Cherry Chocolate Bread (Printable Version)
# What You'll Need:
→ Dry Stuff
01 -
50 grams (¼ cup) granulated sugar
02 -
480 grams (4 cups) artisan bread flour
03 -
10 grams (3½ teaspoons) Diamond Crystal kosher salt
04 -
60 grams (¾ cup) Dutch-processed dark cocoa powder
→ Wet Stuff
05 -
100 grams (½ cup) sourdough discard or bubbly starter
06 -
420 grams (1¾ cups) lukewarm water (80-90°F)
→ Add-ins
07 -
Dusting of rice flour for the proofing basket
08 -
80 grams (½ cup) dried cherries, roughly chopped
09 -
85 grams (½ cup) chocolate chips
10 -
2 ice cubes to create steam during baking
# Preparation Steps:
01 -
Nourish your sourdough starter 6-12 hours beforehand until it's frothy and active. Warmer spots around 75°F will get it ready in about 6 hours, while cooler areas need closer to 12 hours.
02 -
In a big bowl, whisk together the flour, cocoa, sugar, and salt. Add the lukewarm water and starter, then stir until everything's wet. Cover with a moist towel and let it sit for 20 minutes to soak up moisture.
03 -
Wet your hands, then flatten the dough and scatter chocolate chips and cherries across the surface. Fold the dough over these treats four separate times, waiting 20 minutes between each fold.
04 -
Put a cover on the bowl and wait for the dough to nearly double in size. You'll notice tiny air pockets forming throughout. This can take anywhere from 4-12 hours depending on how warm your kitchen is.
05 -
Mold your dough into a nice round loaf and pop it into a rice-floured banneton with the seams facing up. Stick it in the fridge overnight for 12-16 hours to develop flavor.
06 -
Get your Dutch oven super hot at 450°F. Score the top of your chilled dough, drop in two ice cubes for steam, then bake covered for 45 minutes. For an extra-crunchy crust, take the lid off and bake 5 more minutes.
07 -
Place your bread on a wire rack and don't slice into it for at least 2-4 hours. It needs to cool down completely first.
# Additional Tips:
01 -
Stays fresh in an airtight container on your counter for up to 4 days
02 -
Cut slices can be frozen and will stay good for about 3 months
03 -
Makes a fancy treat perfect for celebrating special moments like Valentine's Day