This light homemade pumpernickel bread is our absolute favorite. It uses molasses rather than sugar, and rye and whole wheat flour instead of white. Unsweetened chocolate is the secret ingredient that makes the taste outstanding! —Julie Wesson, Wilton, Wisconsin

Homemade Pumpernickel Bread Tips

How do you store homemade pumpernickel bread?

Once it has cooled completely, store your homemade bread at room temperature in an airtight tin or container for up to 3 days.

What can you use if you don't have any rye flour?

In pumpernickel bread, there's honestly no substitute for the flavor of rye flour. However, if you're out of rye flour or do not prefer it, you can use whole wheat flour or even buckwheat flour instead. Here's our guide to some of the more common types of flour.

What can you do if the homemade pumpernickel bread dough is too sticky?

Kneading bread dough, especially a sticky one, can be tricky! Even so, avoid the temptation to add lots of extra flour to the dough, which risks the bread becoming tough. It can be helpful to lightly dust the work surface and your hands with a thin coating of flour before kneading. You can also use butter or cooking spray to grease your hands, too.

Mark Neufang, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Watch How to Make Homemade Pumpernickel Bread