Bake a soft, fluffy, and wholesome loaf of 100% whole wheat bread at home. This easy recipe is perfect for beginners and yields bread ideal for sandwiches and toast.
Author:cookingbymia
Prep Time:20 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:2 hr 5 min
Yield:1 loaf 1x
Category:Baking
Method:Yeast Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup warm water (105-115°F)
2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
1/4 cup honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (optional, for a softer crumb)
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine the warm water and yeast. Let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Stir the honey, melted butter, and salt into the yeast mixture.
Gradually add the whole wheat flour, mixing until a shaggy dough forms. If using, mix in the all-purpose flour now.
Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 5 to 7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. You are looking for a soft, manageable dough.
Lightly grease a large bowl. 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 place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size. This long rise time develops flavor.
Gently punch down the dough. Shape it into a uniform loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
Cover the pan loosely and let the dough rise again for 30 to 45 minutes, or until it has crowned about 1 inch above the rim of the pan. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 190°F (88°C).
Remove the loaf from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing for the best texture.
Notes
For a crispier crust, brush the top of the loaf with water right before baking.
If your kitchen is cool, place the covered dough in a turned-off oven with the light on for a consistent rising temperature.
This **best whole wheat bread recipe** works well for making homemade bread that is perfect for toast.