Black Bread Recipe

This Black Bread Recipe is a dense and hearty loaf, which is made with rye flour and molasses. It’s a classic, foolproof recipe, ready in about 4 hours and 30 minutes.

Black Bread Ingredients

• 2 x 7g packets of fast-acting yeast
• 1 teaspoon white caster sugar
• 1 shallot
• 4 tablespoons molasses
• 75g unsalted butter (at room temperature)
• 1 shot of extra-strong coffee
• 25g dark chocolate (70%)
• 4 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 60g wholewheat flour
• 400g rye flour
• 400g strong bread flour
• 125g bran
• 2 tablespoons caraway seeds
• ½ teaspoon fennel seeds
• olive oil, for greasing

How To Make Black Bread

1. Activate the yeast: In a jug, mix the yeast and sugar with 100ml of tepid (lukewarm) water. Stir well and set aside until the surface becomes foamy.
2. Melt the wet ingredients: In a pan, gently heat the molasses, butter, coffee, and dark chocolate with 500ml of water until everything has melted. Stir in the cider vinegar. Peel and finely chop the shallot.
3. Combine the dough: In a large bowl (or stand mixer), stir together the wholewheat, rye, and strong bread flours. Set about a third of this flour mixture aside. To the main bowl, add the bran, caraway seeds, fennel seeds, 2 tablespoons of sea salt, and the chopped shallot. Pour in the chocolate and yeast mixtures.
4. Mix until smooth: Using a mixer on medium speed or a wooden spoon by hand, mix until smooth, about 3-5 minutes. The dough will be sticky.
5. Add remaining flour and knead: Gradually add the reserved flour a little at a time until the dough comes together. It should still feel slightly sticky. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes until springy and elastic.
6. First proof: Form the dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover with a damp tea towel and leave in a warm place for 2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
7. Shape and second proof: Knock the dough back by kneading it for a couple of minutes. Divide the dough in two and form each half into a round loaf. Place them on a greased baking tray, cover again, and leave to rise for another hour.
8. Bake the bread: Preheat the oven to 180ºC/gas 4. Slice a cross into the top of each loaf and bake for 50 minutes to 1 hour, until browned and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

Recipe Tips

• Why is the dough so sticky? Rye flour absorbs a lot of water and creates a stickier dough than all-wheat flour. Don’t be tempted to add too much extra flour; trust the process and use floured hands and surfaces during kneading.
• How do I know when the bread is fully baked? The most reliable test is the sound. Carefully remove a loaf from the oven and tap the bottom firmly. A fully cooked loaf will have a distinct, hollow sound.
• What do the coffee and chocolate do? They are key to the bread’s character. They deepen the dark color and add layers of rich, slightly bitter flavor that is characteristic of traditional black bread.
• Can I make this without a mixer? Yes, the recipe can be made entirely by hand. It will require more effort to mix the initial wet dough with a wooden spoon and a bit longer for kneading, but the results will be just as rewarding.

What To Serve With Black Bread

This dense, flavorful bread is the perfect canvas for strong flavors. Serve it thinly sliced with:

• High-quality salted butter
• Smoked fish, like salmon or herring
• Strong cheeses, such as aged cheddar or a creamy blue cheese
• Hearty soups and stews
• Pickled vegetables and cured meats

How To Store Black Bread

• Room Temperature: Black bread has excellent keeping qualities. Store it wrapped in a clean tea towel or in a bread box at room temperature for up to a week. Its flavor often improves after the first day.
• Freeze: This bread freezes exceptionally well. For best results, wrap the whole cooled loaf tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of foil. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature.

Black Bread Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 280 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Protein: 9g
• Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

FAQs

Try More Recipes:

• Gingerbread People Recipe
• Coconut Bread Recipe
• Plum Yeasty Bread Recipe