Are you tired of store-bought bread that lacks flavor and nutrition? Get ready to transform your kitchen into a bakery with this foolproof whole wheat bread recipe that will have your family begging for more! Using a bread machine, you can effortlessly create a delicious, hearty loaf that's packed with wholesome goodness and takes minimal effort. Whether you're a baking novice or a seasoned home cook, this recipe will become your new go-to for fresh, warm bread that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 3 cups of whole wheat flour, 1/4 cup of honey, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1 tablespoon of active dry yeast, and 1 1/4 cups of warm water.
- Measure the warm water (between 100°F to 110°F) and pour it into the bread machine's baking pan. This will help activate the yeast.
- Add the honey to the warm water and stir gently until it is fully dissolved. This will add sweetness and help with the fermentation process.
- Next, add the salt to the mixture. Be careful not to let the salt come into direct contact with the yeast, as it can inhibit its activation.
- Now, add the whole wheat flour to the baking pan. Ensure that the flour covers the liquid mixture completely.
- Make a small well in the center of the flour (without reaching the liquid) and add the active dry yeast into this well. This keeps the yeast separate from the liquid until the mixing begins.
- Securely place the baking pan back into the bread machine and close the lid.
- Select the whole wheat setting on your bread machine. If your machine does not have this option, choose the basic or standard cycle, but keep in mind that the texture may vary.
- Set the crust color preference to your liking (light, medium, or dark) and start the machine. The total cycle will take approximately 3 hours.
- Once the baking cycle is complete, carefully remove the baking pan from the machine. Allow the bread to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, turn the pan upside down and gently shake it to release the bread. Place the loaf on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the bread has cooled, slice it using a serrated knife. Enjoy your homemade whole wheat bread with butter, jam, or as part of your favorite sandwich!
Tips
- Water Temperature Matters: Ensure your water is between 100°F to 110°F. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Ingredient Order is Key: Always add liquids first, then dry ingredients, with yeast added last to prevent premature activation.
- Measure Precisely: Baking is a science, so use exact measurements for consistent results.
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your active dry yeast is fresh and not expired for the best rise.
- Cooling is Crucial: Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture.
- Storage Tip: Store your homemade bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for longer preservation.
- Experiment with Variations: Try adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to customize your wheat bread and add extra nutrition and flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 57kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
