Are you ready to elevate your baking skills and create a mouthwatering whole wheat bread that will make your kitchen smell like a artisan bakery? This King Arthur Classic Whole Wheat bread recipe is not just a simple loaf – it's a journey of flavor, nutrition, and pure culinary satisfaction that will have your family and friends begging for more!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour and salt, creating a well in the center.
- In a separate small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water (around 110°F) and add honey. Let the mixture sit for 5-7 minutes until it becomes frothy and activated.
- Pour the yeast mixture into the flour well and begin mixing with a wooden spoon or your hands until a shaggy dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic, with a slight resistance when stretched.
- Place the kneaded dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
- Punch down the risen dough to release air bubbles and shape it into a loaf. Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5 inch loaf pan.
- Cover the loaf and let it rise again for 30-45 minutes until it has risen just above the pan's edge.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) during the final rising period.
- Optional: Brush the top of the loaf with water or egg wash for a golden crust.
- Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Ensure your water is precisely 110°F when activating the yeast. Too hot, and you'll kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate properly.
- Kneading Technique: Don't rush the kneading process. The 8-10 minute window is crucial for developing gluten and creating that perfect bread texture.
- Rising Environment: Find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen for rising. A slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a sunny window works perfectly.
- Moisture Matters: If the dough seems too dry, add water a teaspoon at a time. If too wet, sprinkle a little extra flour.
- Golden Crust Hack: For an extra beautiful finish, brush the top with an egg wash or water before baking to achieve that professional bakery look.
- Cooling is Crucial: Always let your bread cool completely before slicing to allow the internal structure to set properly.
- Storage Tip: Store your freshly baked bread in an airtight container or bread box to maintain its moisture and freshness for several days.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 260kcal
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 10g
Fat: 2g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
