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Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

4.9 from 17 reviews

This Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread recipe transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a soft, flavorful loaf with a subtle sweetness and nutty taste. Perfect for beginners, it uses 100% whole wheat flour, honey, olive oil, and yeast to deliver a healthy bread option that fills your home with a comforting aroma.

Ingredients

Scale

Wet Ingredients

  • 1 cup warm water (about 110°F)
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Dry Ingredients

  • 1 packet (2 1/4 teaspoons) active dry yeast
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups 100% whole wheat flour

Instructions

  1. Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of warm water, 2 tablespoons honey, and 1 packet active dry yeast. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy, indicating the yeast is alive and active.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Stir 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 1/2 teaspoons salt into the yeast mixture, blending well.
  3. Add Flour: Gradually add 3 cups of whole wheat flour into the wet mixture, stirring continuously until a soft dough forms.
  4. Knead Dough: Transfer dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 6-8 minutes until it becomes smooth and slightly elastic, which develops the gluten for good texture.
  5. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let it rise in a warm spot for about 1 hour or until it doubles in size, allowing the yeast to ferment and create air pockets.
  6. Deflate Dough: Gently punch down the risen dough to release trapped air and prepare it for shaping.
  7. Shape Loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan for the final form.
  8. Second Rise: Cover the pan and let the dough rise again for approximately 30 minutes until it puffs up nicely.
  9. Bake Bread: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the bread for 30-40 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped. Remove from oven and allow to cool completely before slicing.

Notes

  • Ensure the water temperature is about 110°F to properly activate yeast without killing it.
  • Warm the dough in a cozy spot; if your kitchen is cold, use an off oven with a bowl of hot water nearby.
  • Knead the dough sufficiently for a smooth, elastic texture but avoid overworking it.
  • Allow the bread to cool fully before slicing to prevent a gummy interior.
  • Store leftover bread wrapped in plastic or an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 2 days or freeze for longer storage.
  • For substitutions, warm milk or almond milk can replace water, agave or maple syrup for honey, and melted butter for olive oil.

Nutrition

Keywords: whole wheat bread, homemade bread, healthy bread recipe, easy bread recipe, whole grain bread, baking bread at home, simple bread