Why You’ll Love This Wheat Bread Recipe
You’re going to love this wheat bread recipe for its incredible flavor and wholesome ingredients.
I can’t get enough of the warm, nutty aroma that fills my kitchen while it bakes. Each slice is tender, yet hearty, making it perfect for sandwiches or simply slathered with butter.
Plus, the satisfaction of making it from scratch is unbeatable! You’ll feel great knowing exactly what’s in your bread—no preservatives or additives.
It’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into my busy life, allowing me to enjoy fresh, delicious bread whenever I want.
Trust me; this is a game-changer for your baking routine!
Ingredients of Wheat Bread
When it comes to making your own bread, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. This wheat bread recipe calls for a handful of wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the fact that you know exactly what goes into your bread. No mystery ingredients here, just good old-fashioned baking goodness. So, let’s gather our supplies and get ready to roll up our sleeves!
Ingredients for Wheat Bread:
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon yeast
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1/8 cup vegetable oil
- 1/8 cup soymilk
- 2 cups unbleached white flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Now, let’s talk about those ingredients for a moment. First off, the warmth of the water is key; it helps activate the yeast, so don’t go using cold water unless you want to send your yeast into a deep slumber.
Molasses adds a rich sweetness and a beautiful color to your bread, while whole wheat flour brings in that nutty flavor and hearty texture we all love. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the vegetable oil for something like olive oil for a bit of flavor twist.
And hey, if you’re not a fan of soymilk, any non-dairy milk will do just fine! Just think of this recipe as a canvas, and you can add your own touch. After all, baking should be fun, right?
How to Make Wheat Bread
Making wheat bread is like inviting a warm hug into your kitchen. It’s an experience that starts with a simple mix of ingredients and ends with the delightful aroma of freshly baked bread. So, let’s explore how to make this wholesome loaf.
First things first, grab yourself a large bowl and pour in 1 1/4 cups of warm water**. If you’re like me, you might just throw in a splash of water and hope for the best, but trust me, warm is the way to go. Once you’ve got that cozy temperature, sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of yeast and 1/4 cup of molasses. Give it a gentle stir and let it sit for about 5 minutes. You should see bubbles forming**, which means your yeast is waking up and ready to party.
Next, toss in 1 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour**** and mix until it’s all combined. Now, cover that bowl with a towel and let it sit in a warm spot—this is where the magic happens. You can leave it for 20 minutes or even up to a day, just depending on your schedule. I once left mine for a whole day because, well, life happened, and it turned out great.
After your dough has had its beauty rest, it’s time to add more ingredients. Pour in 1/8 cup of vegetable oil****, 1/8 cup of soymilk**, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt**. Stir it all together until it’s well mixed.
Now comes the fun part: adding 2 cups of unbleached white flour**. Start with 1/2 cup at a time. You’ll notice it gets denser, and soon you’ll be kneading** that dough right in the bowl. Don’t worry if it feels a bit sticky; that’s just part of the process. Knead it for about 5 to 10 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic—think of it as your mini workout for the day.
Once it’s ready, divide your dough into two equal pieces, shape them into loaves, and place them in two greased 8 1/2 x 4 1/2-inch bread pans. Cover them again with a towel and let them double in size, which should take about an hour to an hour and a half.
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for—baking. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F and pop those loaves in for about 35 to 40 minutes. If you decided to make rolls, adjust the temperature to 375 degrees F and bake them for about 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them; they should be golden brown and sound hollow when you tap them.
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool before slicing. And just like that, you’ve made your own delicious wheat bread. Who knew baking could be so satisfying?
Wheat Bread Substitutions & Variations
Exploring substitutions and variations for wheat bread opens up a world of creativity in the kitchen.
If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using almond or coconut flour instead of whole wheat. Adding seeds like sunflower or flax can boost nutrition and texture.
For a sweeter touch, swap the molasses for honey or maple syrup. You can also incorporate herbs or spices, like rosemary or cinnamon, to give your bread a unique flavor.
If you want to experiment, blend in other flours, such as rye or spelt, to create a delightful mix. The possibilities are endless!
Additional Tips & Notes
Although baking wheat bread can be straightforward, a few tips can enhance your results.
Always use warm water to activate the yeast efficiently; too hot will kill it. I recommend measuring your flour properly—scooping can add too much.
If you want a softer crust, brush the loaves with melted vegan butter right after baking. For added flavor, consider incorporating seeds or nuts into the dough.
Finally, let the bread cool completely before slicing to prevent a gummy texture. Trust me, these little adjustments can make a big difference in your baking experience and the final product!
Enjoy your delicious bread!