There’s something undeniably enchanting about the texture of warm, freshly baked bread and the unique flavor of Yudane Charcoal Bread. The first time I tried this recipe, the striking black hue instantly caught my eye, but it was the soft, pillowy interior that had me falling in love. Imagine slicing into a loaf with that slightly crispy crust, revealing a tender crumb infused with a hint of sweetness and umami.
Not only is this bread visually impressive, but it’s also surprisingly simple to make, making it a perfect project for both novice bakers and seasoned chefs looking to impress. With just a handful of ingredients, including high protein flour and bamboo charcoal powder, this recipe brings a delightful twist to your bread-making routine while giving you a fun conversation starter at your next gathering.
Join me as I walk you through this easy yet rewarding process that will have your kitchen filled with irresistible aromas and your friends asking for seconds!
Why is Yudane Charcoal Bread so special?
Unique flavor and color: The striking black hue from bamboo charcoal powder adds an intriguing touch, making this bread a showstopper on any table.
Simple steps: Crafted with just a few ingredients, this recipe is ideal for home bakers looking to elevate their bread game without complex techniques.
Versatile serving: Perfect for sandwiches, toasts, or enjoying on its own, this loaf complements any meal beautifully.
Texture that delights: With a soft, pillowy interior and a slightly crispy crust, each slice offers a satisfying bite you’ll crave again and again.
Impressive presentation: Your guests will be captivated by its unique appearance, and you’ll love sharing the story behind this delightful recipe.
Ready to dive deeper into homemade bread? Learn more about other incredible bread-making techniques and expand your repertoire!
Ingredients for Yudane Charcoal Bread
For the Yudane
• High protein bread flour – 60 g to create a strong gluten structure for excellent bread texture.
• Boiling water – 55 g helps gelatinize the starches, enhancing the dough’s moisture.
For the Main Dough
• High protein bread flour – 240 g forms the base of the bread, ensuring a hearty and chewy texture.
• Bamboo charcoal powder – 3 tsp adds a unique black hue and a subtle earthy flavor to the bread.
• Dried instant yeast – 1¼ tsp allows for quick rising, creating that light and airy crumb.
• Brown sugar – 1½ tbsp brings a hint of sweetness and aids in browning the crust.
• Salt – 1⅛ tsp balances flavors and strengthens the dough.
• Fresh milk – 160 g enhances moisture, contributing to a soft crumb.
• Butter – 12 g enriches the dough, adding flavor and tenderness.
Now that we have all the ingredients lined up, let’s jump into the delightful process of baking this stunning Yudane Charcoal Bread! Your kitchen will soon be filled with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread.
How to Make Yudane Charcoal Bread
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Prepare Yudane: In a mixing bowl, combine 60 g of high protein bread flour with 55 g of boiling water. Mix well with a spatula until all flour is moistened. Cover tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
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Temper the Yudane: Before proceeding, take the yudane out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. This helps in achieving better dough consistency.
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Combine Ingredients: In a Thermomix bowl, place the yudane along with 240 g of high protein bread flour, 3 tsp bamboo charcoal powder, 1¼ tsp dried instant yeast, 1½ tbsp brown sugar, 1⅛ tsp salt, and 160 g fresh milk. Knead for 4 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
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Add Butter: Introduce 12 g of softened butter to the dough and knead for an additional minute until fully incorporated.
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First Proofing: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pastry mat, shape it into a ball, and cover with cling wrap or a damp towel. Let it proof in a warm place for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
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Deflate and Shape: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into two equal portions and roll each portion into a round shape. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes.
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Form Mini Loaves: Take each piece and flatten it into an elongated oval. Fold the right third over to the center and press down, then fold the left third to the middle and press lightly. Roll slightly to form a cylinder shape.
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Final Proofing: Place the dough logs seam-side down into a 450g Pullman loaf tin. Let them proof for around 40 minutes or until they fill about 80% of the tin.
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Preheat the Oven: In the last 15 minutes of proofing, preheat your oven to 190°C so it’s ready for baking.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes at 180°C or until it turns golden brown. After baking, carefully remove the bread from the tin and let it cool completely on a cooling rack for at least an hour before slicing.
Optional: Drizzle with olive oil or spread some butter for an extra touch of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Yudane Charcoal Bread Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to sprinkle your unique flair on this delightful recipe and make it truly yours!
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Gluten-Free: Swap high protein bread flour with a gluten-free blend for an equally fluffy texture, ensuring it binds well together.
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Dairy-Free: Use almond or oat milk instead of fresh milk, blending beautifully while keeping that soft crumb intact.
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Sweet Twist: Add 1 tsp of cinnamon or nutmeg to the dough for a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the sweetness beautifully.
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Herbed Delight: Incorporate 1 tbsp of dried herbs, such as rosemary or thyme, into the dough for an aromatic, savory twist that’s perfect for sandwiches.
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Nut Variation: Mix in ¼ cup of finely chopped walnuts or pecans to introduce a delightful crunch to the soft interior.
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Charcoal Substitute: If you’re out of bamboo charcoal powder, simply omit it for a traditional bread-flavor experience, but don’t miss the visual excitement!
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Spice Up the Heat: Add ¼ tsp of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a subtle kick, making each slice an exciting culinary adventure.
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Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a flaxseed egg as a binder for a deliciously compassionate alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Embrace the joy of experimentation and let your creativity shine through each loaf!
What to Serve with Yudane Charcoal Bread?
Imagine pairing the beautifully unique Yudane Charcoal Bread with delightful accompaniments that elevate your meal to another level.
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Savory Dips: Pair with hummus or a rich olive tapenade to create a flavorful contrast to the subtle sweetness of the bread. The creamy textures of these dips complement the bread’s crispy crust perfectly.
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Fresh Salads: A vibrant salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette refreshes the palate and balances out the richness of the bread. The crispness of the vegetables adds a delightful crunch that ties the meal together.
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Herbed Cream Cheese: Spread a layer of herbed cream cheese for a luscious and aromatic topping. This combination not only enhances the bread’s natural flavors but also offers a creamy texture that invites second helpings.
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Charcuterie Board: Incorporate the charcoal bread into a charcuterie board filled with cured meats, cheeses, and fruits. The striking appearance of the bread makes it a showstopper, while each bite brings together sweet, salty, and savory notes.
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Tomato Basil Soup: Enjoy your Yudane Charcoal Bread alongside a steaming bowl of tomato basil soup. The bread’s soft interior is perfect for soaking up the rich flavors, creating a comforting and hearty meal.
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Wine Pairing: Serve with a light, fruity red wine to complement its earthy tones. The wine enhances the overall experience, making each bite and sip a delightful journey.
Make Ahead Options
These Yudane Charcoal Bread loaves are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the yudane up to 24 hours in advance by combining 60 g of high protein bread flour with 55 g of boiling water, mixing well, and refrigerating it overnight. This process helps develop a great flavor and texture. Additionally, you can divide the shaped dough logs into the loaf tin and let them proof for up to 3 hours in the fridge, making it easy to bake fresh, warm bread right before serving. Just remember to allow the dough to come to room temperature for 30 minutes prior to baking. This way, you’ll enjoy delicious homemade Yudane Charcoal Bread with minimal effort on busy days!
Expert Tips for Yudane Charcoal Bread
Kneading Time: Keep a close eye on kneading time. Over-kneading can make the dough tough; stick to 4 minutes for a tender crumb.
Yudane Consistency: Ensure your yudane is well-mixed until all flour is moistened. Dry flour can lead to uneven texture in your Yudane Charcoal Bread.
Proofing Warmth: For the best results, find a warm environment for proofing. Cold spots can slow down yeast activity, resulting in dense bread.
Avoiding Overbaking: Watch for the golden brown color towards the end of baking; overbaking can lead to dryness and a less enjoyable texture.
Cooling Time: Resist the urge to slice too early! Allow the bread to cool completely on a rack to develop the flavor and texture fully.
Storage Tips for Yudane Charcoal Bread
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Room Temperature: Store the bread in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and maintain its texture.
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Fridge: If needed, place the bread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, but this may alter its texture slightly.
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Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the Yudane Charcoal Bread tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when ready to enjoy.
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Reheating: To refresh your bread after storing, simply preheat your oven to 180°C and heat for about 10 minutes. This will restore its lovely crust and soft interior.
Yudane Charcoal Bread Recipe FAQs
What should I look for when selecting high protein bread flour?
When selecting high protein bread flour, aim for a protein content of around 12-14%. This type of flour helps develop gluten structure, resulting in a chewy and well-textured loaf. Look for brands that specifically label their flour as “bread flour” to ensure you’re getting the right kind.
How should I store leftover Yudane Charcoal Bread?
For optimal freshness, store leftover Yudane Charcoal Bread at room temperature in a bread box or wrapped in a clean kitchen towel for up to 3 days. This helps maintain its texture. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I freeze Yudane Charcoal Bread? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze Yudane Charcoal Bread, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, ensuring no air is trapped. Then, wrap it again in aluminum foil for extra protection. This method keeps the bread fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature before slicing.
What if my dough doesn’t rise properly?
If your dough isn’t rising, it could be due to several factors. Confirm that your yeast is fresh—if it’s expired, it won’t work effectively. Also, make sure the environment is warm enough; ideally, dough should rise in a temperature between 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C). If you’re in a colder area, you can create warmth by placing the dough in a turned-off oven with the light on.
Are there any dietary considerations with Yudane Charcoal Bread?
Yes, this recipe includes butter and milk, so it may not be suitable for vegans or those with dairy allergies. However, you can substitute with plant-based milk and vegan butter for a dairy-free alternative. Also, check the specific brands of charcoal powder to ensure they’re food-safe and suitable for your dietary needs, especially if you have any allergies.
Can pets eat Yudane Charcoal Bread?
While small amounts of plain bread generally aren’t harmful to dogs, it’s best to avoid giving them Yudane Charcoal Bread due to the bamboo charcoal powder. This ingredient can cause digestive issues in pets. Always consult your vet before introducing new foods into your pet’s diet.
Master Yudane Charcoal Bread for Flavorful Homemade Delights
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine 60 g of high protein bread flour with 55 g of boiling water. Mix well with a spatula until all flour is moistened. Cover tightly with cling wrap and refrigerate overnight.
- Before proceeding, take the yudane out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
- In a Thermomix bowl, place the yudane along with 240 g of high protein bread flour, 3 tsp bamboo charcoal powder, 1¼ tsp dried instant yeast, 1½ tbsp brown sugar, 1⅛ tsp salt, and 160 g fresh milk. Knead for 4 minutes until a smooth dough forms.
- Introduce 12 g of softened butter to the dough and knead for an additional minute.
- Transfer the dough to a lightly floured pastry mat, shape it into a ball, and cover with cling wrap or a damp towel. Let it proof in a warm place for approximately 45-60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
- Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Divide it into two equal portions and roll each portion into a round shape. Allow them to rest for 10 minutes.
- Take each piece and flatten it into an elongated oval. Fold the right third over to the center and press down, then fold the left third to the middle and press lightly. Roll slightly to form a cylinder shape.
- Place the dough logs seam-side down into a 450g Pullman loaf tin. Let them proof for around 40 minutes or until they fill about 80% of the tin.
- In the last 15 minutes of proofing, preheat your oven to 190°C.
- Bake the bread for 25-30 minutes at 180°C or until it turns golden brown. After baking, remove the bread from the tin and let it cool on a cooling rack for at least an hour.