Bread is a universal favorite among both kids and adults. Its versatility shines through breakfast toast or a fulfilling sandwich for lunch. Despite its popularity, the presence of preservatives in store-bought bread often leads parents to seek healthier alternatives. This whole wheat bread recipe is not only simple to prepare at home but also ensures that your family enjoys all the goodness of bread without any guilt.
Opt for white whole wheat flour for this recipe to achieve the best texture and taste. Contrary to what its name might suggest, white whole wheat flour is derived from hard white winter wheat and retains 100% of the whole grain. It boasts a lighter color and a finer texture than traditional wheat flour, making it ideal for baking a loaf that’s soft and delicious while being rich in fiber and nutrients.
While bread-making might seem daunting due to its time investment, the end product will undoubtedly justify the effort. This recipe is designed for convenience and can be executed with or without a stand mixer, yielding the same delicious results. The bread can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week, ready to be enjoyed anytime.
Ingredients
- 4 cups white whole wheat flour
- 1 packet dry yeast (active)
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup milk
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
Preparation Steps
- Start by greasing a 9″ x 5″ loaf pan and setting it aside.
- In your mixer’s bowl, combine 2 cups of flour with the yeast, sugar, and salt.
- Warm the water, milk, and butter until it’s comfortably warm to touch.
- Gradually pour the warm mixture into the flour blend, mixing at medium speed for 2 minutes. After scraping the sides of the bowl, mix for an additional 30 seconds.
- Incorporate the remaining flour, then mix at high speed for 2 minutes. Scrape the bowl again and mix for another 30 seconds.
- When a soft dough forms, transfer it to a floured surface and knead until smooth, which should take about 8-10 minutes.
- Shape the dough into a loaf, place it in the greased pan, cover, and let it rise in a warm spot until it doubles in size, about an hour.
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the bread for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Remove the loaf from the pan and cool it on a wire rack before slicing. This patience ensures the steam inside the bread settles, preventing the slices from becoming soggy.
For an extra health kick, consider adding seeds or oats to the batter or sprinkling some on top before baking. This whole wheat bread, once tried, will become a staple in your home, cherished by adults and kids alike for its wholesome goodness and irresistible taste.