Description
This Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread is a fiery, spooky showstopper that looks like it rose straight from the underworld! With a pitch-black crust, red “lava” interior, and soft, tender crumb, it’s the perfect eerie centerpiece for your Halloween table. Simple to make and hauntingly delicious — this bread brings dramatic flair to every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1½ tsp instant yeast
- 1 cup warm water (110°F / 43°C)
- 1 tsp black cocoa powder (or activated charcoal powder)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Fiery “Brimstone” Effect:
- 2 tbsp tomato paste or roasted red pepper purée
- Red gel food coloring (optional, for deeper color)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika or chili flakes (for spice)
- Optional: coarse sea salt or rosemary for garnish
Instructions
- Mix the dough: Combine flour, salt, sugar, black cocoa, and yeast in a bowl. Add warm water and olive oil, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead and rise: Knead for 5 minutes until smooth. Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours or until doubled.
- Prepare the filling: Mix tomato paste or red pepper purée with food coloring and smoked paprika.
- Shape the loaf: Punch down dough, flatten, spread the filling inside, and fold to encase. Shape into a round loaf.
- Second rise: Place on parchment, cover, and rise for 30–45 minutes.
- Preheat and score: Heat oven to 450°F (230°C) with Dutch oven inside. Score the top of the loaf for lava-like cracks.
- Bake: Bake covered for 30 minutes, then uncovered for 10–15 more minutes until crusty and blackened.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 15 minutes before slicing to reveal the fiery red interior.
Notes
- Use black cocoa: It creates a natural dark color and rich flavor without food coloring.
- Score deeply: Deep cuts give the signature cracked “lava” look.
- Spicy twist: Add chipotle or chili flakes for heat.
- Cheesy core: Add mozzarella or vegan cheese to the center before baking.
- Storage: Keep wrapped at room temperature for 3 days or freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg