DOUBLE CHOCOLATE ESPRESSO SOURDOUGH BREAD RECIPE

Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread offers a delightful blend of tangy sourdough and rich chocolate flavors. This indulgent loaf is packed with cocoa powder, filled with dark chocolate chunks, and subtly sweetened with brown sugar and a hint of cinnamon. Enjoy it warm, slathered with high-quality butter, for a truly satisfying sourdough experience.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

RICH CHOCOLATE FLAVOR

Indulge in the decadent taste of Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread, brimming with rich chocolate goodness. With natural cocoa powder and generous chunks of melted chocolate, this bread will keep chocolate lovers coming back for more.

NO-KNEAD, EASY RECIPE

Say goodbye to the hassle of kneading! This simple recipe requires just a few sets of stretch and folds, allowing you to create the perfect structure for your Chocolate Sourdough Bread without the need for a stand mixer or intensive hand-kneading.

DELICIOUS FERMENTED SWEET TREAT

Enjoy the benefits of long fermentation with this Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread. The sourdough starter aids in breaking down the phytic acid naturally present in flour, making it easier for your body to digest while providing a delightful flavor.

INGREDIENTS

  • 4 Tablespoons boiling water
  • 1 Tablespoon instant espresso (or 50g brewed coffee as a substitute)
  • 50g active, bubbly starter (approximately 2 tablespoons)
  • 325 ml warm water (about 1 1/2 cups)
  • 50g brown sugar (about 1/4 cup)
  • 470g bread flour (approximately 2 1/2 cups)
  • 11g salt (about 2 teaspoons)
  • 30g unsweetened cocoa powder (approximately 1/3 cup)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3g)
  • 180g chocolate chunks (about 1 cup)

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Prepare the Espresso

  • In a small bowl or coffee cup, mix 4 tablespoons of boiling water with 1 tablespoon of instant espresso. If you don’t have espresso powder, you can use instant coffee as a substitute. Mix well and set aside. Alternatively, you can use 50g (about 4 tablespoons) of brewed coffee.

Step 2: Make the Dough

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine 50g of your mature starter, 325 ml of warm water, the prepared espresso, and 50g of brown sugar. Mix until it resembles a milky liquid.
  • In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 470g of bread flour, 30g of cocoa powder, 3g of ground cinnamon, and 11g of salt. This helps ensure a consistent color in your bread.
  • Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until all the flour is incorporated. The dough will be shaggy at this stage.
  • Cover the bowl with a damp tea towel or a reusable shower cap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes.

Step 3: Stretch and Fold

  • After resting, use slightly wet fingers to scrape the dough from the sides of the bowl. Stretch a section of the dough above the bowl and fold it over itself.
  • Rotate the bowl a quarter turn and repeat the stretching and folding until you’ve gone all the way around. The dough will begin to look smoother.
  • Cover and let the dough rest for another 30 minutes.

Step 4: Incorporate the Chocolate

  • Gather 180g of chocolate chunks and sprinkle them over the top of the dough.
  • Perform another set of stretch and folds, incorporating the chocolate into the dough. Don’t worry if some chunks break through.
  • Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
  • Repeat the stretch and fold process three more times, allowing 30 minutes of rest between each round.

Step 5: Bulk Fermentation

  • After completing all stretch and folds, cover the dough again and leave it to bulk ferment on the countertop. The duration of this step will depend on your room temperature:
    • 68-70°F: 6-9 hours.
    • Look for signs that the dough is ready:
      • It has increased in size by 50%.
      • It appears light and jiggles when shaken.
      • It pulls away easily from the bowl.
      • Visible bubbles should be present.
      • It passes the windowpane test.

Step 6: Pre-Shape the Dough

  • With wet fingers, gently release the dough from the bowl without deflating it too much.
  • Tilt the bowl to allow the dough to fall onto a floured surface.
  • Perform a stretch and fold again to shape the dough, then let it rest for 30 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare the Proofing Basket

  • While the dough rests, prepare your proofing basket (banneton or a bowl lined with a tea towel) by dusting it with flour to prevent sticking.

Step 8: Final Shaping

  • After resting, flip the dough so the floured side is down.
  • Fold the bottom of the dough towards the center, then do the same with the sides and the top.
  • Flip the dough seam side down and gently cup your hands around it, turning it to create a tight, round shape.
  • Transfer the dough to your proofing basket, cover it with cling wrap or a shower cap, and place it in the fridge for a cold proof of 8-72 hours.

Step 9: Score and Bake

  • 30 minutes before baking, place the dough in the freezer to firm it up for easier scoring.
  • Remove the dough from the fridge. Cut a piece of parchment paper large enough to catch the dough.
  • Flip the banneton over onto the parchment paper, allowing the dough to release with the floured side facing up.
  • Use a lame or sharp knife to score a design on the top of the dough.
  • Place the dough (on parchment) into a cold Dutch oven, then put the Dutch oven on a cookie sheet. Preheat your oven to 450°F and bake for 50 minutes (this includes preheating).
    • Alternatively, if using a hot Dutch oven, preheat it at 450°F for 30 minutes. Bake covered for 27 minutes, then uncover and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the crust is as crispy as you like.
  • After baking, remove the lid and continue to bake for 5-15 minutes more, until the crust is golden and crispy.
  • Carefully lift the bread from the Dutch oven using the parchment paper and transfer it to a cooling rack.
  • Allow the bread to cool for 1 hour before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

Enjoy Your Bread!

Once cooled, slice into your delicious Double Chocolate Espresso Sourdough Bread and enjoy with butter or your favorite spread!

BAKER’S SCHEDULES

Baker’s Schedule #1

Day 1

  • Feed starter before bed with a 1:4:4 ratio (e.g., 25g starter / 100g flour / 100g water).

Day 2

  • 9 AM: Mix ingredients.
  • 9:30 – 11:30 AM: Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes.
  • 5 PM: Pre-shape the dough.
  • 5:30 PM: Shape the dough and place it in the fridge.

Day 3

  • Score and bake in the morning.

This schedule is designed for a 68-70°F environment. Higher temperatures will speed up the process, while cooler temperatures will slow it down.

Baker’s Schedule #2

Day 1

  • Feed the starter to ensure it’s active, bubbly, and at its peak (4-12 hours before mixing dough).

Day 2

  • 8 PM: Mix ingredients.
  • 8:30 – 10:00 PM: Perform stretch and folds every 30 minutes.

Day 3

  • 5 AM: Pre-shape the dough.
  • 5:30 AM: Shape the dough and place it in the fridge.
  • Score and bake in the evening.

This schedule is also for a 68-70°F environment. Adjust times based on the temperature of your surroundings.

15 BEST SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONERS FOR DAMAGED HAIR

Damaged hair is the obsession of many people, causing hair to become tangled, split ends, break and lose its inherent shine. Understanding that, this article will introduce to you 15 “savior” shampoos and conditioners specifically for damaged hair, helping you restore smooth and shiny hair.

OUR TOP PICKS

MONDAY HAIRCARE MOISTURE SHAMPOO + CONDITIONER SET

Monday Haircare Moisture Shampoo + Conditioner Set is a hydrating duo designed to revitalize dry, coarse, and stressed hair. Infused with nourishing ingredients like coconut oil, rice protein, shea butter, and vitamin E, this salon-quality formula gently cleanses while deeply conditioning, leaving hair soft, smooth, and manageable. Dermatologically tested and free from harsh chemicals, this set promotes healthy hair growth and thickness, while the recyclable packaging aligns with the brand’s commitment to sustainability.

AVEDA NUTRIPLENISH LIGHT MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Aveda Nutriplenish shampoo and conditioner offer a gentle yet effective cleanse for dry hair, soothing the scalp while delivering intense hydration. Packed with nourishing superfoods like pomegranate and coconut oils, as well as mango butter and oat extract, this duo revitalizes dehydrated hair, leaving it noticeably softer and more manageable after just one use. The rich, creamy formulas are a delight to apply, resulting in hair that feels thoroughly clean without being stripped of essential moisture.

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High-quality hair care can be expensive, but Nexxus shampoo and conditioner offer exceptional value. Priced around $30, this duo is a budget-friendly option for reviving damaged hair. Infused with green caviar and elastin protein, they nourish and repair dry, brittle strands. We noticed a visible improvement in hair health and shine with each use.

AMIKA NORMCORE HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Amika’s Normcore collection is a dream for those seeking healthier hair. Packed with hair-nourishing ingredients like sea buckthorn, shea butter, and coconut acid, the shampoo and conditioner duo delivers intense moisture without weighing hair down. Both products have a rich, creamy texture perfect for taming thick hair, leaving it soft, hydrated, and revitalized.

DAVINES MOMO SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

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KÉRASTASE NUTRITIVE HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

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LOLAVIE RESTORATIVE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

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OLAPLEX BOND MAINTENANCE NO.4 SHAMPOO AND NO.5 CONDITIONER

If you’re dealing with product buildup from daily styling, you need a powerful hair duo that cleanses without compromising moisture. Olaplex’s shampoo and conditioner offer a deep clean without drying out your hair. The shampoo lathers beautifully, leaving your hair feeling incredibly refreshed after just one wash. This cleansing power has been consistent throughout our testing period.

PUREOLOGY HYDRATE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Pureology’s sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner duo is a game-changer for color-treated hair. Enriched with green tea, sage, and plant-based proteins, this vegan formula deeply hydrates, strengthens, and protects hair color. We noticed immediate improvements in hair thickness and health after the first wash, with even more noticeable bounce and softness after consistent use. Our scalp and strands also felt revitalized thanks to the added moisture.

REDKEN ALL SOFT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Thin, dry hair can be challenging to manage as many hydrating products tend to weigh it down. To combat this, you need a shampoo and conditioner that deeply nourish without leaving residue. We recommend Redken’s argan oil-infused duo, designed specifically for dry, brittle hair. Their creamy textures distribute easily and effectively hydrate without leaving any greasy feeling post-rinse.

SHU UEMURA URBAN MOISTURE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Dry hair doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice lightweight hair care. Shu Uemura’s Urban Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner offer a solution with their thinner yet nourishing formulas. Infused with moringa oil and red algae, these products strengthen and protect hair from damage while providing essential hydration. Additionally, the antioxidant-rich ingredients shield your hair from environmental pollutants, leaving it healthier and more vibrant.

VIRTUE LABS RECOVERY SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Scalp irritation is common with frequent hair product use, especially for those with dry hair. Virtue Labs’ shampoo and conditioner offer a gentle solution. Infused with their patented Alpha Keratin 60ku, the products repair damage while strengthening and thickening hair. Additional ingredients like quinoa, baobab, and grapefruit extract promote hair growth and overall health, all without aggravating the scalp.

ORIBE GOLD LUST REPAIR & RESTORE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Craving lustrous locks? Oribe’s shampoo and conditioner duo is a game-changer. Infused with argan and cypress oils, plus a fortifying blend of caffeine, biotin, niacinamide, and plant collagen, this pair deeply moisturizes and revitalizes hair. The shampoo strikes the perfect balance for your scalp, preventing that stripped feeling, while the conditioner seals in hydration for silky smoothness. After six weeks, we were showered with compliments on our noticeably healthier hair.

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MOROCCANOIL HYDRATING SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

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WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A SHAMPOO OR CONDITIONER FOR DRY HAIR

Absolutely! Here’s a summary of what to look for in a shampoo or conditioner for dry hair:

Hydrating ingredients: Look for ingredients like coconut oil, argan oil, and shea butter which will moisturize and soften your hair, while also preventing breakage.

Avoid sulfates and harsh ingredients: These ingredients can strip your hair of its natural oils, so opt for sulfate-free and gentler formulas.

FAQ

1. What are the signs of damaged hair?

Damaged hair often appears dry, brittle, frizzy, and prone to breakage. It may also lack shine and be difficult to manage.

2. How should I use shampoo and conditioner for damaged hair?

Wash your hair 2-3 times a week, don’t wash your hair too often.

Massage scalp gently when shampooing.

Use conditioner after shampooing, focusing on the length and ends of your hair.

Rinse hair with cool water.

CONCLUSION

Above are 15 popular shampoos and conditioners for damaged hair today. Each product has its own advantages and uses, suitable for different hair types and levels of damage. You should choose products that suit your needs and hair condition to achieve the best results. In addition, combining the use of shampoo and conditioner in the same set will help enhance the effectiveness of hair care. With perseverance and proper care, you will quickly regain the soft, smooth, shiny hair of your dreams.