Black Bread Recipe

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by Ashley @HowtoHaveitAll on March 28, 2015

black bread recipe

Are you a fan of pumpernickel bread or dark rye??? If so then give this recipe a try—it’s a blend of all the delicious flavors of pumpernickel and rye with hints of cocoa & coffee! Toast it up with butter for a delicious breakfast, chunk it up for a tasty treat to dip in cheese if you’re a fan of fondue, use it to soak up gravy or dip in soup or bake into croutons. The flavor from this bread pairs well with everything and its addicting! You’ll want to make loaf after loaf after loaf!

wash on bread

There are several steps in making this bread. It is a yeast bread and it requires a double rise. After the second rise and the dough is shaped, brush the dough with an egg wash. Then sprinkle the dough with caraway and sesame seeds. The seeds add flavor and they make the bread look really fancy!

black bread

Black Bread Recipe
 
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Ingredients
  • 2 ¼ tsp. active dry yeast
  • 1⅓ -1 ¾ warm water (105-115 degrees F)
  • 1 tsp. dark brown sugar
  • 2 tbsp. special dark unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 tbsp. espresso powder
  • ¼ cup molasses (honey is an acceptable substitute but the bread will be lighter in color)
  • 4 tsp. caraway seeds, divided (3 tsp. & 1 tsp.)
  • ½ tsp. sesame seeds (optional)
  • 3 tbsp. unsalted butter, cubed
  • 2 tsp. sea salt
  • 2 cup grated carrot (approximately 2 lg. carrots)
  • 1⅓ cup dark rye flour
  • 3 ¼ cup bread flour + a ½ tbsp. or less for sprinkling on top the loaf prior to baking (or alternatively UNBLEACHED all purpose flour)
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Egg wash (or alternatively 2 tbsp. buttermilk, milk, half & half or whipping cream for brushing the top of the loaf prior to baking.)
Instructions
  1. In a small bowl whisk together 1⅓ cup warm water, active dry yeast and brown sugar, set aside until it begins to foam (this demonstrates that your yeast is active).
  2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine cocoa powder, espresso powder, molasses, 3 tsp. caraway seeds, butter cubes and salt. Stir constantly until just melted together. It should be warm to the touch but not hot or it can kill your yeast.
  3. In a large bowl combine the yeast mixture, grated carrots and molasses mixture and stir together.
  4. Add rye flour and bread flour to the wet ingredients and mix together initially with a wooden spoon. Mix until the dough starts to come together into a cohesive ball. If the dough is too dry add a little more warm water or alternatively if the dough is too wet and sticky add a little extra rye flour. The dough should be soft and slightly tacky but not sticky to the touch.
  5. Turn out onto a solid surface and knead for five minutes by hand or use the dough hook attachment on a stand mixer instead.
  6. Once the ball is soft, elastic and smooth lightly grease with olive oil and place in a bowl, cover and set aside in a warm place free from draft to rise for 1-2 hours or until at least doubled in size.
  7. Once doubled in size gently punch down into the center of the risen dough with your fist. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and shape the dough into a free style round loaf.
  8. Place loaf on an oiled baking sheet and cover with saran wrap or turn the discarded bowl upside down over the loaf. Let rise for an additional hour
  9. Meanwhile preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
  10. When the hour is up, lightly brush the loaf with the egg wash (or whatever you’re using) and sprinkle with 1 tsp. of caraway seeds, sesame seeds and flour.
  11. Slash the loaf with an X (I forgot to do this part & it still turned out well) but be careful not to deflate the loaf or cut too deep.
  12. Bake for 20 minutes at 425 degrees F then reduce the temperature to 350 degrees F and bake an additional 20-25 minutes. Tap the top of the loaf and if it sounds hollow when knocked bread is usually finished baking.
  13. Set aside to cool for at least 15 minutes before cutting in but 2 hours is better if you can hold out that long!
  14. Serve & enjoy!

Other Bread Recipes:

Rye Bread

Crusty Artisan Bread

Whole Wheat English Muffin Bread

Honey Oatmeal Bread

Honey Whole Wheat Beer Bread

English Muffin Bread

Make sure you check out my other easy recipes in my recipe index!

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Ashley @HowtoHaveitAll

Ashley is a happily married stay at home mom to a beautiful little girl and a little boy. Ashley and her husband come from a small town and enjoy the simple pleasures in life, like GREAT FOOD. They love to try out new recipes and experiment in the kitchen together, but also enjoy reading, painting and photography.

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