Ingredients:

  • 3 cups (375g) bread flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) warm water
  • 2 tbsp (16g) activated charcoal powder
  • 2 tsp (7g) instant yeast
  • 1 tsp (6g) fine sea salt
  • 1 tbsp (12g) honey
  • 2 tbsp (28g) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) melted butter
  • ½ tsp (3g) flaky sea salt

Instructions:

  1. Whisk the warm water with the activated charcoal powder and honey until the liquid is a deep, uniform black.
  2. Combine the charcoal mixture with bread flour, yeast, and salt. Incorporate the melted butter and knead for 8–10 minutes by hand or 5–7 minutes in a mixer until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  3. Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 60 minutes or until it has doubled in size.
  4. Punch down the dough to release air. Shape into a tight log or a braid, place on parchment paper, and let rise for a final 30 minutes.
  5. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C). Brush immediately with melted butter and sprinkle with flaky salt.