German Pumpernickel Bread, Dense and Sweetly Rich Dark Rye
🧂 Ingredients
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- 400 grams coarse rye flour
- 100 grams medium-protein all-purpose flour
- 7 grams instant yeast
- 3 tbsp brown sugar/molasses
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee powder
- 320 ml warm water
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp caraway seeds (optional)
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👩🍳 Instructions
- 1 Dissolve the instant yeast and brown sugar/molasses in the warm water, then let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy, a sign that the yeast is active.
- 2 In a large bowl, mix the rye flour, all-purpose flour, salt, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and caraway seeds until evenly combined.
- 3 Pour the yeast mixture, vegetable oil, and apple cider vinegar into the flour mixture. Stir with a wooden spoon until a rough dough forms.
- 4 Knead the dough for 10-12 minutes until elastic. Rye dough will feel stickier and denser than regular wheat dough—this is normal.
- 5 Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rest in a warm spot for 1.5-2 hours until doubled in size.
- 6 Gently deflate the dough, then shape it into an oblong loaf or place it in a greased loaf pan.
- 7 Cover again and let it rise for a second proofing of 45-60 minutes until puffed up.
- 8 Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F)—a low temperature is the key to pumpernickel's dense, sweetly rich texture.
- 9 Bake the bread for 55-65 minutes. Cover the surface with aluminum foil during the last 20 minutes so it doesn't burn.
- 10 The bread is done when tapping the bottom produces a hollow sound. Remove it from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.
💡 Tips
• Use coarse whole rye flour for an authentic texture—don't fully substitute it with all-purpose flour, as this will change the bread's character.
• Let the bread cool completely before slicing (ideally letting it rest overnight) so the texture sets perfectly and doesn't fall apart when cut.
• Store the bread in a plastic bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to 1 month for longer freshness.
• Serve it sliced thin with cheese, smoked beef, or fruit jam for an authentic European-style breakfast experience.
📊 Nutrition Facts / serving
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