Gluten-Free Pumpernickel-Style Bread
Dark, earthy, and richly flavored bread that captures the essence of traditional pumpernickel. Teff flour, cocoa, and molasses replace rye for an authentic taste.
1 hr 10 min
Total Time
14
Servings
medium
Difficulty
15 min
Prep Time
55 min
Cook Time
1 hr 10 min
Total Time
Ingredients
- 1 cup teff flour
- 1 1/2 cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup tapioca starch
- 2 tablespoons psyllium husk powder
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 1/4 teaspoons instant yeast
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 1/4 cups warm coffee (brewed, 110°F / 43°C)
- 3 tablespoons blackstrap molasses
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- 1
Whisk together the teff flour, GF flour, tapioca starch, psyllium husk powder, cocoa powder, yeast, salt, and caraway seeds.
- 2
In a separate bowl, combine the warm coffee, molasses, oil, and vinegar.
- 3
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix thoroughly. The dough will be dark and sticky.
- 4
Transfer to a greased 8x4 inch loaf pan (smaller pan = taller loaf). Smooth the top with wet hands.
- 5
Cover and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours until the dough rises about 1 inch above the rim.
- 6
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 7
Bake for 50-55 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C) and the crust is firm.
- 8
Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
- 9
Let cool completely before slicing — this bread slices best when fully cooled or even the next day.
- 10
Slice thinly. This bread is dense by design and pairs beautifully with smoked salmon, mustard, or strong cheese.
Tips & Notes
- •Teff flour is the key substitute for rye flour — it provides similar earthy, nutty, slightly bitter flavor that defines pumpernickel.
- •Warm coffee deepens the dark color and adds another layer of roasted flavor without tasting like coffee.
- •The cocoa powder is not for chocolate flavor — it mimics the dark color and depth of slow-baked traditional pumpernickel.
- •This bread improves with age. Wrap tightly and let it sit for a day before slicing for the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Variations
- →Deli-Style: Slice very thin and use for open-faced sandwiches with cream cheese, smoked salmon, and capers.
- →Seeded Pumpernickel: Add 2 tablespoons each of sunflower and flax seeds to the dough.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving
135
Calories
3g
Protein
24g
Carbs
3g
Fat
3g
Fiber