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Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread: Soft, Hearty, and Ready for Your Kitchen

A freshly baked loaf of whole wheat bread with one thick slice leaning against it on a white plate.
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You can bake a soft, hearty loaf of whole wheat bread at home with this simple recipe. It is perfect for sandwiches or toast, and you will love the fresh, wholesome flavor.

Ingredients

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  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 cup warm water (105-115 degrees F)
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (plus more for dusting)

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy. This shows the yeast is active—give yourself a kudos for starting strong!
  2. Stir in the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
  3. Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Add the all-purpose flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 6 to 8 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You are building structure now—great job!
  6. Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  7. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  8. Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  9. Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has almost doubled. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190 degrees F.
  11. Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. Enjoy the aroma—that is success!

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
  • If you want a slightly sweeter loaf, increase the honey to 1/3 cup.
  • This recipe makes a wonderful base for homemade whole wheat sandwich bread.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchnkudos.com/easy-whole-wheat-bread-recipe/