Pumpernickel Recipe
๐ Pumpernickel is not just a bread, it’s an experienceโa deep, rich flavor, a hearty texture, and the satisfaction of baking it from scratch. This recipe, straight from lovewithrecipes.com, is your ticket to homemade bread bliss. Let’s dive into the world of yeast breads with this delicious treat, perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a special gathering with loved ones.
Recipe Overview
- Name: Pumpernickel
- Category: Yeast Breads
- Keywords: Breads, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Weeknight, < 4 Hours
- Yield: 2 round loaves
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: 1518.5
- Fat: 17.2g
- Saturated Fat: 7.9g
- Cholesterol: 30.5mg
- Sodium: 3607.8mg
- Carbohydrates: 306.5g
- Fiber: 27.9g
- Sugar: 45.6g
- Protein: 37.5g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to gather before we begin:

Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1/2 | cup warm water |
2 | tablespoons sugar |
3 | teaspoons active dry yeast |
1/3 | cup molasses |
2 | tablespoons butter |
1 | tablespoon margarine |
2 | teaspoons salt |
1 1/4 | teaspoons caraway seeds |
2 1/2 | cups hot water |
1/4 | cup cocoa |
3 | cups all-purpose flour |
Instructions
-
Activate the Yeast ๐พ
- Stir warm water and sugar together in a small bowl.
- Sprinkle active dry yeast over the mixture.
- Let it stand for 10 minutes until the yeast activates.
- Stir to dissolve the yeast completely.
-
Prepare the Dough ๐ฅฃ
- In a large bowl, combine molasses, butter, margarine, salt, caraway seeds, and hot water.
- Give it a good stir and let it cool until it reaches lukewarm temperature.
- Add rye flour and cocoa to the mixture.
- Beat everything together until thoroughly mixed.
- Now, add the activated yeast mixture into the bowl.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
-
Incorporate the Flour ๐พ
- Gradually add about half of the all-purpose flour into the bowl.
- Mix everything together.
- Keep adding the remaining flour little by little until the dough starts to pull away from the sides of the bowl.
-
Knead the Dough ๐ช
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
- This kneading process helps develop the gluten in the dough, giving our bread its characteristic texture.
-
First Rise ๐
- Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl.
- Turn the dough once to ensure the top is greased.
- Cover the bowl with a tea towel.
- Let the dough stand in a warm place until it has doubled in bulk.
- This usually takes about an hour or so, depending on the warmth of your environment.
-
Shape and Second Rise ๐
- Once the dough has risen beautifully, punch it down gently.
- Divide the dough into 2 equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a round ball.
- Place the shaped dough balls onto greased baking sheets.
- Cover them again with a tea towel.
- Let the dough balls rise in a warm place until they have doubled in size.
- This second rise will give our bread its final airy texture.
-
Bake to Perfection ๐๐
- Preheat your oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Once the dough balls have doubled in size, it’s time to bake.
- Place the baking sheets in the oven.
- Bake for about 30 minutes or until the loaves are beautifully golden brown.
- Your kitchen will be filled with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread!
-
Enjoy the Pumpernickel ๐
- Once baked, remove the loaves from the oven.
- Allow them to cool on a wire rack.
- Slice into thick, hearty pieces.
- Enjoy your homemade pumpernickel bread warm with a generous slather of butter or your favorite spread.
- It’s perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or simply on its own as a delicious snack.
Tips and Tricks
- Flavor Variations: Feel free to customize your pumpernickel by adding ingredients like seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to the dough.
- Storage: Store the cooled bread in an airtight container or bag to maintain freshness. It also freezes well for longer storage.
- Serve with: Pumpernickel pairs wonderfully with soups, stews, or as a side to your favorite hearty dishes.
- Share the Joy: This recipe makes two loaves, so you can share one with a friend or freeze it for later indulgence.
๐ Dive into the world of homemade bread with this Pumpernickel recipe! From activating the yeast to the delightful aroma of baking, every step is a journey to bread bliss. Enjoy the rich, hearty flavors and share the love of homemade goodness! ๐