Biting into a slice of freshly baked pumpernickel bread is a singular delight. With its rich brown color, sweet malty aroma, and hearty rye flavor, pumpernickel represents the deepest expression of traditional rye baking.\u00a0Today, I\u2019ll show you how to make pumpernickel bread and take you step-by-step through my favorite family recipe!Table of ContentsIngredientsTo make a delicious loaf of pumpernickel bread, you\u2019ll need:2 cups dark rye flour1 cup all-purpose flour1 packet (2 1\/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses1 teaspoon salt1 1\/3 cups warm water2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 tablespoons cocoa powder1 tablespoon coffee grounds1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)TipsSeek out stone-ground whole grain rye for maximum nutrition and authentic hearty flavor. Sch\u00e4r and Hodgson Mill make great options.The all-purpose flour lightens up the dense rye texture. You can use white or wheat flour.Make sure the yeast is active and fresh for proper rising. Proof in 110\u00b0F water with a pinch of sugar before adding.Blackstrap molasses adds delightful bittersweetness. Substitute with dark brown sugar or maple syrup.The water should be 110-115\u00b0F to activate the yeast.The oil helps retain moisture and soften the crumb. Use olive or avocado oil.Dutch process cocoa amplifies the deep, dark color.Freshly ground coffee enhances the malty flavor.Toasted caraway seeds provide an authentic flair. Leave out if disliked.When it comes to pumpernickel bread, having the right tools and equipment on hand makes all the difference between a tasty artisan-style loaf and a dense, crumbling brick. As an enthusiastic home baker dedicated to mastering the craft of breadmaking, I\u2019ve acquired an arsenal of essential baking gear over the years. Here\u2019s an overview of the key tools and equipment needed to make a perfect pumpernickel:Mixing bowl \u2013 A large stainless steel or heatproof glass mixing bowl, around 4-5 quarts.Hand mixer or stand mixer \u2013 For thoroughly incorporating ingredients. The power of a stand mixer works best for dense doughs.Metal measuring cups and spoons \u2013 Durable and accurate for measuring all ingredients.Glass measuring cups \u2013 Clear cups with spouts work best for accurately measuring liquids.Cutting board \u2013 A good quality board for halving risen loaves.Bench scraper \u2013 Essential for portioning and handling dough.Sharp knife \u2013 For slashing and slicing finished loaves.Cast iron Dutch oven or ceramic baker \u2013 Traditional covered baking vessels that conduct heat evenly and retain moisture.Rimmed baking sheet \u2013 Catches any overflow from free-form loaves. Line with parchment paper.Standard gas or electric oven \u2013 Holds an even 300-350\u00b0F temperature. Convection ovens also work well.Oven with glass window \u2013 Allows monitoring of baking progress without losing heat.And there you have the core essentials for equipping your kitchen to bake sensational sourdough pumpernickel loaves at home.Preparation Before BakingWe\u2019ll break down the step-by-step process to ensure your dough comes together perfectly before rising and baking. With a few essential techniques, you\u2019ll turn out professional quality sourdough pumpernickel loaves from your kitchen.1. Scaling and Measuring IngredientsAccurately measuring all ingredients is crucial for nailing the right texture and flavor. Use metal or plastic measuring cups for the liquids and flour so you can level them off. Scoop the cocoa powder and yeast packets to ensure precise amounts. Don\u2019t forget to proof the yeast first in 110\u00b0F water to verify viability before mixing the dough. Getting the proportions right from the start prevents overworking the dough later.2. Mixing the DoughWith a big 4-5 quart stainless steel or glass mixing bowl and a heavy-duty stand mixer fitted with a dough hook attachment, you\u2019ll get the power and space needed to properly knead. First mix together the dry ingredients \u2013 flour, sugar, yeast, salt, cocoa powder, and caraway seeds. Next slowly add in the wet ingredients \u2013 water, molasses, coffee, oil \u2013 while mixing on low speed until combined. Then knead for 5-7 minutes.3. Kneading TechniqueAs you knead, the dough will transition from shaggy and loose to smoother and more cohesive.Adjust hydration as needed by adding a bit more water or flour.Knead the dough by pressing into it with the heel of your hand and folding it over itself repeatedly.Use a light touch at first, then gradually increase pressure as the gluten develops.The kneading motion stretches and aligns the gluten strands to create an elastic network that can trap gases during fermentation.Knead for 5-10 minutes until the dough passes the windowpane test \u2013 stretch a small piece between your fingers to make a thin, translucent sheet without tearing.Keep your hands and working surface lightly floured to prevent sticking.Scrape the dough off the counter with a plastic scraper or bowl scraper as needed if it does start to stick.You\u2019ll know the dough is ready when it is tacky, and supple, and springs back when pressed gently.Resist over-kneading when making pumpernickel bread which can cause the bread to turn out tough.4. First RiseLightly grease a big bowl with oil then form the smooth dough into a ball and transfer seam-side down. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or a damp towel and let rise for 1-2 hours at room temperature, until doubled in bulk. Punch gently and shape it into a ball again for the second rise.Baking ProcessPreparing for BakingPlace oven rack in center position in oven.Preheat oven to 350\u00b0F.Allow oven to fully preheat which takes approximately 15-20 minutes.Lightly dust a large sheet of parchment paper with flour.Gently turn the rounded ball of dough out onto the floured parchment paper.Position dough ball seam-side down in the center of the parchment paper.Make sure there is at least 2 inches of space between dough ball and edges of parchment to allow for rising.Score the dough. Take a serrated bread lame, very sharp knife, or razor blade.Make 4-5 long cuts across the top of dough ball about 1\/4 to 1\/2 inch deep. Cuts should go lengthwise across the dough Angling the cuts slightly allows the dough to open attractively during baking.Fill clean spray bottle with room temperature water.Have ready beside oven when placing bread into oven.Baking Vessel OptionsSelecting Baking Vessel:Choose a heavy, thick-walled Dutch oven, combo cooker, or ceramic baker to promote even heat distributionEnsure the baking vessel is 8-10 inches wide and 4-6 inches deep to accommodate a large bouleMake sure the vessel has a lid to cover the loaf for humidity during the initial bakingPreheating Baking Vessel:Place an empty Dutch oven or ceramic baker in oven during the preheating stageAllow vessel to fully preheat for at least 30 minutes at baking temperatureUse heavy-duty oven mitts to carefully remove extremely hot vessels when readyLoading Dough for Baking:Gently but swiftly lower the proofed dough into the piping hot baking vessel using parchment paperQuickly remove any parchment paper touching the sides of the vesselImmediately cover the baking vessel with a preheated lidCovering During Baking:Keep the lid on the baking vessel for the first 20-25 minutes during the initial oven springThen carefully remove the lid using mitts to crisp and brown the open crustRegulating TemperatureSet the temperature between 325-350\u00b0F for optimal internal and external baking without over-browning the crust.\u00a0During the first half of baking time, open the oven door briefly to check the quality after 15 minutes.\u00a0Spray the walls of the oven a few times with water to generate the steam the loaf needs for maximum rise.\u00a0At the halfway mark, carefully rotate the loaf 180 degrees so it evenly bakes while continuing to monitor the crust color.\u00a0If the crust browns too quickly before the inside is fully baked, lower the temperature by about 25 degrees Fahrenheit for more gradual continued baking without scorching the exterior. Adjust time for heavier, larger loaves as needed.Doneness CuesTotal bake time is 50-60 minutesInsert instant read thermometer into center \u2013 should be 200\u00b0F +Tap the bottom and listen for a hollow soundCheck crust browningCooling and SlicingRemove the hot loaf and place on a wire rackCool for 1 hour before slicingAllows crumb to set up properlyUse a serrated knife to sliceCommon Mistakes to AvoidOverworking the DoughIt\u2019s tempting to vigorously knead away at the shaggy pumpernickel dough in an attempt to force it to come together. However, over-manipulating causes the gluten to become too elastic. This leads to a tough, rubbery texture rather than a nice chewy crumb.\u00a0Mix enough that the ingredients stick together. Then let the dough rest for 30 minutes before letting it rise. This gives time for the flour to soak up the liquid for better flavor and texture without overworking the dough.Proofing at the Wrong TemperaturePay close attention to proofing your dough in an environment that\u2019s around 70-75\u00b0F. Warmer temperatures above 78\u00b0F make the yeast overactive leading to blowouts or big air pockets. Cooler conditions below 68\u00b0F slow down yeast activity inhibiting rise.Look for a doubling in size after 1-2 hours. Gently press the surface of the risen dough \u2013 it should gradually spring back.\u00a0Baking Without SteamIntroducing steam early in the bake helps set the structure so your bread can properly rise. Otherwise, the crust hardens too quickly and prevents the loaf from expanding.\u00a0Place an oven-safe pan filled with boiling water on the bottom rack before loading the bread. About 10 minutes in, spray the oven walls with water. Continue steaming for that scrumptious, crackly crust surrounding a soft, moist interior crumb.Variations of Pumpernickel BreadGerman-Style PumpernickelGerman pumpernickel is crafted from a stiff rye starter dough and baked for up to 24 hours in steam-filled ovens, resulting in an intensely dark loaf with slight woodsmoke undertones.Seeded PumpernickelTry sprinkling in sunflower, caraway, flax or sesame seeds before the second proofing and watch them bloom to the surface during baking. Vary the dough by swapping out some rye flour for buckwheat, spelt or einkorn flour for a multi-textured, seeded sensation.Old World Charm: Artisanal Pumpernickel BreadMaking pumpernickel bread yourself lets you carry on the tradition of nourishing, hearty loaves. Follow the steps in this recipe to bake the rye dough into delicious loaves. Feel free to add seeds or nuts to make it your own.Enjoy every tasty slice of your homemade pumpernickel. It will give you energy and comfort to take on your daily challenges.How To Make Pumpernickel: FAQsWhat makes bread pumpernickel?Pumpernickel bread is made with coarse rye flour and often incorporates rye kernels or cracked rye grains. It uses a sourdough starter instead of yeast to rise, undergoes long baking times, and lacks sugar or oil for a dense texture.Is pumpernickel the healthiest bread?Pumpernickel bread is made with coarse rye flour and often incorporates rye kernels or cracked rye grains. It uses a sourdough starter instead of yeast to rise, undergoes long baking times, and lacks sugar or oil for a dense texture.What is the difference between dark rye and pumpernickel bread?While dark rye bread contains some colored rye flour, pumpernickel exclusively uses coarse, whole rye grains to achieve its nearly black color, dense texture, and intense rye taste.What ingredient helps give pumpernickel bread its dark color?Pumpernickel\u2019s very dark brown-black color comes from the caramelized complex sugars of the whole rye berries used to make the bread, which darkens further through long baking at low temperatures.Printclock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon2 cups dark rye flour1 cup all-purpose flour1 packet (2 1\/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast1 tablespoon unsulphured molasses1 teaspoon salt1 1\/3 cups warm water (110-115\u00b0F)2 tablespoons vegetable oil2 tablespoons cocoa powder1 tablespoon coffee grounds1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)PreparationDissolve yeast in warm water (110\u00b0F) with a pinch of sugar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.In a large mixing bowl, whisk together dark rye flour, all-purpose flour, cocoa powder, coffee grounds, and caraway seeds (if using).Add the proofed yeast, molasses, salt, and vegetable oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a sticky dough forms.Turn the dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5-7 minutes, adding more flour as needed. The dough should be tacky but not overly sticky.Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.Punch down the risen dough, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased 9\u00d75 inch loaf pan.Cover the loaf pan and let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes to an hour.BakingPreheat your oven to 350\u00b0F.Place the loaf in the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.NotesUse stone-ground whole grain rye for a more authentic flavor.Blackstrap molasses adds a bittersweet taste.Warm the water to the correct temperature to activate the yeast.Use Dutch process cocoa for a deeper color.Freshly ground coffee enhances the bread\u2019s malty flavor.Caraway seeds add an authentic touch but can be omitted.Author: Natasha KrajncPrep Time: 3 hrs 40 minsCook Time: 40 minsCategory: breadCuisine: GermanNutritionServing Size: 1 sliceCalories: 160 kcalSugar: 3 gSodium: 200 mgFat: 3 gCarbohydrates: 30 gFiber: 4 gProtein: 4 g<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Biting into a slice of freshly baked pumpernickel bread is a singular delight. With its rich brown color, sweet malty aroma, and hearty rye flavor, pumpernickel represents the deepest expression of traditional rye baking.\u00a0Today, I\u2019ll show you how to make pumpernickel bread and take you step-by-step through my favorite family recipe!Table of ContentsIngredientsTo make a […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1507,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[7],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-1506","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-food"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1506","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1506"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1506\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1507"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1506"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1506"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sanabaking.snipsglow.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1506"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}