Einkorn Bread Recipe Made Easy: Bake the Perfect Loaf Every Time

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A golden, rustic loaf of einkorn bread on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by wheat stalks and a jar of honey for a wholesome, homemade feel.

What Makes Einkorn Bread Recipe Special?

Einkorn is the oldest form of wheat, dating back thousands of years, and it’s gaining popularity today for its rich flavor and impressive nutritional benefits. This ancient grain stands apart from modern wheat due to its simplicity, natural properties, and ease of digestion.

The Origins Behind Your Einkorn Bread Recipe

Einkorn, meaning “single grain” in German, was among the first wheat varieties cultivated by humans. It thrived in the Fertile Crescent and later spread across Europe. Einkorn’s genetic makeup has remained untouched by modern agricultural practices, making it one of the purest grains available today.

Nutritional Benefits of Einkorn for Your Bread Recipe

Einkorn is packed with nutrients, including:

  • Higher Protein Content: Einkorn has more protein than modern wheat, making it a nutritious choice.
  • Rich in Minerals: It’s an excellent source of zinc, iron, and magnesium.
  • Easier to Digest: Its gluten structure differs from modern wheat, making it gentler on the stomach.

Why Einkorn is Perfect for Your Bread Recipe

  • Flavor: Einkorn has a slightly nutty, sweet taste, making it unique among grains.
  • Texture: Its bread has a soft crumb and slightly dense structure.
  • Health Benefits: Einkorn retains more nutrients than refined flours, making it a wholesome choice for homemade bread.

Essential Tools and Ingredients for an Einkorn Bread Recipe

Baking einkorn bread is straightforward when you have the right tools and ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

Essential Baking Tools

  • Mixing Bowls: Large, sturdy bowls to mix and proof the dough.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements are key for bread-making.
  • Kitchen Scale: Highly recommended for accuracy, especially when working with flour.
  • Bench Scraper: Useful for handling sticky einkorn dough and shaping the loaf.
  • Loaf Pan or Dutch Oven: A loaf pan works for sandwich-style bread, while a Dutch oven gives a crusty artisan-style loaf.
  • Dough Whisk or Wooden Spoon: Einkorn dough is softer and requires gentle mixing; a whisk or spoon is ideal.

Key Ingredients

1. Einkorn Flour

  • Choose 100% whole grain einkorn flour for a hearty, wholesome loaf or all-purpose einkorn flour for a lighter texture.

2. Active Dry Yeast

  • Ensures your bread rises beautifully. Instant yeast can be used as an alternative.

3. Salt

  • Adds flavor and helps balance the dough. Stick to sea salt or kosher salt for the best results.

4. Water

  • Lukewarm water (about 105°F–110°F) helps activate the yeast and bring the dough together.

5. Optional Add-ins

  • Seeds: Sunflower, flaxseed, or sesame seeds add crunch and nutrition.
  • Herbs: Rosemary, thyme, or oregano can enhance the flavor.
  • Nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or pecans provide a rustic texture.
  • Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup complements the natural nuttiness of einkorn.

Step-by-Step Einkorn Bread Recipe Guide

Follow this detailed guide to bake a perfect loaf of einkorn bread. From preparing the dough to baking, these steps will help you achieve a wholesome and delicious result.

1: Preparing the Dough for Your Einkorn Bread Recipe

  1. Activate the Yeast
    • In a small bowl, combine 2 teaspoons of active dry yeast with ½ cup of lukewarm water (105°F–110°F).
    • Add a pinch of sugar or honey to feed the yeast. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  2. Mix the Ingredients
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine:
      • 4 cups of einkorn flour
      • 1½ teaspoons of salt
      • The activated yeast mixture
      • 1 cup of lukewarm water
    • Stir gently using a wooden spoon or dough whisk until a shaggy dough forms. Einkorn dough will be wetter and stickier than conventional dough—this is normal!

2: Kneading and Resting Tips

  1. Gentle Kneading
    • Einkorn dough requires minimal kneading. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and gently fold it over itself a few times. Avoid overworking the dough, as einkorn’s gluten structure is delicate.
  2. First Rise (Bulk Fermentation)
    • Place the dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a damp kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
    • Allow it to rise at room temperature for 1–2 hours, or until it doubles in size.

3: Shaping the Loaf

  1. Deflate and Shape
    • Gently deflate the dough and shape it into a loaf or boule. Avoid heavy handling to preserve its airy structure.
  2. Final Rise
    • Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan or onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
    • Cover it loosely with plastic wrap or a towel, and let it rise again for 30–45 minutes.

4: Baking the Bread

  1. Preheat the Oven
    • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). If using a Dutch oven, place it inside the oven to heat up.
  2. Bake the Bread
    • For a loaf pan: Place the pan in the center of the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
    • For a Dutch oven: Carefully transfer the dough (with parchment paper) into the preheated Dutch oven. Cover with the lid and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the lid and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to achieve a crisp crust.
  3. Check for Doneness
    • Use a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the bread. It should read 190°F–200°F for a fully baked loaf.

Cooling

  1. Allow the bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step ensures the crumb sets properly and prevents a gummy texture.

Printable Einkorn Bread Recipe Card

Here’s a concise, easy-to-follow recipe card for your einkorn bread. Perfect for printing or bookmarking!

Einkorn Bread Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes (active)
Rise Time: 2–3 hours
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups einkorn flour (whole grain or all-purpose)
  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1½ teaspoons salt
  • 1½ cups lukewarm water, divided (105°F–110°F)
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (to activate the yeast)

Instructions:

  1. Activate the Yeast
    • In a small bowl, mix ½ cup of lukewarm water with 2 teaspoons of yeast and a pinch of honey or sugar. Let sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy.
  2. Prepare the Dough
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour and salt.
    • Add the activated yeast mixture and the remaining 1 cup of water. Stir until a sticky dough forms.
  3. Knead and Rest
    • Lightly knead the dough on a floured surface for 2–3 minutes.
    • Transfer to a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1–2 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Shape the Loaf
    • Deflate the dough gently and shape it into a loaf or boule.
    • Place it in a greased loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Cover and let rise for another 30–45 minutes.
  5. Bake
    • Preheat the oven to 425°F. If using a Dutch oven, heat it in the oven during preheating.
    • Bake the bread for 35–40 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F–200°F.
  6. Cool
    • Let the bread cool on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing.

💡 Tips:

  • Use a Dutch oven for a rustic, crusty loaf.
  • Avoid over-kneading; einkorn dough benefits from a light touch.

Tips for Success When Following an Einkorn Bread Recipe

Einkorn bread has unique qualities that require a slightly different approach compared to baking with modern wheat. These tips will help you achieve the best results every time!

Adjusting Hydration for Einkorn

  • Einkorn flour absorbs less water than modern wheat, which results in a wetter dough.
    • Start with 1½ cups of water per 4 cups of flour and adjust if necessary.
    • If the dough feels overly sticky, lightly dust your hands and work surface with einkorn flour while handling.

How to Avoid Overmixing Einkorn Dough

  • Einkorn’s delicate gluten structure can break down with too much kneading.
    • Gently knead for 2–3 minutes or until the dough comes together. Avoid trying to achieve a smooth, stretchy texture like you would with regular wheat dough.
    • Use a fold-and-rest technique during mixing to strengthen the dough without overworking it.

Managing Sticky Dough

  • Sticky dough is normal with einkorn flour. To make it easier to handle:
    • Use a bench scraper to lift and shape the dough.
    • Oil or wet your hands lightly instead of adding too much extra flour, which can dry out the bread.

Perfecting the Rise

  • Einkorn dough rises slower than modern wheat due to its low gluten strength.
    • Be patient and allow plenty of time for the first rise (1–2 hours).
    • A second, shorter rise after shaping helps develop the bread’s texture.

Storing and Freezing Einkorn Bread

  • Storing: Once cooled, keep einkorn bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap and store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
    • Thaw at room temperature or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

How to Adjust Einkorn Bread Recipe for Different Textures

  • For a softer crust: Place a dish of water in the oven during baking to create steam.
  • For a crispier crust: Bake uncovered in a Dutch oven or use high heat for the first 15 minutes, then reduce the temperature.

Creative Variations for Your Einkorn Bread Recipe

Einkorn bread can be customized in numerous ways to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Here are some delicious variations to try:

Einkorn Sourdough Bread

For a tangy, artisan-style loaf:

  1. Sourdough Starter: Replace yeast with ½ cup of active sourdough starter.
  2. Adjust Hydration: Use 1¼ cups of water instead of 1½ cups.
  3. Extended Fermentation: Allow the dough to rise for 6–12 hours, depending on the temperature.
  4. Bake: Follow the same baking instructions, but use a Dutch oven for the best crust.

Honey and Herb Einkorn Loaf

Add a touch of sweetness and savory herbs to your bread:

  1. Add Honey: Mix 2 tablespoons of honey into the water during dough preparation.
  2. Incorporate Herbs: Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the dry ingredients.
  3. Optional Garnish: Sprinkle fresh herbs on top before baking for an aromatic finish.

Seeded Einkorn Sandwich Bread

Boost the nutrition and texture with a variety of seeds:

  1. Seed Mix: Combine 2 tablespoons each of sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, and sesame seeds.
  2. Mix-In Method: Fold the seeds into the dough during the initial mixing stage.
  3. Topping: Brush the loaf with water or egg wash before baking and sprinkle with extra seeds for a crunchy crust.

Einkorn Cinnamon Raisin Bread

Transform your loaf into a sweet breakfast treat:

  1. Cinnamon Swirl: Mix 2 teaspoons of cinnamon and 3 tablespoons of sugar. Spread this mixture onto the rolled-out dough before shaping.
  2. Add Raisins: Fold ½ cup of raisins into the dough.
  3. Bake and Enjoy: Follow the usual baking steps, and serve toasted with butter for a delicious morning treat.

Einkorn Olive and Garlic Bread

Perfect for pairing with soups and salads:

  1. Add Olives: Chop ½ cup of black or green olives and fold them into the dough.
  2. Garlic Flavor: Add 2 teaspoons of minced garlic to the water during mixing.
  3. Baking Tip: Brush the loaf with olive oil before baking for a golden crust.

Common Challenges and Solutions

Baking with einkorn flour can feel different from using modern wheat, but most issues are easy to resolve with a few tweaks. Here’s how to tackle common challenges:

Why is Einkorn Bread Denser?

Einkorn’s gluten structure is weaker than modern wheat, resulting in a denser crumb.

Solution:

  • Ensure your dough is adequately hydrated (use the recommended water-to-flour ratio).
  • Allow the dough to rise fully—this may take longer than with other flours.
  • Use a loaf pan to support the structure if you’re aiming for a tall loaf.

Troubleshooting Rising Issues

Einkorn dough doesn’t rise as dramatically as modern wheat dough.

Solution:

  • Check yeast freshness. Expired yeast won’t provide enough lift.
  • Allow enough time for both rises. Einkorn dough is slower, so patience is key.
  • Proof in a warm, draft-free area (75°F–80°F is ideal).

Dealing with Sticky Dough

Einkorn dough is naturally stickier, which can be frustrating to handle.

Solution:

  • Lightly oil your hands and the work surface instead of adding extra flour.
  • Use a bench scraper to shape and move the dough.
  • Practice gentle handling; einkorn doesn’t need intense kneading.

Why is the Crust Too Hard?

A thick, hard crust can result from overbaking or not enough moisture during baking.

Solution:

  • Place a dish of water in the oven to create steam, which softens the crust.
  • Wrap the loaf in a clean towel immediately after baking to trap steam as it cools.

Why Does the Bread Collapse After Rising?

Einkorn dough is less elastic, so it can deflate if mishandled.

Solution:

  • Avoid overproofing; check the dough frequently during the second rise.
  • Handle the dough gently when shaping.
  • If using a Dutch oven, transfer the dough carefully to avoid collapsing.

How to Achieve a Golden Crust Without Burning the Bread

Einkorn bread can brown quickly due to its natural sugars.

Solution:

  • Cover the bread loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking if it’s browning too fast.
  • Lower the oven temperature by 10–15°F if you notice frequent over-browning.

FAQs About Baking an Einkorn Bread Recipe

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about baking with einkorn flour. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced baker, these tips will help you master the process.

1. Can I substitute regular flour with einkorn in any recipe?

Einkorn flour behaves differently from regular flour due to its low gluten strength and unique hydration needs.

Answer:

  • Direct Substitution: Avoid a 1:1 substitution, as einkorn requires less water and shorter kneading.
  • Best Practice: Use recipes specifically designed for einkorn, or reduce liquid in conventional recipes by about 15–20%.

2. Is einkorn flour gluten-free?

No, einkorn flour is not gluten-free. However, its gluten structure differs significantly from modern wheat.

Answer:

  • Einkorn’s gluten is weaker and easier to digest, which may be tolerated by individuals with mild gluten sensitivities.
  • It is not suitable for people with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.

3. Where can I buy einkorn flour?

Einkorn flour is increasingly available both online and in specialty stores.

Answer:

  • Online: Purchase from brands like Jovial, King Arthur, or Bob’s Red Mill.
  • Local Stores: Check natural food stores, co-ops, or the organic section of larger grocery chains.
  • Tip: Look for both whole grain and all-purpose einkorn flour to suit different baking needs.

4. Can I make einkorn bread in a bread machine?

Yes, einkorn bread can be made in a bread machine, though it may require some adjustments.

Answer:

  • Use the “basic” or “whole wheat” setting.
  • Reduce the water slightly, as bread machines tend to overmix dough, which einkorn flour doesn’t need.
  • Watch the consistency during the kneading cycle and adjust if necessary.

5. Why is my einkorn bread crumb so tight?

Einkorn dough doesn’t develop the same structure as modern wheat due to its low elasticity.

Answer:

  • Avoid over-kneading, which can break down its gluten.
  • Ensure the dough is hydrated properly to allow for better rise and crumb structure.

6. How can I make my einkorn bread lighter?

A lighter crumb can be achieved with a few tweaks.

Answer:

  • Use all-purpose einkorn flour instead of whole grain.
  • Incorporate a bit of modern wheat flour (e.g., bread flour) to improve elasticity, though this will change the bread’s flavor.
  • Add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten for better structure if desired.

Discover the Joy of Baking an Einkorn Bread Recipe

Baking einkorn bread is more than just a culinary experience—it’s a connection to ancient traditions and wholesome nutrition. Its unique flavor, rich nutritional profile, and simplicity make it a standout choice for home bakers.

While einkorn requires a bit of adaptation in technique, the results are well worth the effort. Whether you’re crafting an artisan-style loaf, experimenting with creative variations, or troubleshooting challenges, each step brings you closer to a loaf that’s as satisfying as it is nourishing.

Take the Leap!

Why not try baking your own einkorn bread today? With its nutty flavor and dense, hearty crumb, you’ll enjoy a homemade treat that’s perfect for sandwiches, toasting, or simply savoring with a pat of butter.

As you gain confidence, don’t hesitate to explore variations and add your personal touch—einkorn bread is as versatile as it is delicious.

Happy baking! 🍞✨