Ingredients
- 1/2 cup rye flour
- 1/2 cup warm water
- 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 4 cups bread flour, divided
- 2 cups rye flour (or whole wheat flour)
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (or dark malt powder)
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 teaspoons salt
- 2 teaspoons caraway seeds
- 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
- 2 packages (14g total) active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups plus 2 tablespoons brewed coffee, cooled to lukewarm (105-115°F)
- 4 tablespoons virgin olive oil
- 4 tablespoons dark molasses
- Sourdough pre-starter (prepared 2 days ahead)
Instructions
For the Sourdough Pre-Starter (Make 2 Days Ahead):
- In a glass jar, combine 1/2 cup rye flour, 1/2 cup warm water, and 1/8 teaspoon sugar. Mix thoroughly with a fork or rubber spatula until no dry flour spots remain.
- Cover jar with cheesecloth or screen (not a sealed lid). Let sit at room temperature (70°F/21°C) for 2 days to gather natural airborne yeast. The mixture will bubble slightly and develop a yeasty aroma.
For the Bread:
- In a stand mixer bowl, combine 1 cup bread flour, cocoa powder, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, onion powder, caraway seeds, and yeast. Whisk to combine.
- Add the sourdough pre-starter, lukewarm coffee, olive oil, and molasses to the flour mixture. Mix with paddle attachment on medium speed for 4-5 minutes until thoroughly combined.
- Switch to dough hook attachment. Add 1 cup rye flour, then gradually add remaining rye flour and bread flour until dough forms and becomes firm (not sticky). Knead on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and turn to grease the top. Cover with a clean kitchen towel. Let rise in a warm place (75-78°F) for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch down to remove air bubbles. Shape into a round loaf.
- Place shaped dough on a lightly greased cookie sheet or in an 8-inch layer cake pan. For best results, use a 5-quart cast iron Dutch oven with the lid prewarmed to 130°F/55°C. Cover and let rise in a warm place for 30-40 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
- Using a sharp knife or bread lame, cut 3-5 parallel lines about 1/4 inch (6mm) deep across the top of the loaf to prevent splitting during baking.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 200-205°F and the crust is very dark brown. The bottom should sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove from pan or Dutch oven immediately. Place on a cooling rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing.
Equipment

Retractable Bread Lame Scoring Tool
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Lodge 5 Quart Cast Iron Dutch Oven With Lid
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- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: German
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 312
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 5.8g
- Carbohydrates: 58.2g
- Fiber: 5.1g
- Protein: 9.5g