Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Description:
This Homemade Whole Wheat Bread is a quick and easy recipe that can be made once a week, providing you with fresh, nutritious bread throughout the week. With its nutty flavor and a touch of sweetness from the honey, this bread makes for a perfect addition to your breakfast or main courses. Made with pure whole wheat flour and instant dry yeast, this recipe yields a soft, fluffy loaf that’s wholesome and delicious. The beautiful aroma as it bakes will fill your kitchen and invite you to enjoy a slice right out of the oven.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Main Course
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Whole Wheat Flour | 1 cup |
| All Purpose Flour (Maida) | 1 cup |
| Active Dry Yeast | 2 teaspoons |
| Milk (lukewarm) | 1 cup |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Butter (Salted) | 2 tablespoons |
| Honey | 2 tablespoons |
Preparation Time:
20 minutes
Cooking Time:
40 minutes
Instructions
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Prepare the Dough
Start by combining the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, active dry yeast, lukewarm milk, salt, butter, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer. If you don’t have a stand mixer, you can do this by hand. For the stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead the dough on low speed until it becomes soft and pliable.- Knead the dough for 7-10 minutes in the stand mixer, or about 10 minutes by hand. The dough should be smooth and no longer sticky. You’ll know the dough is ready when it comes away from the sides of the bowl and holds its shape.
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Shape the Dough
Once your dough is kneaded to perfection, shape it into a smooth ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover it with a clean kitchen towel and allow it to rise in a warm, draft-free area for 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This process is essential for creating the airy, light texture of the bread.Tip: If you’re in a rush, you can use your oven’s proofing setting or turn on your oven for a few seconds, then turn it off and let the dough rise inside.
-
Prepare the Loaf Pan
While the dough rises, prepare your loaf pan by lining it with parchment paper. This will help you easily remove the bread once it’s baked. For extra security, butter and flour the parchment paper. This ensures that the bread won’t stick to the pan or the paper. -
Shape and Place the Dough
Once the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by folding the edges under and rolling it to fit the length of your loaf pan. Place the shaped dough into the prepared loaf pan. -
Final Rise
Allow the shaped dough to rise in the pan for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour. The dough should slightly rise above the edge of the pan, forming a dome-like shape. -
Preheat the Oven
While the dough rises, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the dough inside. -
Bake the Bread
Once the dough has risen, place the pan in the preheated oven and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You’ll notice the bread developing a beautiful crust as it bakes. -
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 5 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.Serve the Homemade Whole Wheat Bread fresh, and enjoy it with your favorite spreads, jams, or simply with a pat of butter. It’s perfect for breakfast or as a side to soups, stews, or sandwiches.
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Storage
Since this bread doesn’t contain preservatives, it’s best to consume it within 3-5 days. If you won’t be able to eat it all, store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it soft. After a couple of days, refrigerate the bread to help preserve its freshness.
Tips and Variations
- Sweetened Version: If you prefer a sweeter bread, you can increase the amount of honey by 1-2 teaspoons. This will add a bit more sweetness without overwhelming the bread’s nutty flavor.
- Add-ins: You can easily customize this bread by adding nuts or seeds, such as sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped walnuts, to the dough for added texture and flavor.
- Freezing: This bread freezes well. You can freeze the baked loaf for up to 3 months. Just slice it before freezing for convenience.
Nutritional Information (per serving)**
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~150 kcal |
| Protein | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4g |
| Sugars | 4g |
| Fat | 3g |
| Saturated Fat | 2g |
| Sodium | 150mg |
| Cholesterol | 10mg |
(Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and variations.)
This Homemade Whole Wheat Bread recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to enjoy freshly baked, wholesome bread without the need for store-bought options. It’s easy, satisfying, and provides the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Enjoy the satisfaction of baking your own bread and knowing exactly what goes into every slice.
