Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread is a delightful blend of flavors that turns the classic focaccia into a decadent treat. This recipe combines the tang of sourdough with rich cocoa and chocolate chips, making it perfect for dessert or an indulgent snack. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself, this focaccia will impress everyone with its crispy exterior and soft, airy interior.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of sourdough and chocolate creates a flavor that’s both surprising and satisfying.
• Easy to Make: With straightforward steps, even beginners can achieve bakery-quality results.
• Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a dessert, snack, or even paired with coffee for breakfast.
• Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, it’s great for gatherings or family meals.
• Artisan Quality at Home: You can create gourmet tastes right in your kitchen without complicated techniques.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth baking experience. Having everything on hand will make the process enjoyable and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Mixing bowl
• Measuring scale
• Whisk
• Baking pan
• Plastic wrap
• Oven

Importance of Each Tool

• Mixing bowl: A good-sized bowl is essential for mixing ingredients thoroughly.
• Measuring scale: Accurate measurements lead to consistent results, especially in bread-making.
• Baking pan: Ensure you have a proper pan that allows the focaccia to rise and bake evenly.

Ingredients

A chocolate twist on classic focaccia using sourdough starter, cocoa powder, and chocolate chips. Crispy outside, soft inside, and deeply chocolatey.

For the Levain:

• 35g sourdough starter
• 35g all-purpose flour
• 35g water

For the Dough:

• 20g cocoa powder
• 20g coconut oil
• 40g granulated sugar
• 420g water
• 10g salt
• 500g bread flour

For Mixing In:

• 175g semi-sweet chocolate chips

For Topping:

• 50g light olive oil
• 30g unsalted butter, melted
• 60g chopped chocolate for topping
• 40g chocolate chips for drizzle
• 20g heavy cream for drizzle

How to Make Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Step 1: Prepare the Levain

Mix the sourdough starter, water, and all-purpose flour in a mixing bowl. Let it rise for 3-4 hours at 78°F until it has doubled in size and is bubbly.

Step 2: Create the Cocoa Mixture

In a small saucepan, heat the coconut oil and cocoa powder together until well combined. Allow this mixture to cool completely before using.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In another bowl, combine the levain, granulated sugar, cooled cocoa mixture, water, salt, and bread flour. Mix until combined and let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 4: Stretch and Fold

Perform four sets of stretch and folds every 30 minutes. During the second set of stretches, add in the semi-sweet chocolate chips gently into the dough.

Step 5: First Rise

Allow your dough to rise for about 1.5-2 hours until it is bubbly and domed. Once risen, transfer the dough to an oiled baking pan and stretch it to fill the pan evenly.

Step 6: Cold Fermentation

Cover the pan with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight. This slow fermentation enhances flavor development.

Step 7: Room Temperature Rise

After refrigeration, bring your dough back to room temperature. Allow it to rise again for about 3-5 hours until puffy.

Step 8: Bake

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Top the focaccia with melted butter and chopped chocolate before dimpling its surface gently with your fingers. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.

Enjoy your homemade Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread!

How to Serve Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread is not just a delicious treat on its own; it can also be paired with various toppings and accompaniments that elevate its flavors. Here are some ideas for serving this delightful bread that will impress your family and friends.

Sweet Pairings

• Whipped Cream: Light and airy, whipped cream adds a sweet touch to chocolate focaccia.
• Fresh Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chocolate.
• Nutella: A generous spread of Nutella enhances the chocolate experience, making every bite decadent.

Savory Accompaniments

• Cheese Board: Pair with cheeses like Brie or goat cheese for a sweet and savory balance.
• Spiced Nuts: Roasted spiced nuts add crunch and flavor that complements the focaccia’s texture.
• Fruit Chutney: A tangy fruit chutney adds a zesty contrast to the sweetness of the bread.

Creative Serving Ideas

• Toast with Ice Cream: Warm slices topped with vanilla ice cream create a delightful dessert.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Enhance each piece with a drizzle of melted chocolate for an extra treat.

How to Perfect Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Perfecting your Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread can take your baking skills to the next level. Follow these tips for an even better outcome.

• Bold Starter Use: Ensure your sourdough starter is active and bubbly for the best rise.
• Resting Time Matters: Don’t rush the resting periods; they develop flavor and texture in the dough.
• Temperature Check: Keep ingredients at room temperature for consistent mixing and rising.
• Dimpling Technique: Create dimples before baking; this helps hold toppings and adds visual appeal.
• Proper Baking Temperature: Bake at 425°F to achieve a crispy crust while keeping the inside soft.

Best Side Dishes for Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

Pairing side dishes with your Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread can enhance any meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Bold Spinach Salad: Fresh spinach with feta cheese, walnuts, and a light vinaigrette complements the sweetness of the focaccia.
2. Creamy Tomato Soup: A warm tomato soup provides a comforting contrast to the rich chocolate flavors.
3. Zesty Lemon Chicken: Grilled chicken marinated in lemon adds brightness alongside the dense bread.
4. Savory Vegetable Ratatouille: This colorful vegetable dish pairs well with focaccia’s texture and flavor profile.
5. Garlic Butter Shrimp: Flavorful shrimp sautéed in garlic butter bring an exciting twist to your meal.
6. Charcuterie Board: A selection of meats, cheeses, and fruits creates variety that balances well with chocolate focaccia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread can be a delightful experience, but there are common mistakes that can ruin the outcome. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:

• Skipping the rise time: Allowing your dough to rise properly is crucial for texture. Ensure it doubles in size for the best results.
• Not measuring ingredients accurately: Baking is a science. Use a kitchen scale for precise measurements, especially for flour and water.
• Ignoring temperature control: The ideal temperature during fermentation is key. Keep your starter and dough in a warm place, around 78°F, for optimal activity.
• Adding chocolate chips too late: To evenly distribute chocolate flavor, add chocolate chips during the second stretch and fold. This ensures they’re well incorporated.
• Failing to refrigerate overnight: Refrigeration helps develop flavors. Don’t skip this step if you want a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
• For best results, wrap in plastic wrap before placing in the container.

Freezing Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil or freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months.
• Make sure to label your package with the date for reference.

Reheating Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat pieces on medium power for 20-30 seconds. Be careful not to overheat.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over medium heat and cover with a lid for a few minutes until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread:

How do I know my sourdough starter is ready?

Your sourdough starter is ready when it has doubled in size, is bubbly, and has a pleasant sour aroma.

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour?

Yes, you can substitute whole wheat flour for part of the all-purpose flour. However, this may change the texture slightly.

What can I add to customize my Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread?

Try adding nuts, dried fruits, or other types of chocolate like white or dark chocolate for different flavors.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free flour blend designed for bread-making, but results may vary in texture and flavor.

Final Thoughts

Chocolate Sourdough Focaccia Bread is a delicious twist on a classic favorite. With its crispy exterior and soft chocolatey interior, this bread is perfect as a dessert or snack. Don’t hesitate to experiment with various toppings or fillings to make it your own!