Description
This Honey Brown Hearth squaw bread recipe is a hearty, distinctive loaf that is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners and a wonderful addition to any family-friendly meal plan.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.25 cups warm water
- 1.5 tsp active dry yeast
- 3.5 cups bread flour
- 1 cup rye flour
- 0.5 cup unsulphured molasses (or dark corn syrup)
- 0.25 cup honey
- 2 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, softened (or olive oil)
- Pinch of sugar (for yeast activation)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and a pinch of sugar. Stir gently and let it sit until foamy (5-10 minutes) to activate.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together bread flour, rye flour, cocoa powder, instant coffee, and salt.
- Mix And Knead Dough: Add molasses, honey, and softened butter to the foamy yeast mixture. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. Knead for 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic, adding a teaspoon or two of warm water if stiff.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning once to coat. Cover and let it rise in a warm spot until doubled in size (60-90 minutes).
- Shape Loaf: Gently punch down the dough, turn onto a lightly floured surface, and shape into a tight log or round loaf.
- Second Rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let it rise in a warm place until puffy and almost doubled in size (30-45 minutes).
- Bake Loaf: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200-210°F (93-99°C).
- Cool Completely: Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
Substitute whole wheat flour for rye flour if needed. Brown sugar can replace molasses but will alter color and flavor. Ensure yeast is fresh; test it in warm water. For dairy-free, use olive oil instead of butter. Gluten-free option with 1:1 blend, expect denser texture. If crust is hard, brush with butter or water after baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 50g)
- Calories: 220 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 4 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 2 mg
Keywords: squaw bread, honey brown hearth, homemade bread, easy bread, hearty bread, family recipe, whole grain, molasses, cocoa, baking