This vegan & gluten free pumpernickel bread is a perfect copycat in both flavor and texture! The bread is soft and bendable when fresh and it also makes lovely toast or grilled sandwiches. Make sandwich bread, rolls, or a braided loaf!
Make a well in the flour mixture. Add the sugar and yeast to the well.
Warm the seltzer water in the microwave until it is 118 degrees Fahrenheit. (Be sure to stir before checking the temperature as hot spots can occur.) Pour the warm seltzer water into the well. Let stand for about five minutes, until nice and bubbly.
Stir together with a sturdy spatula or a large spoon. (The dough will be quite firm.) Add the molasses, vinegar, salt, and vegan butter, but do NOT stir them in yet.
Place the bowl into the clean plastic bag, twist the bag to close it, and tuck the end under the bowl. Place the bowl (inside the bag) in a warm place to rise. (You want the room temperature to be at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, and no warmer than 85 degrees Fahrenheit.) If your house is cooler than 70 degrees, you can use your oven with the light turned on, but check the temperature inside to be sure it isn’t above 85 degrees. Set a timer for 30 minutes.
After 30 minutes, undo the bag and fold it back. The dough will be puffy. If you are using a hand mixer with dough hooks, beat on high speed for three minutes. If you are using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for two minutes. Stir with a sturdy spatula to be sure that any bits missed by the mixer are blended in. Scrape down the bowl.
Now, the directions begin to differ. If you are making a braided loaf or sandwich rolls, you will put the bowl back in the bag for an hour for a second rise, then follow the shaping and baking directions on the links provided (including adding additional flour if needed, which can be done either before the second rise or before shaping.)
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit while it is rising. (You will not be able to use it as a place for rising your dough this time.) Place the shallow pan on a lower rack and add about a 1/4″ layer of water. Keep an eye on the water level if your rising time is over 30 minutes as you may need to add more. Before your dough is fully risen, be sure there is still at least a 1/8″ layer of water in the shallow pan. If you have to add more, you will need to allow it to get hot and produce steam before baking the bread.