This Chocolate Bread is definitely a chocolate lovers bread recipe, make it plain or add some chocolate chips, nuts or your own favourites. Delicious as a breakfast or snack treat!
2½cups+ 1 tablespoon all purpose or bread flour(332 grams)
3¼tablespoonsunsweetened cocoa (sifted)(25 grams)
½teaspoonvanilla
¾teaspoonsalt
3-4tablespoonschopped nuts
4-5tablespoonschocolate chips
Instructions
In the stand up mixer mix together the water and a pinch of sugar, sprinkle the yeast on top and let sit for 5-10 minutes then stir together.
Add the flour, cocoa, (be sure to sift it to remove any lumps) sugar and vanilla. Start to knead then add the salt, continue to knead for about 8-10 minutes.
Add the nuts and the chocolate chips if using, knead 1 minute just to combine. Cover the bowl and let sit 30 minutes.
Move the dough to a lightly floured flat surface and pat into a rectangle, then fold the top down to meet the middle then bring the bottom over the top (to form an envelope), turn the dough 90 degrees and repeat the folding. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly greased bowl turning the dough in the bowl to lightly cover in oil, cover and let rise in a warm draft free area until doubled, approximately 1 1/2 - 2 hours.
Remove the dough from the bowl to a lightly floured flat surface and again flatten with the palm of your hand, fold the dough in half, cover and let sit 15 minutes.
Reshape the dough into your desired loaf shape, place it on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, cover and let rise 1 hour.
Pre-heat oven to 480F (250C) for 30-35 minutes, then reduce the heat to 430F (225 C) before placing the bread in the oven.
Score the dough, then spray or sprinkle with water and bake for approximately 10 minutes, reduce the oven again to 350F (180C) and bake for approximately 15-20 minutes. Once the dough is baked move immediately to a wire rack to cool completely. Enjoy!