Why You’ll Love This Easy Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
When it comes to homemade bread, there’s something truly delightful about the aroma of freshly baked whole wheat bread filling your kitchen.
You’ll love how simple this recipe is; it takes minimal effort but yields incredible flavor. The nutty taste of whole wheat combined with honey and peanut butter creates a unique profile that’s both satisfying and wholesome.
Plus, it’s versatile! Whether you enjoy it straight out of the oven or toasted with your favorite spread, each bite feels like a warm hug.
Trust me, once you try this easy recipe, you’ll never want store-bought bread again!
Ingredients of Easy Whole Wheat Bread
Making homemade bread is like giving your kitchen a warm hug. There’s just something magical about mixing together simple ingredients and transforming them into a delicious loaf that fills the air with a delightful aroma.
And this Easy Whole Wheat Bread recipe is no exception! With its nutty flavor and a hint of sweetness from honey and peanut butter, it’s a treat that feels wholesome and satisfying. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, so you can impress your family or friends without spending all day in the kitchen.
Are you ready to explore the ingredients?
Here’s what you’ll need for this Easy Whole Wheat Bread:
- 2 3/4 cups nutty wheat flour (a blend of white bread flour and wheaten bran)
- 1/2 cup natural bran
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds (plus a bit extra for sprinkling)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon bicarbonate of soda
- 2 cups buttermilk (or natural yogurt)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. If you’re like me, you might’ve a tendency to get a bit overwhelmed when you see a list like this. But don’t stress! Most of these ingredients are probably already sitting in your pantry or fridge.
Nutty wheat flour – you can find it in the baking aisle, or you can make your own mix if you’re feeling adventurous. And who doesn’t love the crunch of sesame seeds? They add such a nice texture.
If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry; yogurt works just as well and gives it a nice tang. Just remember to measure carefully and have fun with it. The worst that can happen is you end up with an oddly shaped loaf – but hey, that’s character, right?
And trust me, even the most imperfect bread tastes delicious fresh out of the oven!
How to Make Easy Whole Wheat Bread
Making Easy Whole Wheat Bread is almost like a dance – a delightful, rhythmic process that turns simple ingredients into something truly special.
First things first, grab a large mixing bowl and combine 2 3/4 cups of nutty wheat flour, 1/2 cup of natural bran, and 1/2 cup of sesame seeds. Oh, and don’t forget to save a few sesame seeds for sprinkling on top later; we want our loaf to look as good as it tastes. Add in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda, stirring it all together until it’s well mixed. This is the foundation of your bread, so give it a good whisk.
Now, let’s move on to the wet ingredients. In another bowl, mix together 2 cups of buttermilk (or yogurt if that’s what you have on hand), 3 tablespoons of honey, and 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. This combination is where the magic happens, as the honey adds that lovely sweetness and peanut butter gives it a rich, nutty flavor.
Once those ingredients are nicely blended, pour them into the dry mixture. Stir it all together gently until just combined. Don’t overmix it – we want that bread to have a bit of character, right?
Next, you’ll spoon the mixture into a greased 9-inch foil tart pan, making sure to smooth the top a bit. Sprinkle those reserved sesame seeds on top for a little extra flair.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can barbecue the bread by inverting another foil pan over the first one and fastening them with wet wooden clothes pegs. Cook it on a grid over moderate coals for about 45 minutes, turning it every so often.
If that sounds like too much of an adventure, no worries; you can always bake it in a greased loaf tin at 375°F for about 1 hour and 15 minutes. And if you’re in a hurry, your microwave can do the job in just 12 minutes at 70% power.
Just remember, no matter how you choose to cook it, the result will be a warm, nutty loaf that’s just begging to be slathered with butter. Enjoy the process and don’t stress about perfection – after all, even lopsided loaves can be delicious!
Easy Whole Wheat Bread Substitutions & Variations
Now that you’ve got the basics down for crafting a delicious loaf of Easy Whole Wheat Bread, let’s explore some exciting substitutions and variations to customize your creation.
You can switch half of the nutty wheat flour with crushed wheat or whole wheat flour for a different texture.
If you’re looking for extra flavor, try adding seeds like flax or sunflower instead of sesame.
For a sweeter bread, use maple syrup instead of honey.
And if you want a hint of spice, consider mixing in cinnamon or nutmeg.
These simple tweaks can make your bread uniquely yours! Enjoy experimenting!
Additional Tips & Notes
While crafting your Easy Whole Wheat Bread, it’s helpful to keep a few key tips in mind to guarantee the best results.
First, make certain your ingredients are fresh, especially the yeast, to ensure proper rising. I also recommend measuring your flour correctly; spoon it into the cup and level it off for accuracy.
If you want a softer crust, brush the top with melted butter right after baking.
Finally, allow the bread to cool completely before slicing; this helps maintain its texture. Trust me, these little details can make a big difference in your bread’s taste and appearance!