Double Chocolate Focaccia
Who said focaccia is only for savory dishes? This Double Chocolate Focaccia will totally change the way you think about bread! It’s soft, chewy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness—a dessert (or breakfast!) that feels like pure indulgence but is surprisingly easy to make.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE:
This recipe takes the classic Italian bread and gives it a sweet twist with rich cocoa and gooey chocolate chips. It’s perfect for sharing or savoring all by yourself, and it pairs beautifully with coffee, milk, or even ice cream.
How to Make It
Making this chocolate focaccia is much easier than you think. Here’s a quick overview:
- Prepare the dough. Start with a simple yeast-based dough infused with cocoa powder for a chocolatey base.
- Add the chocolate chips. Mix them into the dough or scatter them on top for bursts of melty chocolate.
- Let it rise. Give the dough time to become pillowy and airy.
- Bake to perfection. Bake until the focaccia is puffed up and the chocolate chips are slightly caramelized.
- Finish with a drizzle. After baking, drizzle the focaccia with melted chocolate or a touch of honey for extra sweetness.
Make Ahead Recipe Method
Want to prep this ahead of time? No problem:
- Make the dough the night before. After mixing the dough, cover it and let it rise in the fridge overnight. The slow rise enhances the flavor!
- Bring the dough to room temperature before shaping and baking.
- You can also bake the focaccia, cool it completely, and store it. Warm it slightly before serving for that fresh-from-the-oven taste.
Pro Tips
- Use good-quality cocoa powder. This will make a huge difference in the flavor of the dough.
- Don’t skimp on the olive oil. Even though it’s sweet, the olive oil gives the focaccia its signature texture and richness.
- Add a pinch of sea salt. Sprinkle it over the top before baking for that salty-sweet magic.
- Experiment with toppings. Try adding nuts, dried fruit, or even a dusting of powdered sugar after baking.
Storage
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Keep it chilled for up to 5 days; reheat in the oven before serving.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before enjoying.
Tools For This Recipe
- Mixing bowls: For combining and kneading the dough.
- 9×13-inch baking pan: The perfect size for spreading out the focaccia.
- Kitchen scale: To measure flour and cocoa powder for precise results.
- Pastry brush: For brushing the dough with olive oil.
FAQs
Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate chips?
Yes! Milk chocolate will make the focaccia sweeter and creamier.
Do I need a stand mixer?
Nope! You can mix and knead this dough by hand—it’s a great workout!
Can I skip the cocoa powder?
The cocoa powder is essential for that deep chocolate flavor, but you can reduce it slightly if you prefer a lighter taste.
Double Chocolate Focaccia
Ingredients
- 2 1/4 tsp 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water 110°F
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips
- 1/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 tbsp coarse sea salt optional
- 2 tbsp melted chocolate or honey for drizzling
- Instructions for WP Recipe Maker:
- In a mixing bowl combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5-10 minutes until bubbly.
- Add flour cocoa powder, and salt. Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Add olive oil and knead the dough until smooth about 5-7 minutes.
- Fold in chocolate chips and shape the dough into a ball. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with olive oil.
- Spread the dough into the pan dimpling the surface with your fingers. Sprinkle with sea salt if using.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes until puffed and slightly firm.
- Cool slightly then drizzle with melted chocolate or honey before serving.
Instructions
- Proof yeast with water and sugar.
- Combine with dry ingredients, knead, and add chocolate chips.
- Let dough rise, spread in a pan, dimple, and bake.
- Finish with a drizzle and enjoy!