Icelandic Brown Bread
Ingredients
- 1 1/3 cup warm water
315mL
- 1/4 cup butter
melted and cooled, 57g
- 1 1/2 teaspoons granulated sugar
6g
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
lightly packed, 105g
- 1/4 cup molasses
90g
- 2 teaspoons salt
12g
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
10oz, 280g
- 2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour extra
if needed), 12.5oz, 350g
- 1 tablespoon instant yeast
11g
Directions
- 1
In the bowl of a stand mixer with the dough hook attached, or in a large bowl with a wooden spoon or dough whisk, combine the water, butter, sugar, brown sugar and molasses.
- 2
Add the salt, all-purpose flour, 2 1/2 cups (350g) whole wheat flour and the yeast.
- 3
Mix with the dough hook until everything is combined.
- 4
After mixing for a minute or so, the dough should come together and clear the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- 5
If it is too wet and sticky to clear the bottom of the bowl, sprinkle in a little more whole wheat flour, a tablespoon at a time, until the dough clears the bottom of the bowl. It should be soft and slightly tacky to the touch, but not overly sticky.
- 6
Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes (12-14 by hand) until it is smooth and elastic.
- 7
Remove the dough to a lightly oiled bowl, turning it to coat, and cover tightly with plastic wrap.
- 8
Allow it to rise until almost doubled, about 2 hours.
- 9
Punch down the dough and turn it out onto a lightly oiled surface.
- 10
Divide it into two pieces and shape each into a loaf by pressing it into a thick rectangle and then roll it up from the long edge, pressing the seam as you do so.
- 11
Place each loaf seam side down into an oiled 8x4 inch bread pan and cover loosely with plastic wrap.
- 12
Allow the loaves to rise for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until they have almost doubled.
- 13
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
- 14
Bake the loaves for 50-60 minutes, or until browned and cooked through.
- 15
Turn out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Icelandic Brown Bread
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 2 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a comforting, slightly sweet loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat? This Icelandic brown bread recipe delivers a wonderfully soft texture and rich flavor that will quickly become a favorite. It's incredibly easy to make, ensuring a delightful homemade loaf without a fuss.
Why This Bread Works
The magic in this Icelandic brown bread lies in its thoughtful blend of sweeteners. Combining granulated sugar, lightly packed brown sugar, and molasses creates a nuanced sweetness and deep, complex notes that elevate it beyond a simple loaf. The inclusion of both all-purpose and whole wheat flour also ensures a perfectly soft crumb with a satisfying texture that holds up beautifully to slicing.
What to Expect
Prepare for a truly inviting bread experience. You'll find a soft, tender crumb with a distinctive, slightly sweet flavor that has hints of caramel and treacle from the molasses and brown sugar. The crust is pleasantly chewy, giving way to an interior that’s moist and satisfying. This is a wonderfully approachable bread, offering an authentic taste that’s comforting and deeply satisfying—a true staple for any bread lover.
Customization & Variations
While delicious as is, you can subtly adapt this Icelandic brown bread. For an added textural element, consider folding in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans, or a sprinkle of rolled oats, before baking. You can also experiment with the whole wheat flour ratio; the recipe notes you might need up to an extra 1/2 cup, allowing you to fine-tune the density to your preference. Enjoy it plain or with your favorite spreads.
Serving & Context
This versatile Icelandic brown bread is truly at its best when sliced thick and enjoyed as morning toast, perhaps with a smear of butter, cream cheese, or a dollop of your favorite jam. It also makes a fantastic accompaniment to a cup of coffee or tea, perfect for a cozy afternoon.