Traditional Italian chocolate bread is made with a sourdough starter. This recipe is for those of us who don’t keep sourdough starter on hand. This recipe makes 6 mini-loaves or 3 regular size loaves.
Chocolate Bread (Whole Wheat Variation)
Servings
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 3 teaspoons dry yeast
- 9 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup cocoa
- 1/3 cup oil + more for coating the bowl
- 1/2 bar dark chocolate crushed with a hammer or the end of a wooden rolling pin
Instructions
- Mix together the first three ingredients, and allow the yeast to proof for about 10 minutes. (I know, lots of people say you don’t have to do this, but I always proof my yeast, that way I’m sure it is alive!)
- Mix dry ingredients (flour, sugar, salt, and cocoa) in a large bowl, and make a well in the center. Pour the oil and the yeast mixture into the well, and then combine everything. You can start with a wooden spoon, but eventually you will need to use your hands (unless of course, you have a powerful enough mixer to handle bread dough).
- Knead dough for about 10 min. Coat the dough with oil and cover with a tea towel to rise.
- Allow to rise until doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down, and sprinkle chocolate bits evenly over the dough.
- Use a knife to cut the dough into 6 approximately equal pieces if making mini loaves (3 pieces if making regular size loaves).
- Work the chocolate into each piece of dough, shape into circles and place on a baking tray lined with parchment paper (you may need two, I did). Cover with a tea towel, and allow to rise for another half hour.
- Preheat oven to 350 F.
- When loaves have risen, bake for about 30 minutes. Watch them! Chocolate burns quickly if left in too long.
- Allow to cool before slicing.
- Tastes great with butter. Or hazelnut spread. It’s actually pretty addictive. Don’t get me started…
Sounds good, let us know how it compares.
I know you posted this recipe over 4 years ago, but I had to write in. I live hear Hershey, Pa. and once had amazing chocolate bread. It was not a sweet bread — but more like a regular loaf of bread with chocolate flavor baked in. I have been searching for that same bread or recipe ever since!!! My mother in law came up with a recipe that was okay, but not quite right. I am definitely going to try this one. Thank you!!!
I’d love to know if you do!
The Chocolate bread sounds really yummy! Maybe I will make for Mishloach Manot this year!!!!
I’d love to hear what you think!
Love the idea, wonder about the taste.
I’ll know soon enough.
Thanks.