Print

Easy Homemade Whole Wheat Bread: Soft and Hearty Loaf

A golden-crusted loaf of homemade whole wheat bread, sliced open to show the soft, airy interior, resting on a white plate.
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

You can bake soft, hearty whole wheat bread at home with this simple recipe. Enjoy the comforting aroma and delicious flavor of fresh-baked bread perfect for sandwiches or toast.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups warm water (105-115 degrees F)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 4 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Sprinkle the yeast over the top and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until foamy. This shows your yeast is active.
  2. Add the olive oil, whole wheat flour, and salt to the yeast mixture.
  3. Mix the ingredients with a wooden spoon or a stand mixer with a dough hook until a shaggy dough forms.
  4. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8 to 10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic. If you are using a stand mixer, knead on medium-low speed for about 6 to 8 minutes.
  5. Lightly grease a large bowl with olive oil. Place the dough in the bowl, turning it once to coat. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a clean kitchen towel.
  6. Let the dough rise in a warm place for 1 to 1 1/2 hours, or until it has doubled in size. This first rise develops the flavor.
  7. Gently punch down the dough to release the air. Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  8. Cover the loaf pan loosely and let the dough rise again in a warm spot for 30 to 45 minutes, or until the dough has crowned about 1 inch over the rim of the pan.
  9. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) during the last 15 minutes of the second rise.
  10. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 200 degrees F.
  11. Remove the bread from the pan immediately and let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This step is important for the texture.

Notes

  • For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with melted butter immediately after removing it from the oven.
  • If you want a slightly sweeter loaf for toast, increase the honey to 1/4 cup.
  • This recipe makes a fantastic base for homemade bread that is wholesome and delicious.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/easy-homemade-whole-wheat-bread-soft-hearty/