Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread (Print-Friendly Version)
Festive red bread with black crackle crust brings a dramatic touch to Halloween celebrations or fun family gatherings.
# Ingredients List:
→ For the dough
01 -
1 box instant bread mix
02 -
240 milliliters warm water (40°C to 46°C)
03 -
Red food coloring, quantity as needed
→ For the topping
04 -
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
05 -
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
06 -
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
07 -
0.5 teaspoon salt
08 -
180 grams rice flour
09 -
Black food coloring or activated charcoal, as needed
10 -
Additional water for mixing coloring
# How to Make It:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine the instant bread mix, 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 240 milliliters warm water, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 0.5 teaspoon salt as directed by bread mix packaging. Add red food coloring and knead until the dough achieves an even deep red hue.
02 -
Divide the red dough into 12 equal-sized balls and arrange them onto a baking sheet in even spacing. Cover with a damp towel and allow to rise according to bread mix instructions or until doubled in volume.
03 -
In a stand mixer, combine active dry yeast, granulated sugar, vegetable oil, salt, and rice flour. In a separate bowl, mix black food coloring or activated charcoal with enough water to create a dark liquid, then gradually incorporate this into the flour mixture, mixing thoroughly to form a thick, spreadable topping.
04 -
Cover the black topping and leave at room temperature for 15 minutes to activate the yeast and improve topping adhesion.
05 -
Once the dough balls have risen, generously coat each ball on top and sides with the black topping using clean hands. Leave the coated dough balls uncovered and let them rest an additional 15 minutes.
06 -
Place the topped dough balls in the center of a preheated oven and bake as dictated by bread mix instructions. Rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even color and texture as the black topping crackles into a crisp crust.
07 -
Remove the bread from the oven when the black crust is fully crackled and crisp. Allow to cool slightly and serve warm as desired.
# Extra Tips:
01 -
For a visually striking appearance, use extra black food coloring and be generous when covering the dough to create a dramatic cracked crust.