Cherry Choco Sourdough (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Dry Ingredients
01 -
¾ cup (60 grams) Dutch-processed cocoa powder
02 -
3½ teaspoons (10 grams) kosher salt, preferably Diamond Crystal
03 -
¼ cup (50 grams) granulated sugar
04 -
4 cups (480 grams) bread flour
→ Wet Ingredients
05 -
1¾ cups (420 grams) warm water (80-90°F)
06 -
½ cup (100 grams) sourdough starter, either active or poured-off discard works
→ Mix-ins
07 -
2 ice cubes to make steam in the oven
08 -
85 grams (½ cup) semi-sweet chocolate chips
09 -
80 grams (½ cup) dried cherries, chopped
10 -
Rice flour for dusting your banneton or proofing bowl
# Instructions:
01 -
A day ahead, give your sourdough starter a healthy feeding. Keep it cozy at around 75°F, and it’ll be ready in 6 hours. At cooler temperatures (65-68°F), allow up to 12 hours for bubbling.
02 -
In a big bowl, stir the sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and bread flour together. Add the sourdough starter and warmed water, making sure everything is mixed and no flour remains. Cover it with a damp towel and wait 20 minutes while it rests and hydrates.
03 -
Wet your hands lightly. Spread out the dough carefully, and fold in the cherries and chocolate pieces gradually. Stretch and fold the dough four times, giving it a 20-minute pause in between each folding session.
04 -
Let the dough expand in size until it’s nearly doubled, with little bubbles visible throughout. This rise might take 4 to 12 hours, depending on how cozy the room is and the starter’s activity level.
05 -
Form the dough into a loaf shape and lay it seam-up in a banneton or bowl sprinkled with rice flour. Put it in the fridge overnight for 12 to 16 hours to rise slowly in the cold.
06 -
Preheat your Dutch oven to 450°F. When ready to bake, score the dough on top with a blade. Add the ice cubes for steaming, bake with the Dutch oven’s lid on for 45 minutes, and remove the lid for an extra 5 minutes to darken the crust if you like.
07 -
Place the bread on a cooling rack for 2 to 4 hours before slicing so the interior sets properly. Then, dig in!
# Notes:
01 -
Enjoy it fresh within a few days, sealed at room temperature, for best results.
02 -
You can freeze slices to last up to 3 months. Pull out a piece when you’re in the mood.
03 -
This indulgent loaf shines on special days like Valentine’s.