Rúgbrauð Icelandic Rye Bread

Rúgbrauð Icelandic Rye Bread

1 serving
Rúgbrauð is a traditional Icelandic dark rye bread, sweet and hearty with a rich history but impossibly simple to make.

Ingredients

  • dark rye flour)

    (300 g

    2 ⅓ c
  • whole wheat flour)

    (120 g

    1 c
  • t. baking powder)

    (14 g

    3
  • t. baking soda)

    (3 g

    ½
  • t. salt)

    (3 g

    1 ½
  • buttermilk)

    (370 g

    1 ½ c
  • golden syrup)

    (250 g

    ¾ c

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 200°F/93°C.

  2. 2

    Combine dry ingredients thoroughly.

  3. 3

    Slowly add buttermilk and syrup. Dough will be very wet and sticky; stir only until combined.

  4. 4

    Pour dough in a greased loaf pan and cover tightly with aluminum foil.

  5. 5

    Bake at 200°F/93°C for 8 hours.

  6. 6

    Turn the warm loaf onto a kitchen towel and wrap until cooled, so a hard crust doesn’t form.

  7. 7

    Slice thinly and serve with lots of butter.

Rúgbrauð Icelandic Rye Bread

Rúgbrauð Icelandic Rye Bread

5.0(7)490 min1 serving157 cal

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 7 ratings

mountaincravings.com
5.0(7 reviews)
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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply flavorful, sweet, and hearty bread that transports you to a windswept Icelandic landscape? This Rúgbrauð Icelandic Rye Bread recipe delivers on that promise, offering a truly traditional taste without unnecessary fuss.

What makes this Rúgbrauð special is its impossibly simple approach to a bread with such a rich history. Despite its rustic character, the ingredient list is straightforward, focusing on the core elements that define this beloved Icelandic staple. The blend of dark rye and whole wheat flours, balanced with buttermilk and golden syrup, ensures a loaf that is both tender and incredibly flavorful.

Expect a dark, dense, and moist crumb with a distinct natural sweetness that isn't cloying. The long, slow cooking process is key to developing its deep, caramelized flavor and unique texture, resulting in a bread that feels profoundly satisfying and nourishing. This isn't a light, airy loaf; it's a substantial, hearty bread meant to be savored, perfect for providing sustained energy.

For customization, while this recipe offers a classic rendition, you can subtly influence the final loaf by the type of dark rye flour you select. Different grinds can slightly vary the texture and depth of flavor. You could also adjust the sweetness to your personal preference, though the given amount of golden syrup provides the traditional balance. Try serving Rúgbrauð simply with butter and cheese, a slice of smoked salmon, or alongside a warming soup or stew for a truly authentic Nordic experience. It makes for a unique and comforting breakfast, a satisfying snack, or a delightful accompaniment to any meal.

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