Indulging in the elegance of Vienna bread has always been a delightful experience, but what if we added a twist? This recipe transforms the classic Viennese loaf into an avant-garde chocolate-infused masterpiece that elegantly balances the rich flavors of dark chocolate, the brightness of fresh orange zest, and the savory touch of sea salt. Each slice offers a journey through taste and texture, encouraging moments of pure bliss with every bite.
### Ingredients
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup cocoa powder (unsweetened)
– 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
– 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for topping
– 1/4 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 cup warm milk (110°F / 43°C)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 2 large eggs
– Zest of 1 orange
– 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips (70% cacao)
– 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional, for topping)
### Instructions
Combine the flour, cocoa powder, yeast, sea salt, sugar, and cinnamon in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well blended, creating a rich chocolatey base.
In a separate bowl, mix the warm milk, melted butter, and eggs. Whisk these wet ingredients until fully combined, then fold in the orange zest, allowing the citrus aroma to infuse the mixture.
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a wooden spoon or your hands until a dough forms. The dough should be slightly sticky but manageable. If it feels too wet, add a little more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes, or until it becomes smooth and elastic. During the last minute of kneading, incorporate the dark chocolate chips, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for approximately 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. For a touch of elegance, sprinkle the top with sliced almonds and a generous pinch of sea salt.
Cover the loaf with the kitchen towel again and allow it to rise for another 30 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the rim of the pan.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the Vienna bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is firm and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. The intoxicating aroma of chocolate and orange zest will fill your kitchen, inviting everyone in for a taste.
Slice and serve this extraordinary Vienna bread as a breakfast delight, an afternoon snack, or a decadent dessert, perhaps with a smear of orange marmalade or a drizzle of chocolate sauce. Each bite is not just a taste; it’s an experience that captivates the senses and brings joy to the moment. Enjoy!