Soft & Hearty Whole Wheat Bread (2 Easy Loaves)

Bake the Care: Whole Wheat Bread

When the aroma of fresh-baked Whole Wheat Bread wafts through your home, it’s hard not to feel a wave of warmth and nostalgia wash over you. This rustic loaf, adorned with a golden crust and a soft, hearty interior, beckons with promises of comfort and satisfaction. Whether you slather it with butter for breakfast or create a crowd-pleasing sandwich, there’s something incredibly rewarding about baking your own bread.

What is Whole Wheat Bread?

Whole Wheat Bread is not just sustenance; it’s an experience that connects us to simpler times when baking was a cherished household ritual. Originating from ancient civilizations, whole wheat bread uses the complete wheat kernel, retaining its rich nutrients and fiber. What’s delightful about this recipe is how easy and accessible it is—you’ll be amazed at how just a handful of wholesome ingredients can yield such a nourishing and delightful loaf.

Why You’ll Love This

You’ll find that making your own Whole Wheat Bread is not only easy but also affordable. In less than two hours, you can produce two beautiful loaves that exemplify the perfect balance of chewy texture and rich flavor. The process is straightforward, and even if you’re new to baking, this recipe guides you gently with each step. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to impress family and friends with your artisanal skills!

The ingredients are simple and are likely staples in your pantry, making it a fantastic weeknight project. With the guaranteed satisfaction of slicing into a freshly baked loaf, you’ll want to keep this recipe in your rotation. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!

How to Make

Quick Overview

This delightful Whole Wheat Bread recipe calls for easy mixing, some kneading, and a bit of patience during the rising time. You’ll need basic kitchen tools like a mixing bowl and bread pans, and the entire process takes about 2 hours from start to finish.

Ingredients

. 6-7 cups white whole wheat flour
. 2 3/4 cups + 2 tablespoons warm water
. 1 1/4 tablespoons instant yeast or active dry yeast
. 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten
. 1 tablespoon salt
. 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
. 1/3 cup honey
. 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 4.5 cups of white whole wheat flour and yeast. Stir to mix them well together.
2. Pour in the warm water and mix until combined. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. After resting, add vital wheat gluten, salt, melted butter, honey, and Greek yogurt to the mixture. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
4. Gradually add 1.5 cups of flour while kneading the dough. Knead for about 5 minutes (or 10 minutes if you’re kneading by hand) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Spray your bread pans with non-stick cooking spray and line them with parchment paper.
6. Divide the dough into two equal pieces, shape them into logs, and place them into the prepared pans.
7. Cover the pans and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it has an impressive dome shape.
8. Place the pans in a cold oven set to 350°F, and bake for 30-38 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
9. Once baked, remove from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter, and let cool on a wire rack. Store the bread in a sealed bag for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.

What to Serve with Whole Wheat Bread

One of the great joys of making Whole Wheat Bread is how versatile it is. You can serve it alongside a warm bowl of soup, complementing the hearty flavors beautifully. It’s also perfect for toasting and spreading creamy avocado or your favorite nut butter. For a delightful brunch, add a fresh salad sprinkled with feta and a light vinaigrette. Pair it with a refreshing herbal tea or a robust coffee to create a complete experience you’ll want to repeat often.

Top Tips for Perfecting Whole Wheat Bread

1. Don’t rush the rise: Allowing your dough ample time to rise leads to a fluffier loaf, so be patient!
2. Temperature matters: Ensure your water is warm but not hot; around 110°F is ideal for activating the yeast without killing it.
3. Knead well: Proper kneading develops gluten, which creates that desired elasticity in bread.
4. Experiment with additions: Feel free to add mixed seeds or herbs to personalize your Whole Wheat Bread.
5. Use a kitchen scale: If possible, weigh your flour for the most consistent results.
6. Test for doneness: Tap the bottom of the baked loaf; it should sound hollow.
7. Don’t skip the butter: Brushing melted butter after baking adds moisture and an irresistible finish.

Storing and Reheating Tips

After your Whole Wheat Bread has cooled completely, store it in a plastic bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you have leftovers, consider freezing some for later enjoyment; it can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, wrap the bread in foil and warm it in the oven, or simply toast slices to bring back that freshly-baked taste.

Whole Wheat Bread

This rustic loaf, adorned with a golden crust and a soft, hearty interior, is perfect for breakfast or sandwiches, offering a nourishing delight.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 38 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 8 minutes mins

Servings: 2 loaves

Course: Bread, Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 150

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Dough

• 6-7 cups white whole wheat flour 4.5 cups for the initial mixture, additional for kneading.
• 2.75 cups warm water Temperature should be around 110°F.
• 1.25 tablespoons instant yeast or active dry yeast Either type works for this recipe.
• 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten Improves texture but can be omitted.
• 1 tablespoon salt Essential for flavor.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted Adds moisture and flavor.
• 1/3 cup honey Adds sweetness and moisture.
• 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream Use yogurt for a richer flavor.

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, combine 4.5 cups of white whole wheat flour and yeast. Stir to mix them well together.
2. Pour in the warm water and mix until combined. Cover the bowl and let it rest for 15 minutes.
3. Add vital wheat gluten, salt, melted butter, honey, and Greek yogurt to the mixture. Stir well to blend all the ingredients.
4. Gradually add 1.5 cups of flour while kneading the dough. Knead for about 5 minutes (or 10 minutes if you’re kneading by hand) until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5. Spray your bread pans with non-stick cooking spray and line them with parchment paper.

Baking

1. Divide the dough into two equal pieces, shape them into logs, and place them into the prepared pans.
2. Cover the pans and let the dough rise for about an hour, or until it has an impressive dome shape.
3. Place the pans in a cold oven set to 350°F, and bake for 30-38 minutes until the tops are golden brown.
4. Once baked, remove from the oven, brush the tops with melted butter, and let cool on a wire rack.

Storage

1. Store the bread in a sealed bag for up to 3 days or freeze for longer preservation.

Notes

Allowing dough ample time to rise leads to a fluffier loaf. Don’t skip the butter for moisture.

FAQs

Conclusion

Making your own Whole Wheat Bread is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with warmth and delicious aromas. With simple, wholesome ingredients, you can create a delightful loaf that nourishes not just your body but also your soul. So why not gather your ingredients today and experience the joy of home-baked bread? It’s a must-try you won’t regret! Give it a go and relish in every delightful slice!

More Resources

• Healthy Banana Bread – Moist, Simple & Naturally Sweet
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread (Moist, Cozy & Easy)
• Perfectly Moist Pumpkin Bread
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• Lemon Blueberry Bread (Moist, Zesty & Bursting with Berries)
• Pumpkin Coffee Cake with Crumb Topping
• Whole Wheat Flour – Wikipedia
• Health Benefits of Whole Grains – Harvard Health
• Bread Baking Basics – King Arthur Baking
• Whole Grains Nutrition Facts – USDA FoodData Central