Description
Bake a soft, hearty loaf of whole wheat bread at home with this straightforward recipe. It is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying warm with butter.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 3 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
- Stir the honey and olive oil into the yeast mixture.
- Add the whole wheat flour and salt to the wet ingredients. Mix with a wooden spoon or stand mixer until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add flour one tablespoon at a time.
- Lightly oil a clean bowl. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
- Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This long rise time develops great flavor.
- Gently punch down the risen dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has nearly doubled. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
- Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy your homemade bread!
Notes
- For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after it comes out of the oven.
- If you want a slightly sweeter loaf for toast, increase the honey to 3 tablespoons.
- This bread freezes well once completely cooled. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 35 min
- Category: Baking
- Method: Kneading and Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 140
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg