Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread

Author: Emily

Published: 27 April 2026

Updated: 4 May 2026

Why Make This Recipe

There’s something magical about the combination of chocolate and cherries. It’s a pairing that sings! When you bake Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread, you get to indulge in this harmony. The rich chocolate mellows with the tart sweetness of cherries, creating a delightful loaf you’ll want to share. Baking bread from scratch isn’t as intimidating as it seems. With just a little patience, you can fill your home with warmth and that irresistible aroma. Plus, who doesn’t love freshly baked bread? Let’s dive into this delicious journey together.

How to Make Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread

Ingredients:

450-500g of strong plain flour (bread flour), plus extra for dusting
10g of salt
10g of fast-action yeast
30ml of olive oil
320ml of cold water
390g jar of dark sweet cherries, drained
100g of dark chocolate chips
100g of white chocolate chips

Paul Hollywood's Chocolate Cherry Bread

Directions:

Start by adding 450 grams of flour into a mixing bowl. Toss in the salt, olive oil, and yeast, ensuring the yeast and salt are kept separate for now.
Gradually add the cold water. Mix until your dough becomes pliable, adjusting with more flour if it feels too sticky.
Knead your mixture! If you’re using a mixer, do this for about 2-4 minutes. If you’re going by hand, aim for 4-7 minutes. It’s a great way to relieve stress!
Now we’re adding the fun part—gently fold in the drained cherries and chocolate chips. Use a bit more flour if necessary to keep a nice, sticky consistency.
Put your dough back in a bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rest in a warm place for 60-90 minutes, until it doubles in size. This is the magic of yeast!
When it’s ready, punch down the dough to release some air. Knead it briefly, then divide into sections and plait them together—this gives it a lovely look.
Place your plaited dough on a floured baking tray, cover it again, and let it rise for about an hour.
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake for 20 minutes to start.
After that, reduce the temperature to 375°F and bake for an additional 20-25 minutes. You want that lovely golden finish, and the internal temperature should reach about 200°F.
Finally, transfer your bread to a wire rack to cool before slicing. Patience is key here, as the aroma will be almost unbearable!

How to Serve Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread

This chocolate cherry bread is fantastic on its own. However, you can elevate it by serving it warm, maybe with a little butter spread on top. For an extra treat, consider pairing it with some whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It’s also delicious alongside my favorite blueberry lemon cream cheese sourdough bread.

How to Store Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, simply wrap the bread in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It should stay fresh at room temperature for a day or two. If you want to keep it around longer, slice it up and freeze pieces for later. Just pop it into the toaster for a quick breakfast or snack!

Tips to Make Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread

Make sure your yeast is fresh. This step is crucial for a nice rise.
Keep your workspace lightly floured to prevent sticking.
If your dough feels too wet, don’t be afraid to add a little more flour—just be careful not to use too much!
For an added twist, try incorporating some spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. It gives a warm hug to each bite.
If you’re trying to bake more bread, check out my sourdough garlic rolls for another flavorful recipe.

Variation

Want to mix it up? Swap those dark cherries for dried cranberries or mix in some other nuts for a crunchy texture. I also love using this bread to create delicious French toast—just soak slices in egg and skim milk, then cook it in a skillet. Heavenly!

FAQs

Can I use fresh cherries instead of jarred ones?
Absolutely! Just make sure they’re pitted, and you can reduce the sugar in the recipe slightly if your fresh cherries are particularly sweet.

How can I tell if my bread is done baking?
You can tap the bottom of the loaf if it sounds hollow. You can also use a kitchen thermometer; it should read about 200°F when fully baked.

Can this recipe be doubled?
Yes! Just double the ingredients and use a larger bowl for mixing. The bake time will remain about the same, but you should keep an eye on it to make sure it’s fully cooked.

Conclusion

Baking Paul Hollywood’s Chocolate Cherry Bread is a delightful experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and wonderful aromas. Sharing this bread with friends or family will make it even more special. So, roll up your sleeves and enjoy! If you want to explore more about baking, check out this recipe for more tips and tricks for getting those soft, fluffy loaves just right.

More recipes? Follow me on Facebook – Pinterest