Description
This homemade whole wheat bread is soft, wholesome, and perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with 100% whole wheat flour, itโs healthy and packed with fiber, making it a nutritious addition to your meals. It has a slight sweetness from honey and a soft, chewy texture thatโs easy to make even for beginner bakers.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (110ยฐF)
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten (optional, for extra softness)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water, honey, and active dry yeast. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes foamy.
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the whole wheat flour, salt, and optional vital wheat gluten (if using).
- Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the dry ingredients. Stir until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic. Add a little more flour if the dough is too sticky.
- First rise: Place the dough in a lightly greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the dough: Punch down the dough, then shape it into a loaf. Place the dough in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
- Second rise: Cover the loaf pan with the towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until the dough has risen above the top of the pan.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool: Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Notes
- For a softer texture, use 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten.
- Add seeds like flax, sunflower, or chia to the dough for added nutrition and crunch.
- Store the bread in an airtight container for up to 3 days at room temperature or freeze for longer storage.