Fluffy Whole Grain Wheat Bread
This recipe for Fluffy Whole Grain Wheat Bread is a cherished family tradition, yielding two delightful loaves that are both soft and hearty. Free from white flour, this bread is made using only 100% whole grain wheat flour, ensuring a rich, nutty flavor and a beautiful brown color. Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or simply slathered with your favorite spread, this bread epitomizes the joy of homemade baking. With the help of modern stand mixers, you can achieve the perfect dough without all the traditional kneading labor. The unique balance of ingredients for this bread results in a fluffy, yet satisfying texture—perfect for anyone who has dismissed whole wheat bread as dense and dry. The hints of honey and molasses add a subtle sweetness that complements the earthy tones of the wheat. Give it a try and bring the wholesome goodness of whole grain bread to your table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Hot Water
2 3/4 cups (Heat to just below boiling)
Olive Oil
1/3 cup (Any oil can be used)
Honey
1/3 cup (Liquid)
Molasses
2 tablespoons (Liquid)
Sea Salt
1 tablespoon (Optional: Use to taste)
100% Whole Grain Wheat Flour
7 1/2 cups (Use as needed, up to this amount)
Dry Active Yeast
2 tablespoons (Add directly or proof in warm water first)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the hot water, olive oil, honey, molasses, and salt. Stir until well mixed.
2
Add 2 cups of whole grain wheat flour to cool the mixture, then mix again until well incorporated.
3
Sprinkle in the dry active yeast and allow it to activate for a few minutes. If unsure about the yeast's potency, proof it in a small amount of warm water first.
4
Gradually add 4 cups of whole grain wheat flour, stirring until the mixture reaches a uniform consistency.
5
Continue to add flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl. The dough should feel tacky but should not stick excessively. Aim for a total of 6 ½ to 7 ½ cups flour, adjusting for desired consistency.
6
Once the dough has formed, cover the bowl and let it rise in a warm place for 30-45 minutes. It should increase in size but doesn’t need to double.
7
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease two bread pans with Crisco and, optionally, dust them with flour.
8
Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface. Shape the dough into a ball, ensuring to use flour so that it’s not sticky.
9
Divide the dough into two equal portions and shape each into a smooth loaf by tucking the edges under repeatedly. Place the shaped loaves seam-side down in the prepared pans.
10
Allow the loaves to rise until they are almost doubled in size.
11
Bake in the preheated oven for 36 minutes, adjusting to 41 minutes if necessary depending on your oven.
12
Remove the bread from the pans and set on a rack to cool completely before slicing. Enjoy while warm with real butter, and store in foil once cooled to avoid condensation.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main characteristic of Fluffy Whole Grain Wheat Bread?
This bread is 100% whole grain, soft, and hearty, featuring a rich, nutty flavor and a fluffy texture without being dense or dry.
How many loaves does this recipe produce?
This recipe yields two delightful loaves of bread.
Does this recipe use any white flour?
No, this recipe is free from white flour and uses only 100% whole grain wheat flour.
What type of yeast is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of dry active yeast.
How much water is needed and at what temperature?
You will need 2 3/4 cups of hot water, heated to just below boiling.
What sweeteners are used in this whole grain bread?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of molasses for a subtle sweetness.
Can I use a different type of oil than olive oil?
Yes, while 1/3 cup of olive oil is suggested, any oil can be used for this recipe.
How do I ensure the hot water doesn't kill the yeast?
Add 2 cups of whole grain wheat flour to the hot water mixture to cool it down before sprinkling in the yeast.
Should I proof the yeast before adding it?
You can add it directly, but if you are unsure about the yeast's potency, it is recommended to proof it in a small amount of warm water first.
What is the total amount of flour used in the dough?
The total amount of flour is typically between 6 1/2 and 7 1/2 cups, depending on the desired consistency.
How do I know when I have added enough flour?
Add flour until the dough no longer sticks to the sides of the bowl; it should feel tacky but not excessively sticky.
How long should the first rise take?
The dough should rise in a warm place for 30 to 45 minutes.
Does the dough need to double in size during the first rise?
No, it should increase in size but does not need to reach a full double volume during the first rise.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
How should I prepare the bread pans?
Grease two bread pans with Crisco and optionally dust them with flour to prevent sticking.
How do I shape the loaves?
Divide the dough into two equal portions and tuck the edges under repeatedly to form a smooth loaf shape.
What is the second rising process?
After placing the shaped loaves in the pans, allow them to rise until they have almost doubled in size.
How long does the bread need to bake?
Bake for 36 minutes, or up to 41 minutes depending on your specific oven.
How should the bread be cooled?
Remove the loaves from the pans immediately and set them on a wire rack to cool completely.
What is the best way to store the finished bread?
Once completely cooled, store the bread in foil to prevent condensation and keep it fresh.
Is it necessary to use a stand mixer?
While you can knead by hand, a modern stand mixer helps achieve the perfect dough without traditional labor.
What kind of salt is best for this recipe?
The recipe recommends 1 tablespoon of Sea Salt, though you can adjust to taste.
Why is it important to use flour when shaping the dough?
Using flour on your hands and surface ensures the dough is not sticky while you are shaping it into loaves.
What can I serve with this bread?
It is excellent with real butter, honey, or your favorite sandwich fillings.
Is this bread suitable for sandwiches?
Yes, its soft and fluffy texture makes it ideal for sandwiches and toast.
What flavor profile can I expect?
Expect a rich, nutty flavor with subtle sweetness from the honey and molasses.
How do I handle the dough after the first rise?
Gently deflate the risen dough and transfer it to a floured surface for shaping.
What color is the crumb of this bread?
Because it uses 100% whole grain wheat flour, the bread has a beautiful brown color.
Can this recipe be halved?
While the recipe makes two loaves, you can halve the ingredients to make a single loaf.
Why is molasses added to the dough?
Molasses adds earthy tones and a deeper color to the whole grain bread.