This whole wheat bread recipe is a nutritious and wholesome option for homemade baking. Made with whole wheat flour, it offers a hearty texture and rich flavor, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast.
The process is simple and requires basic ingredients, allowing you to enjoy fresh bread right from your oven.
Creating the Perfect Whole Wheat Bread
Baking whole wheat bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delightful aromas. The process is straightforward and requires only a few basic ingredients, making it accessible for both novice and experienced bakers.
Whole wheat flour serves as the foundation of this recipe, providing a hearty texture and rich flavor. The addition of honey or sugar enhances the bread’s natural sweetness, while olive oil or melted butter contributes to its soft crust. With just a little time and effort, you can enjoy a loaf that is not only delicious but also nutritious.
The Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking a successful loaf of whole wheat bread. You will need three cups of whole wheat flour, which is essential for that dense, hearty texture.
Along with the flour, you will require warm water to activate the yeast, honey or sugar for sweetness, olive oil or melted butter for richness, salt for flavor, and active dry yeast to help the bread rise. Each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect loaf.
Steps to Make Whole Wheat Bread
The process begins with activating the yeast. Combine warm water, honey, and yeast in a small bowl, allowing it to froth for about 5-10 minutes. This step is crucial as it ensures the yeast is alive and ready to help your bread rise.
Next, mix the whole wheat flour and salt in a large bowl, creating a well in the center to add the yeast mixture and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, then knead it on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Rising and Shaping the Dough
After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm area for about an hour. This first rise is essential for developing the bread’s structure and flavor.
Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently to release the air, then shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan and cover it again, allowing it to rise for another 30-45 minutes until it surpasses the edge of the pan.
Baking Your Bread
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while the dough is rising. Once the second rise is complete, bake the bread for 30-35 minutes. The loaf should turn a beautiful golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
After baking, allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling step is important to ensure the bread maintains its texture and flavor.
Enjoying Your Homemade Whole Wheat Bread
Once cooled, slice the bread to reveal its dense and hearty interior. Serve it with a small dish of butter for spreading, making it perfect for sandwiches or toast. The inviting aroma and warm, golden crust will surely make this whole wheat bread a favorite in your home.
Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven or toasted for breakfast, this whole wheat bread is a wholesome addition to any meal. Its rich flavor and satisfying texture will keep you coming back for more!
Easy Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
This recipe yields a soft and flavorful whole wheat bread that takes about 3 hours from start to finish, including rising time. It makes one loaf, perfect for family meals or to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F or 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey or sugar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a small bowl, combine warm water, honey, and yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt. Make a well in the center and add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
- Knead the Dough: Mix until a dough forms, then knead on a floured surface for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until doubled in size.
- Shape the Loaf: Punch down the risen dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased loaf pan.
- Second Rise: Cover the loaf and let it rise again for about 30-45 minutes until it rises above the edge of the pan.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake: Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours
- Servings: 1 loaf
- Calories: 120kcal per slice
- Fat: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Carbohydrates: 22g