Dark Brew Artisan Bread
Experience the rich, complex flavors of Dark Brew Artisan Bread, a no-fuss recipe that transforms a simple combination of ingredients into a delightful loaf in just about an hour. This hearty bread harnesses the robust profile of imperial stout, offering a taste experience that elevates typical beer bread. Perfect for pairing with cheese, soups, or enjoyed straight from the oven, this loaf is easily customizable with the addition of spices like caraway or fennel seeds, a hint of fresh nutmeg, or citrusy orange zest. For an alternate presentation, shape the dough into biscuits for a quick and satisfying option for your gatherings. Bake them to golden perfection, and enjoy the simple joy of freshly baked bread at any time!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
wheat flour
3 cups (All-purpose or whole wheat; substitute with whole rye flour by adding an extra 2 tablespoons.)
sugar
3 tablespoons (Granulated.)
baking powder
1 tablespoon (Ensure it's fresh for best results.)
salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (Regular table salt or sea salt.)
imperial stout beer
12 ounces (Use a dark imperial stout for optimal flavor.)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a standard bread pan generously to ensure easy removal after baking.
2
In a medium mixing bowl, combine the wheat flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk together until the dry ingredients are thoroughly mixed and airy. For those who prefer, you can sift these ingredients together for an even lighter texture.
3
Make a well in the center of the dry mixture and pour in the imperial stout. Using a wooden spoon, stir gently until the dry ingredients are completely incorporated into the wet mixture; the batter will be thick and somewhat lumpy—that’s perfectly normal!
4
Transfer the thick batter into your prepared bread pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
5
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the top is a deep golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
6
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This bread can be stored wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to a week, but it's best enjoyed fresh!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dark Brew Artisan Bread?
Dark Brew Artisan Bread is a hearty no-fuss quick bread that uses imperial stout to create a rich complex flavor profile in about an hour.
How long does it take to bake the bread?
The bread should be baked in a preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes.
What type of beer is best for this recipe?
A dark imperial stout is recommended to provide the most robust and optimal flavor profile.
Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?
Yes you can use either all-purpose or whole wheat flour for this recipe.
How can I adapt this recipe for rye flour?
You can substitute with whole rye flour by adding an extra 2 tablespoons to the measurement.
Is it normal for the batter to be lumpy?
Yes the batter will be thick and somewhat lumpy which is perfectly normal for this type of bread.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit or 190 degrees Celsius.
How do I know when the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when the top is deep golden brown it sounds hollow when tapped and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I make biscuits instead of a full loaf?
Yes you can shape the dough into biscuits for a quick and satisfying alternative to a standard loaf.
How should I store the Dark Brew Artisan Bread?
The bread can be stored wrapped in plastic in the refrigerator for up to one week.
How long should the bread cool in the pan?
Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving it to a wire rack.
Can I add spices to customize the flavor?
Yes you can add caraway or fennel seeds or a hint of fresh nutmeg to customize the taste.
Is orange zest a good addition to this bread?
Adding citrusy orange zest is a great way to elevate the flavor of the bread.
Should I sift the dry ingredients?
While whisking is sufficient you can sift the dry ingredients together for an even lighter texture.
Why must the baking powder be fresh?
Fresh baking powder ensures the bread rises correctly since it does not use yeast.
What should I use to mix the batter?
A wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the ingredients until they are just incorporated.
How much beer is needed for one loaf?
The recipe requires exactly 12 ounces of imperial stout beer.
What is the purpose of greasing the bread pan generously?
Generous greasing ensures that the bread can be easily removed from the pan after baking.
Is this bread sweet or savory?
This is a savory and hearty bread though it contains a small amount of sugar to balance the bitterness of the stout.
Can I use sea salt?
Yes you can use either regular table salt or sea salt for this recipe.
What are the best food pairings for this bread?
This bread pairs exceptionally well with cheese soups or can be enjoyed straight from the oven.
How many main ingredients are in this recipe?
There are five main ingredients: wheat flour sugar baking powder salt and imperial stout.
Do I need to let the dough rise before baking?
No this is a quick bread that can be placed in the oven immediately after mixing.
What should the top of the bread look like?
The top should be smoothed with a spatula before baking and will become a deep golden brown once finished.
Can I use granulated sugar?
Yes the recipe specifically calls for 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar.
What happens if I overmix the batter?
You should stir gently until just incorporated to avoid making the bread too dense.
What size pan is used?
A standard bread pan is used for this recipe.
Is this bread best served warm?
While it can be stored it is best enjoyed fresh from the oven.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1.5 teaspoons of salt.
Does the stout flavor change during baking?
Baking transforms the stout into a complex and rich flavor profile that elevates the bread.