Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia Recipe

If you’re ready to discover a show-stopping twist on a classic, you’ve got to try this Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia. Imagine soft, pillowy focaccia bread infused with velvety olive oil, with bursts of rich dark chocolate that melt into every bite. It’s the perfect balance of savory and sweet, irresistible whether you’re enjoying it as a unique dessert or a decadent snack. This unexpected combination brings a cozy, bakery-style elegance right to your kitchen without any fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create this delightful Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia. Each element contributes a crucial part—flour for that tender structure, yeast for the perfect rise, olive oil for moisture and depth, and dark chocolate chunks to infuse delicious pockets of sweetness throughout the bread.

• 2 cups flour: The base that gives your focaccia its soft and airy crumb, choose all-purpose for a tender bite.
• 1 tsp yeast: Activates the dough to rise and become wonderfully fluffy with just an hour of rest.
• ¾ cup warm water: Helps the yeast bloom and brings everything together into a luscious dough.
• 3 tbsp olive oil: Adds moisture, a subtle fruity flavor, and keeps the focaccia irresistibly soft.
• ½ cup dark chocolate chunks: The star ingredient for that indulgent touch, offering rich, melty surprises in each mouthful.
• Flaky salt: The finishing touch, balancing sweetness with a hint of savory crunch and enhancing all flavors.

How to Make Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia

Step 1: Prepare the Dough

Begin by mixing the flour and yeast in a large bowl. Gradually add the warm water and olive oil, stirring until a sticky dough forms. This simple step sets the stage for that soft, airy texture we love. Cover the bowl with a clean towel and let it rest for 1 hour—this is when the magic happens as the dough rises and doubles in size.

Step 2: Incorporate the Chocolate

Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Press the dark chocolate chunks evenly into the surface, letting them nestle into the dough. This ensures that sweet pockets will melt throughout the focaccia during baking, creating those luscious melty spots you’ll crave.

Step 3: Drizzle Olive Oil and Bake

Place the dough on a parchment-lined baking sheet and drizzle generously with olive oil—this adds a glossy, flavorful crust as it bakes. Set your oven to 200°C (400°F) and bake for about 25 minutes, until the focaccia is golden brown and the chocolate chunks look soft and inviting. Keep an eye to avoid over-baking, as you want that tender crumb inside.

Step 4: Add Flaky Salt and Cool

Right after pulling the focaccia from the oven, sprinkle it with flaky salt while it’s still warm. This last step balances sweetness with savory notes and adds a delightful crunch. Let the focaccia cool slightly before slicing into 8 squares, and get ready to enjoy!

How to Serve Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a few fresh raspberries can elevate the Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia for breakfast or dessert. You might also try a gentle spread of ricotta or mascarpone cheese for rich creaminess that complements both chocolate and olive oil beautifully.

Side Dishes

This focaccia pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla gelato or a dollop of whipped cream if you want to lean into its dessert appeal. For a brunch twist, serve alongside fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to contrast the sweet and savory flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun party presentation, cut the focaccia into bite-sized cubes and serve on a platter with small bowls of honey or extra olive oil for dipping. Alternatively, layer slices with fresh strawberries and whipped cream to craft a quick and indulgent focaccia trifle that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. It remains soft and flavorful at room temperature for up to 2 days—perfect for snacking or a quick breakfast treat.

Freezing

You can freeze this focaccia by wrapping it thoroughly in plastic wrap and then placing it in a resealable freezer bag. When stored this way, it will keep well for up to one month. Thaw overnight at room temperature before reheating to regain that fresh-baked softness.

Reheating

To bring the focaccia back to life, pop slices in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes. This warms the chocolate and crisps the edges slightly without drying out the bread. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Absolutely! Milk chocolate works well and gives a sweeter, creamier flavor. Just keep in mind it melts a bit differently and might be less intense than dark chocolate, but it’s a delicious variation to try.

Is this focaccia sweet enough to be a dessert?

Yes, the melted dark chocolate and flaky salt create a perfect balance of sweet and savory, making it a great standalone dessert or treat. You can always add toppings like powdered sugar or fresh fruit to boost the sweetness.

Can I substitute olive oil with another oil?

Olive oil is key for that characteristic flavor and moisture in the focaccia, but you can use a mild vegetable or avocado oil in a pinch. Just know that it might change the flavor profile slightly.

How long does the dough need to rise?

About one hour is ideal for this recipe, allowing the yeast to fully activate and produce a soft, airy focaccia. If your environment is cooler, you might need to allow slightly more time for the dough to double in size.

Can I add nuts or dried fruit to the focaccia?

Definitely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pistachios add wonderful texture, and dried fruits such as cherries or cranberries could provide a lovely burst of flavor alongside the chocolate. Just fold them into the dough before the final rise.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the blissful combination of flavors found in this Chocolate Olive Oil Focaccia. It’s surprisingly easy to make yet feels luxurious and special—perfect for a weekend baking session or when you want to impress without stress. Once you try it, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to bake and share. Go ahead and bake a batch; your taste buds will thank you!