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Decorative round loaf of dark pumpernickel bread

Old World Pumpernickel Bread Recipe

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This authentic German-style dark pumpernickel bread uses a natural sourdough pre-starter, brewed coffee, and molasses to create a dense, flavorful loaf with deep color and complex taste. The two-day fermentation process develops rich flavors that make this bread perfect for pairing with sharp cheeses, cold beer, or simply butter. No special equipment needed beyond a stand mixer and a Dutch oven for the best results.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Units Scale
Sourdough Pre-Starter:
  • 1/2 cup rye flour
  • 1/2 cup warm water
  • 1/8 teaspoon granulated sugar
Bread:
  • 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):

  1. 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.
  2. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and punch down to remove air bubbles. Shape into a round loaf.
  6. 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.
  7. Preheat oven to 400°F (205°C).
  8. 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.
  9. 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.
  10. Remove from pan or Dutch oven immediately. Place on a cooling rack for at least 45 minutes before slicing.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 312
  • Sugar: 7g
  • Sodium: 590mg
  • Fat: 5.8g
  • Carbohydrates: 58.2g
  • Fiber: 5.1g
  • Protein: 9.5g
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