Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Focaccia
A cozy twist on classic focaccia—this version gets a deep chocolate flavor from cacao powder and a light sweetness from maple syrup. It’s fluffy and crisp with pools of olive oil, a generous sprinkle of flaky sea salt, and melty dark chocolate in every bite (if you’re feeling fancy). Perfect warm out of the oven with a coffee or as a not-too-sweet treat any time of day.
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SERVINGS: 10
Ingredients
For the Dough:
- 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup unsweetened cacao powder
- 2 tsp instant yeast
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 1 ¾ cups warm water 110°F
- ¼ cup olive oil plus more for pan and topping
For the Topping:
- 2-3 tbsp pure maple syrup
- Flaky sea salt to taste
- Optional Dark chocolate chunks or shavings
Instructions
Enable step-by-step mode- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cacao powder, yeast, and salt. Add warm water and olive oil. Mix until a sticky dough forms. (Optional: perform 4 stretch and folds about 30 minutes after mixing.)
- Cover the bowl with a towel or plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for 1½ to 2 hours, until doubled and bubbly.
- Generously oil a 9x13-inch pan. Transfer the dough and stretch it to the edges using oiled fingers. Let rise again for 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 425ºF during the final 15 minutes of rising.
- Dimple the dough with your fingertips. Drizzle with maple syrup and a little more olive oil. Add chocolate chunks and finish with flaky sea salt.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until puffed and crisp at the edges.
- Drizzle with more maple syrup while still warm and sprinkle extra flaky salt if you’d like. Slice and enjoy warm!