Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup rye flour
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons instant yeast or active dry yeast
  • (about one orange) grated orange zest from 1 tablespoon
  • 1/4 cup molasses or dark syrup
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F to 115°F)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the Yeast Mixture: If using active dry yeast, dissolve it in the warm water and let it sit for about 5–10 minutes until frothy. Instant yeast can be mixed directly into the dry ingredients.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, rye flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and instant yeast (if not using active dry).
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add the grated orange zest, molasses or dark syrup, and melted butter to the warm water mixture if you activated your yeast separately.
  4. Forming the Dough: Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and mix until combined. The dough will be sticky.
  5. Kneading: Turn out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8–10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Alternatively use a stand mixer with a dough hook for this step on medium speed for about six to eight minutes.
  6. First Rise: Place kneaded dough in lightly greased bowl; cover with plastic wrap or kitchen towel. Let rise in warm place until doubled in size (about sixty to ninety minutes).
  7. Shape Loaf: Once risen punch down dough gently to release air bubbles. Shape into an oval loaf by flattening slightly then rolling tightly from one end to another.
  8. Second Rise: Place shaped loaf seam side down on parchment-lined baking sheet or in greased loaf pan; cover again and let rise for another thirty to forty minutes until puffy.
  9. Preheat Oven: While your bread is rising again preheat your oven to375°F (190°C).
  10. Baking Bread: Bake in preheated oven for approximately forty-five minutes or until golden brown on top sounds hollow when tapped on bottom.
  11. Optional brush with melted butter immediately after removing from oven for extra flavor.
  12. Cooling Allow bread cool completely on wire rack before slicing helps maintain its texture!