest for 30 minutes to fully hydrate the flour.
- Incorporate Chocolate and Cherries: Gently fold the dark chocolate chunks and dried or fresh cherries into the dough until evenly distributed, taking care not to deflate the dough.
- Bulk Fermentation and Folding: Allow the dough to rise at room temperature for 3 to 4 hours, performing gentle folds every 30 to 45 minutes to develop gluten and an open crumb structure.
- Shape and Proof: Shape the dough into a round loaf, place it into a floured banneton or bowl lined with a towel, then refrigerate overnight or for at least 8 hours to deepen flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) with a Dutch oven inside. Carefully transfer the loaf into the hot Dutch oven, cover, and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown and crackly.
Notes
- Always use a fully active sourdough starter for optimal rise and flavor.
- Maintain approximately 75% hydration for moist crumb and to support chocolate and cherry pieces.
- Fold dough gently to preserve air bubbles and promote an open crumb texture.
- Cold proofing in the refrigerator enhances flavor development and texture.
- Preheat your Dutch oven to create steam and a perfect crust.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (about 80g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: sourdough bread, chocolate cherry bread, artisan bread, breakfast bread, snack bread, dessert bread, tangy sourdough, rich chocolate, tart cherries
Find it online: https://mealsbymary.com/chocolate-cherry-sourdough-bread/