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Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread: Soft and Hearty Loaf

A golden-brown, perfectly baked loaf of whole wheat bread resting on a wire cooling rack.
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Learn how to bake a soft, hearty whole wheat bread at home using simple ingredients. This recipe is perfect for beginners and yields a delicious loaf for sandwiches or toast.

Ingredients

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  • 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Activate the yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the honey or maple syrup in the warm water. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy.
  2. Mix the dough: Stir in the olive oil, whole wheat flour, and salt into the yeast mixture. Gradually add the all-purpose flour until a shaggy dough forms.
  3. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more all-purpose flour, one tablespoon at a time.
  4. First rise: Lightly grease a clean bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm spot for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  5. Shape the loaf: Gently punch down the risen dough. Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  6. Second rise: Cover the loaf pan loosely and let it rise again in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough has crowned about 1 inch above the rim of the pan.
  7. Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C).
  8. Cool: Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is important for the texture.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
  • If you want a slightly sweeter loaf, increase the honey to 3 tablespoons.
  • This recipe works well for making homemade whole wheat sandwich bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookifyme.com/whole-wheat-bread-easy-homemade-soft-hearty-loaf/