Our Favorite Wheat Bread
Total Time: 2 hours 35 minutes | Prep Time: 2 hours | Cook Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 2 Loaves
This delightful whole wheat bread is hands down the best bread youβll ever eat! Itβs soft, flavorful, and perfect when fresh from the oven. Thereβs even a neighbor who insists on receiving it as “payment” whenever they do a favor for me. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or pairing it with a delicious bowl of Aunt Gin’s Vegetable Soup (#91938), this bread never disappoints. The balance of molasses, honey, and butter creates a wholesome taste that will make you crave more. With the right amount of kneading and rising, youβll have two perfect loaves ready to enjoy in just under 4 hours.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dry Yeast | 1 tsp |
| Warm Water | 2 cups |
| Butter | 1/4 cup |
| Molasses | 1/8 cup |
| Honey | 1/4 cup |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Whole Wheat Flour | 3 cups |
| White Flour | 2 cups |
Nutritional Information (per serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 1479.8 |
| Fat Content | 29.2 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 15.6 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 61 mg |
| Sodium Content | 1391.1 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 278.1 g |
| Fiber Content | 24.3 g |
| Sugar Content | 47.6 g |
| Protein Content | 39.5 g |
Instructions:
-
Activate the Yeast:
In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve the dry yeast in the warm water. Allow it to sit for a few minutes until the yeast becomes frothy, signaling that itβs active. -
Prepare Wet Ingredients:
In a separate large bowl, combine the butter, molasses, honey, and salt. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly incorporated. -
Incorporate Yeast Mixture:
Slowly add the activated yeast mixture to the butter and molasses mixture, stirring to combine. -
Gradually Add Flour:
Begin adding the whole wheat flour, one cup at a time, stirring as you go. Once the dough starts to come together, add the white flour in small increments until the dough is thick and slightly sticky. -
Knead the Dough:
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes, or until it is smooth and elastic. You can add a little extra flour if the dough is too sticky, but be careful not to overdo it. -
Let the Dough Rise:
Grease a large bowl with a bit of oil or cooking spray. Place the kneaded dough into the bowl, turning it once to coat the surface. Cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size. -
Punch Down and Rest the Dough:
Once the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release the air. Let it rest for about 5 minutes to allow the gluten to relax before shaping. -
Shape the Loaves:
Divide the dough into two equal portions. Shape each portion into a loaf by gently rolling it and tucking in the ends. -
Second Rise:
Place the shaped dough into greased bread pans. Cover the pans with a clean towel and let the dough rise for about 1 hour, or until it has risen above the edges of the pan. -
Bake the Bread:
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Once the dough has risen, bake it in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the loaves are golden brown and sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. -
Cool and Serve:
Remove the loaves from the pans and let them cool on a wire rack. Slice and enjoy fresh from the oven or toasted with butter for an extra special treat.
Tips for Success:
- If you want a lighter bread, feel free to replace some of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour.
- Be mindful of the water temperature when activating the yeast. Too hot and the yeast may be killed; too cold and it won’t activate properly.
- You can add seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for a bit of extra crunch and nutrition.
Enjoy the best homemade wheat bread youβll ever make, perfect for any occasion!
