Dark Rye Bread

Learn how to make your own Dark Rye Bread from scratch with my detailed instructions. With deep and aromatic flavor from caraway seeds and molasses, your kitchen will be smelling heavenly as this loaf bakes. Bring out your inner baker!

Who is ready for some more homemade bread? I’m always up for a challenge! Today I have a classic dark rye bread recipe made rustic and so easy. Just the incredible smell that comes from your oven will have you craving this recipe every week.

So, what are you planning to do with your freshly baked dark rye bread? This loaf was amazing spread with a pat of butter, but it was out-of-this world when I made these classic Reuben sandwiches. Complete with homemade thousand island dressing, these have to be the best sandwiches I’ve ever made!

Ingredients

Keep scrolling down to the recipe card for a list of FULL ingredient amounts and instructions or click the “Jump to Recipe” button at the top of the page!

• Yeast – I used active dry yeast. You can use instant yeast and just mix it straight in with the dry ingredients.
• Water
• Molasses – Blackstrap works best.
• Cocoa powder – Unsweetened.
• Salt – As much or little as you like.
• Vegetable oil – Canola, safflower, of sunflower oils can be used instead.
• Caraway seeds – Whole seeds to give you that classic rye bread flavor.
• Flour – You’ll need rye flour and all purpose flours.
• Cornmeal – Fine ground.

How to make dark rye bread

1. Proof the yeast: Add the lukewarm water and yeast to the bowl of your mixer equipped with the dough hook, stir and let it dissolve for 5 to 10 minutes.
2. Make the dough: To the yeast mixture, add the molasses, cocoa powder, salt, caraway seeds, vegetable oil, rye flour, and 2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Add in remaining flour and keep mixing until it forms a firm dough (about 5 minutes), the dough should come clean from the side of the bowl.
3. 1st rise: Spray a large bowl with cooking spray and place the dough in the bowl, spray the dough as well with cooking spray, cover with a clean damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let the dough rest until it doubles in size in a warm, draft free environment.
4. 2nd rise: Place a piece of parchment paper on your work surface. Sprinkle the cornmeal over the parchment paper. Punch down the dough and stretch it from the center to form a ball. Place the ball onto the prepared parchment paper. Let it rise for another 30 to 40 minutes until doubled in size. Once doubled, sprinkle a bit of flour over the top of the dough and cut a few slashes with a sharp knife.
5. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425 F°. Place a shallow pan (not glass) on the lower rack in the oven. Transfer the bread with the parchment paper on a baking sheet or into a Dutch oven and place in the oven. Pour 1 cup of water in the shallow pan on the lower rack. Bake for 30 minutes until crusty and golden brown.

Why cocoa powder?

You’ll notice that your rye flour is much lighter in color than you might if this is your first time using it. Without cocoa powder, your bread will be a lighter shade like this rye bread recipe. To get dark rye, you’ll need cocoa to give you that rich brown color.

Fear not! The addition of cocoa powder will not make your dark rye bread taste chocolaty. It used in such a small amount that it will just compliment the richness of the molasses and aroma of caraway.

Troubleshooting your dough

My dough isn’t rising

This will be an issue with your yeast. These are the main reasons the yeast didn’t work properly:

• You need new yeast. Even if it hasn’t passed the expiry date, yeast is a living organism and once it dies it will no longer produce the air bubbles you need for your bread.
• The water’s temperature. If it’s too cold the yeast won’t activate properly, and if it’s too hot the yeast will die. Make sure it’s lukewarm to the touch, like baby formula. If you have a thermometer, you’ll want the water to be around 110F/43C.
• Your environment’s temperature. Make sure the dough has a warm, draft-free place to rise. Preheat your oven to its lower temperature and then turn it off. This is a perfect environment for your dough to rise.

My dough is very sticky

The part of the world you live in can made a difference! Even humidity levels inside your home can impact dough. With higher levels of humidity, you may need a bit more flour than someone who lives in a drier climate. This can also become apparent in the rising steps after the dough has had a chance to soak up moisture from the air.

If you need to add a bit more flour than I used to get the right texture, that is totally fine. Just add a little at a time.

My loaf turned out tough

If your dough rose but the loaf tasted dry, crumbly, or tough, this is usually a result of too much flour. I live in a drier climate, so if anything you may have to add more flour to this recipe rather than subtracting any. You just want the dough to pull away from the sides of the bowl while still feeling soft and elastic. It’s better for the dough to be a bit too sticky than too dry.

Storing bread

Store your dark rye bread in a breadbox, airtight container, or sealable bag. You can pre-slice the loaf, however I recommend slicing it as you enjoy the bread to keep it as moist as possible. It will last 2-3 days at room temperature or 5-7 days in the fridge.

Freezing

Make sure your dark rye bread has fully cooled down to room temperature before freezing. In this case, store the bread either pre-sliced or whole. Store it in a large freezer bag, an airtight container, or wrapped well with both plastic wrap and foil. It’ll last 3 months.

Thaw uncovered at room temperature, or use your microwave if you have a bread thawing function.

Looking for more recipes to add to your bread baking list?

• Fast and Easy No Knead Bread
• No Knead Skillet Bread
• Irish Soda Bread
• Soft Buttermilk Rolls
• Rye Bread
• Garlic Parmesan Skillet Rolls
• White Bread Recipe
• 2 Ingredient Dough
• Texas Roadhouse Rolls
• Artisan Bread