Sourdough Discard Double Chocolate Chip Quick Bread  

The tangy, slightly fermented flavor of sourdough in this sourdough discard double chocolate chip quick bread recipe adds a unique depth to this delicious chocolate dessert, balancing the sweetness with a bit of acidity. The sourdough element also contributes to a subtle tang that complements the richness of the chocolate. It’s a bit like how a touch of salt can enhance sweet flavors—sourdough adds another layer of flavor that can make the chocolate taste even more indulgent. 

Want to make a homemade sourdough bread but in need of a homemade sourdough starter? Check out this post: How to Make A Sourdough Starter From Scratch 

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What ingredients can be added to quick breads to change the flavor?

To elevate your sourdough double chocolate chip quick bread, you can add a variety of ingredients for extra flavor and texture. Here are some great options:

Flavor Enhancers:

1. Espresso Powder: Adding a teaspoon of espresso powder can deepen the chocolate flavor without making the bread taste like coffee.
2. Cinnamon: A teaspoon of ground cinnamon can add a warm, spicy note that complements the chocolate.

Textural Additions:

1. Nuts: Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds can add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
2. Dried Fruit: Adding a half cup of dried cherries, cranberries, or raisins can introduce a chewy texture and a hint of tartness.
3. Swirls or Fillings: You can swirl in some Nutella, peanut butter, or cream cheese for added richness and a fun surprise in every bite.

Toppings:

1. Sea Salt: A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top before baking can enhance the sweetness of the chocolate and add a gourmet touch.
2. Chocolate Shavings: Adding chocolate shavings or extra chocolate chips on top before baking can give a beautiful finish and extra chocolatey goodness.

Fresh Additions:

1. Zest: A tablespoon of orange or lemon zest can add a fresh, bright note that contrasts nicely with the rich chocolate.

For an Extra Decadent Touch:

1. Marshmallows: Adding mini marshmallows or a swirl of marshmallow fluff can make the bread feel extra indulgent.
2. Caramel: Drizzling a bit of caramel sauce on top after baking can create a delightful sweet and salty flavor profile.
3. Powdered Sugar: I dusted my chocolate bread with powdered sugar using a sieve.

Our family loves mixing things up and trying out new variations of sourdough quick bread recipes. You can even change something as simple as swapping out vanilla extract for almond extract or even peppermint extract! In a case like this I would just use a 1/4 teaspoon less since these extracts can be a bit pungent.  Feel free to mix and match all the above suggestions based on your preferences. Enjoy experimenting and finding the perfect combination for your sourdough double chocolate chip quick bread!

Equipment for Quick Sourdough Bread Recipe

A large mixing bowl

Stand Mixer or hand mixer

Tea towel or plastic bag (for the long fermentation)

9×5 loaf pan

Danish dough whisk (the one I use and love is found here) or a wooden spoon

Rubber spatula

Sharp knife

Piece of parchment paper

sieve (optional)

Ingredients for The Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate cocoa powder
• (optional) powder sugar for dusting

Wet Ingredients:

• 1 cup sourdough starter discard (or active starter)
• 1 cup light or dark brown sugar (to be mixed with wet ingredients)
• 1/2 cup melted butter or melted coconut oil (we use organic coconut oil found here) Olive oil will also work but will change the flavor a little bit.
• 1/2 cup milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla

Add-Ins

• 1 cup chocolate chips
• (Optional) 1/2 cup nuts or dried fruit

Instructions for Double Chocolate Chip Quick Bread

Quick Bread Version

• Lightly grease a 9×5 loaf pan with butter or line with parchment paper, and set aside.
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder.
• In another bowl, combine the cup of sourdough starter, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until well combined.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Mix the chocolate chips in and any other add-ins.
• Pour the sticky dough in the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Serve warm, or let the sweet bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Slice and enjoy your homemade bread!

Long Fermented Version:

• Begin the batter 16-18 hours before you plan to bake the double chocolate chip bread. This allows the sourdough starter to ferment the flour, enhancing its digestibility and nutrient availability.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cocoa powder.
• In another bowl, combine the cup of sourdough starter, sugar, butter or oil, eggs, vanilla, and milk. Mix until well combined.
• Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
• Mix in the chocolate chips and any other add-ins.
• Cover the mixture with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap. 
• For best results, allow for a 4-6 hour rise time.
• Place dough into the fridge for the second rise and let it continue fermenting overnight for an additional 12 hours.

The Next Day

• The next morning, after the final rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• With a Danish dough whisk or a wooden spoon, give the double chocolate sourdough dough a few good stirs.
• Pour the sticky dough in the prepared pan.
• Bake in the preheated oven for about 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the bread and comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
• Serve warm or let the sweet bread cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
• Using a sieve, lightly dust your bread with powdered sugar.
• Enjoy your homemade loaf of bread!

More Quick Bread Recipes

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