This Raspberry Sourdough Bread Recipe blends tangy sourdough with bursts of tart raspberries, rich cocoa, and swirls of creamy white chocolate—capturing the essence of cozy winter sourdough flavors. It’s a loaf with quiet elegance: rustic in appearance, decadent in taste, and simple enough for any home baker to master. Each slice brings together the comforting aroma of freshly baked sourdough and the indulgent sweetness of berries and chocolate. Whether you call it a White Chocolate Raspberry Bread or a dessert-style Raspberry Sourdough Bread, this recipe transforms a classic into a celebration-worthy bake perfect for the colder months.

Why This Raspberry Sourdough Bread is Special
Memories Mixed with Chocolate and Raspberries
I still remember one slow winter evening when the snowfall outside whispered calm, and the kitchen filled with that warm, yeasty scent only sourdough can give. I had been experimenting with seasonal twists—cranberries, orange zest—when a handful of raspberries and leftover white chocolate called out from the fridge. The idea for this Raspberry Bread Recipe came almost by accident, and what emerged from the oven later that night felt like magic: steam curling from the loaf, the crust crackling, and streaks of melted white chocolate tracing the ruby blush of raspberries through the crumb.
The first bite was the kind of moment bakers chase—slightly tangy, faintly sweet, with the soft bite of fruit and creamy pools of chocolate. The rich cocoa deepened the flavor, giving it that White Chocolate Raspberry Bread decadence while still keeping the heart of a humble sourdough. It smelled like comfort but tasted like celebration. The contrast of textures and flavors turned out to be the most delightful surprise: crisp crust, tender crumb, pockets of melted chocolate, and bright berry bursts.
That’s the charm of this loaf. It’s more than just bread—it’s a cozy ritual that feels like your kitchen’s answer to winter’s chill, capturing everything that makes winter sourdough flavors so special: warmth, sweetness, and the pleasure of slowing down to savor something homemade.
Print
Sourdough Chocolate Raspberry Bread Recipe with White Chocolate Delight
- Total Time: 5 hours 25 minutes plus overnight
- Yield: 1 large loaf 1x
Description
This Raspberry Sourdough Bread blends tangy starter with tart raspberries, rich cocoa, and swirls of creamy white chocolate for a cozy winter bake. The loaf features a crisp crust and tender crumb, punctuated by pockets of melted dark and white chocolate alongside bursts of juicy berries. Simple enough for home bakers, it balances rustic artisan charm with dessert-like indulgence. Whether served warm with butter at breakfast or drizzled with extra chocolate for a festive treat, this loaf captures the essence of winter sourdough flavors and elevates a classic bake into a celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
1. Combine warm water and sourdough starter, stir in flour, cocoa powder, and honey, then autolyse 30 minutes.
2. Add salt and use stretch-and-fold or stand mixer to develop gluten.
3. Perform bulk fermentation at room temperature for 3–4 hours, folding every 30–45 minutes.
4. Toss frozen raspberries in flour and chop chocolates while dough ferments.
5. Gently incorporate raspberries and chocolate into dough by envelope folding and coil folding.
6. Shape dough into a boule or batard and place seam-side up in a floured basket.
7. Cold proof in the refrigerator for 8–12 hours.
8. Bake in a preheated 450°F Dutch oven covered for 20 minutes, uncover and bake 20–25 minutes, then cool on a rack.
- Prep Time: 4 hours 45 minutes plus overnight
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: bread
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: american
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
Keywords: raspberry bread, sourdough bread, chocolate raspberry bread, white chocolate bread, winter sourdough, artisan bread, homemade bread, fruit bread
The Perfect Dessert-Style Sourdough for Winter
There’s a reason this Raspberry Sourdough Bread feels tailor-made for colder months. Sourdough’s gentle tang naturally pairs with chocolate’s richness, keeping each slice balanced rather than overly sweet. When raspberries join the mix, their tartness cuts through the creaminess of white and dark chocolate alike, creating flavor harmony that’s comforting but never heavy. It’s a treat that carries the texture of true artisan bread with the soul of dessert.
This loaf shines at any hour—warm from the oven for breakfast, lightly toasted at brunch, or as a simple evening indulgence. A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of melted white chocolate turns it into a beautiful centerpiece for winter gatherings. Its deep aroma and soft crumb make it irresistible the moment it cools on the rack.
If traditional sourdough has always seemed intimidating, think of this variation as an invitation. The process remains friendly, and the reward is extraordinary—a bread that bridges rustic craft and home-baked luxury. Up next, we’ll dive into how to bring this Sourdough Chocolate Raspberry Bread Recipe to life, from gathering ingredients to creating that perfect chocolate-swirl crumb.
Ingredients, Tools, and Preparation Process
Gathering Ingredients for Sourdough Chocolate Raspberry Bread Recipe
Before the magic begins, it helps to have every ingredient measured and ready. This Sourdough Chocolate Raspberry Bread Recipe celebrates balance—each component adds to the harmony of tart raspberries, rich cocoa, and creamy white chocolate. Below is a detailed table of what you’ll need for one large round loaf (or two smaller ones), with measurements in both cups and grams for precision.
| Ingredient | Measurement (cups / grams) | Notes & Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Active sourdough starter (100% hydration) | 100g | Bubbly and fed within 6–8 hours of use |
| Warm water | 250g (1 cup + 1 tbsp) | About 80°F / 27°C to help fermentation |
| Bread flour | 350g (2¾ cups) | Can replace up to 20% with whole wheat for heartier texture |
| Unsweetened cocoa powder | 25g (¼ cup) | Enhances chocolate depth; dark Dutch-process works best |
| Fine sea salt | 7g (1¼ tsp) | Balances sweetness and fermentation |
| Honey or maple syrup | 20g (1 tbsp) | Encourages browning and subtle sweetness |
| Chopped dark chocolate (60–70%) | 80g (¾ cup) | Can substitute chocolate chips; semi-sweet works too |
| White chocolate chunks or chips | 80g (¾ cup) | Adds creamy sweetness—try quality baking chocolate |
| Fresh or frozen raspberries | 125g (1 cup) | Keep frozen until folding to prevent bleeding |
| Olive oil or melted butter | 15g (1 tbsp) | Optional, for slightly softer crumb |
For those avoiding dairy, plant-based white chocolate chips and non-dairy butter substitutes integrate beautifully without altering texture. You can also replace honey with agave or omit it for a purely tangy loaf.
Quality chocolate plays a huge role in this Raspberry Bread Recipe. The contrast between bittersweet dark chocolate and delicate white chocolate creates depth, while raspberries add bursts of brightness that define this as a true White Chocolate Raspberry Bread.
Once your ingredients are set, gather a few key tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable:
- A large mixing bowl or stand mixer with a dough hook
- A flexible dough scraper
- A proofing basket (banneton) or parchment-lined bowl
- A Dutch oven with lid (for steam baking)
- Digital scale and thermometer (optional, but helpful for accuracy)
With these ready, you’re all set to begin crafting a loaf that blends artistry and comfort—the heart of every Raspberry Sourdough Bread.
Step-by-Step Preparation and Techniques
Now that your mise en place is done, let’s move through each stage of creating this fragrant loaf. Take your time with each step—the slow rhythm of sourdough is part of what makes it so rewarding.
- Mix the Dough: In a large bowl, whisk together the warm water and active sourdough starter until lightly foamy. Add the bread flour, cocoa powder, and honey. Stir until no dry patches remain; the dough will look shaggy and moist. Cover and rest for 30 minutes.
- Add Salt and Strengthen the Dough: Sprinkle in the salt, then stretch and fold the dough several times. The dough will grow stronger and more elastic with each fold.
- Bulk Fermentation: Let ferment 3–4 hours at room temperature, performing a stretch-and-fold every 30–45 minutes. The dough should increase by about 50% in volume.
- Prepare the Add-ins: Toss frozen raspberries with a teaspoon of flour; chop your white and dark chocolate into small chunks.
- Incorporate Raspberries and Chocolate: Fold both into the dough gently to keep berries intact. Keep raspberries partly frozen for best results.
- Shape the Loaf: Rest the filled dough 15 minutes, then shape into a boule or batard. Place seam-side up in a floured basket.
- Cold Proof: Cover and refrigerate overnight (8–12 hours) for flavor depth and easier scoring.
- Bake: Preheat the Dutch oven to 450°F (232°C), then bake 20 minutes covered and 20–25 minutes uncovered until golden-brown and hollow-sounding.
When finished, let the loaf cool for at least an hour before slicing. The crumb will reveal ribbons of chocolate and ruby pockets of raspberries—proof of the indulgent texture that defines this Raspberry Sourdough Bread.
Baking, Cooling, and Serving Ideas
Baking Craft for Raspberry Sourdough Bread Perfection
When it’s finally time to bake, the anticipation builds as your kitchen fills with warmth. This is where the transformation happens—your carefully fermented dough becomes a stunning White Chocolate Raspberry Bread masterpiece. The enclosed steam in the Dutch oven helps form that signature crust and even color.
Watch for visual and sensory cues: the cocoa base turns chestnut brown, streaks of chocolate emerge at the scoring lines, and the aroma fuses sourdough tang with melting sweetness. The finished loaf should sound hollow when tapped and reach around 200°F (93°C) internally.
If chocolate on the crust darkens too much, tent the loaf with foil near the end. Always cool completely before slicing; it prevents gumminess and allows chocolate to set beautifully.
Serving and Storing the Chocolate Raspberry Loaf
Use a serrated knife to reveal the marbled interior—dark cocoa threads intertwined with streaks of softened chocolate and vibrant raspberries. This White Chocolate Raspberry Bread is at its best warm with butter or drizzled with extra melted chocolate.
- Breakfast: Toast and serve with honey or cream cheese.
- Dessert: Drizzle with white chocolate and top with fresh berries.
- Pairing: A mug of coffee or hot cocoa enhances its cozy winter sourdough flavors.
To store, wrap the cooled loaf in parchment and keep in an airtight container up to 2 days at room temperature, 5 days refrigerated, or freeze slices for 2 months. Reheat briefly in the oven or toaster for warmth and texture revival.
For leftovers:
- Bread pudding: Cube and bake in custard for a rich dessert.
- French toast: Dip thick slices in egg and milk, then fry until golden.
- Trifle: Layer cubes with cream and raspberries for effortless elegance.
Each reheat revives the tangy-sweet complexity, making this loaf a versatile, delightful staple throughout the season.
FAQs and Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use frozen raspberries for this Raspberry Sourdough Bread?
Yes! Keep them frozen until folding into the dough and toss lightly with flour to prevent color bleeding. The result is a beautifully textured Raspberry Bread Recipe.
2. How do I prevent the chocolate from burning?
Keep chunks embedded inside the dough, not on top, and cover the loaf with a lid or foil during the first half of baking.
3. Can this recipe be made without white chocolate?
Absolutely. Double the dark chocolate or mix in milk chocolate instead. The loaf remains balanced and flavorful.
4. How long does the bread stay fresh?
Enjoy within two days at room temperature or refrigerate for up to five. Freeze slices and reheat to relive that winter sourdough flavor anytime.
5. Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes. Bake covered for 20 minutes, then uncovered until golden for an artisan-style White Chocolate Raspberry Bread crust.
Conclusion – A Slice of Winter Comfort
Few things define cozy baking quite like this Sourdough Chocolate Raspberry Bread Recipe with White Chocolate Delight. Each loaf brings together rustic craft, warm aromas, and indulgent sweetness, turning a simple sourdough base into something extraordinary.
Perfect for brunches or quiet afternoons, this Raspberry Sourdough Bread balances tang and sweetness in every slice. Juicy raspberries, rich cocoa, and creamy swirls of white chocolate merge into a loaf that embodies winter joy.
I still remember that first snowy evening bake—the comforting crackle, the swirl of chocolate, and the taste of homemade celebration. Now, each time I bake it, that moment returns. So feed your starter, turn on the oven, and fill your home with the irresistible scent of White Chocolate Raspberry Bread—a delicious slice of winter comfort made by hand and shared with love.
















