Description
This Easy Halloween Brimstone Bread is a spooky and visually striking bread recipe perfect for Halloween festivities. The dough is colored with deep red food coloring to resemble blood, while a unique black, crisp topping made from rice flour and activated charcoal or black food coloring creates a dramatic brimstone crackle effect. Soft and fluffy inside with a crispy, crackled crust, these individual bread balls make a fun and festive treat.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Dough:
- 1 box instant bread mix
- 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- Red food coloring, as desired
For the Topping:
- 2 tbsp active dry yeast
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cups rice flour
- Black food coloring or activated charcoal, as preferred
- Additional water for coloring
Instructions
- Prepare the Dough: In a large mixing bowl, combine the instant bread mix, 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 1 cup of warm water (105°F to 115°F), 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt according to the bread mix instructions. Add red food coloring gradually until the dough reaches a deep, dark blood red color, mixing thoroughly to distribute the color evenly.
- Shape and Rise Dough: Divide the blood-red dough into 12 equal balls and place them evenly spaced on a cookie sheet. Cover with a damp towel and allow the dough balls to rise as directed on the bread mix box, or until they double in size.
- Make Black Topping Mixture: While dough rises, combine 2 tablespoons active dry yeast, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 1/2 cups rice flour in a mixing bowl or stand mixer. In a separate bowl, mix black food coloring or activated charcoal with enough water to make a dark, fluid coloring. Slowly add this colored water to the dry ingredients, mixing until a thick, sticky, spreadable black topping forms. Adjust color intensity as desired.
- Activate Topping Yeast: Cover the black topping mixture and let it rest at room temperature for 15 minutes to allow yeast activation and improve texture.
- Apply Black Topping: Once dough balls have risen, use clean hands to generously smear the black topping over the tops and sides of each red dough ball. The thicker the topping, the better the dramatic brimstone effect. Leave the topped dough uncovered and let rest for another 15 minutes for good topping adherence.
- Bake the Bread: Preheat the oven as specified by the instant bread mix instructions. Place the topped dough balls on the center oven rack and bake according to the bread mix’s recommended time. Turn the pan halfway through baking to ensure even browning. The black topping will crackle and become crisp, creating the hallmark brimstone look.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the baked bread from the oven once the topping is crisp and crackled. Allow to cool until comfortable to handle. Serve warm with butter or enjoy on their own as a spooky Halloween treat.
Notes
- Ensure the water temperature for yeast activation is between 105°F and 115°F to avoid killing the yeast.
- Adjust red and black food coloring amounts based on desired intensity of colors.
- Rice flour in the topping adds crispiness and a unique texture to the crust.
- Turning the pan halfway through baking promotes even cooking and browning of the topping.
- Use gloves or stain-resistant utensils when handling colored dough and topping to avoid staining hands or countertops.
- Serve warm for best taste and texture.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Baking
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Halloween bread, brimstone bread, spooky bread, red and black bread, bread recipe, Halloween baking
