Three Flour Braided Bread

This bread has a longer prep time but the finished loaves will wow your friends and family.

Three Flour Braided Bread

Yield

2 braids 2 braids

Difficulty

Advanced Advanced

Prep Time

1:00 1:00

Bake Time

30 to 35 minutes 30 to 35 minutes

Rise Time

1 hour 1 hour

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Ingredients

  • 3-1/2 to 4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 (4-1/2 tsp.) envelopes Fleischmann’s® RapidRise® Instant Yeast
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2-1/4 cups water
  • 1/4 cup butter OR margarine
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 to 1-1/4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon caraway seed
  • 1 tablespoon cocoa
  • 1 to 1-1/4 cups rye flour

Directions

  1. Combine 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour, sugar, undissolved yeast, and salt in a large bowl. Heat water and butter until very warm (120° to 130°F). Gradually add to flour mixture. Beat 2 minutes at medium speed of electric mixer, scraping bowl occasionally. Add 1 cup all-purpose flour; beat 2 minutes at high speed, scraping bowl occasionally. Portion equal amounts of batter (about 1-1/4 cups) into 3 bowls. Add 2 tablespoons molasses and enough whole wheat flour to 1/3 of batter to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover; set aside. Add remaining 2 tablespoons molasses, caraway seed, cocoa, and enough rye flour to 1/3 of batter to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover; set aside. Add enough remaining all-purpose flour to remaining 1/3 batter to make a soft dough. Knead on lightly floured surface until smooth and elastic, about 8 to 10 minutes. Cover.Divide each of 3 doughs into 2 equal pieces; roll each piece to 15-inch rope. Braid together a whole wheat, rye, and white rope; pinch ends to seal. Place on greased baking sheet. Repeat with remaining dough ropes. Cover; let rise in warm, draft-free place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
  2. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes or until done. Remove from baking sheet; cool on wire racks.

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