Are you ready to bake the most delicious, wholesome loaf of wheat bread you've ever tasted? This recipe, inspired by the legendary King Arthur Flour, delivers a perfectly textured, subtly sweet, and wonderfully aromatic bread that's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. Forget store-bought bread; this homemade loaf is a game-changer! It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, and a quick dinner idea when paired with your favorite soup or salad. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (240ml) lukewarm water (105-115°F)
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1 tablespoon honey or granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups (190g) whole wheat flour
- 2 1/2 cups (300g) all-purpose flour, plus more for dusting
- 1/2 cup (60g) wheat bran (optional, for added texture and nutrients)
Instructions:
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
In a large bowl, combine the lukewarm water, yeast, and honey (or sugar). Let stand for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work its magic, resulting in a lighter, airier loaf.
Step 2: Combine Wet Ingredients
Add the softened butter to the yeast mixture. Stir until melted and combined.
Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, salt, and wheat bran (if using). Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 4: Knead the Dough
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes, or until the dough is smooth and elastic. If using a stand mixer, knead with the dough hook attachment for 6-8 minutes. This step develops the gluten, resulting in a chewier, more flavorful bread.
Step 5: First Rise
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
Step 6: Shape and Second Rise
Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape it into a round or oval loaf. Place the loaf in a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for another 45-60 minutes, or until almost doubled.
Step 7: Bake the Bread
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200°F (93°C). Use a thermometer to ensure it's perfectly baked.
Step 8: Cool and Enjoy
Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents a soggy bottom and allows for even cooling.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Wheat Bread:
- Use a Kitchen Scale: For the most accurate results, weigh your ingredients using a kitchen scale.
- Don't Overknead: Overkneading can result in a tough loaf.
- Check for Doneness: Use a bread thermometer to ensure your bread is fully baked.
- Cool Completely: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.
Variations:
- Add Seeds: Incorporate sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or flax seeds for added texture and nutrition.
- Use Different Grains: Experiment with rye flour, spelt flour, or barley flour for a unique flavor profile.
- Sweeten it Up: Add a touch of cinnamon, raisins, or cranberries for a sweeter bread.
Nutritional Information (per slice, approximate):
Calories: 150-200 Protein: 5-7g Carbohydrates: 30-40g Fiber: 3-5g
This delicious wheat bread recipe is a perfect example of homemade cooking at its finest. It's a simple yet rewarding baking experience, resulting in a wholesome and flavorful loaf that you'll be proud to share. Enjoy this addition to your best recipes collection!