Homemade Basic Whole Wheat Bread
A simple, hearty recipe for two loaves
There is something special about the smell of fresh bread baking in the oven. This basic whole wheat bread recipe is simple, wholesome, and perfect for families, Sabbath meals, fellowship lunches, or anyone wanting a healthier homemade bread option.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!This recipe makes two loaves and combines whole wheat flour, unbleached white flour, rolled oats, flax seed, and warm water to create a hearty bread with a soft, satisfying texture.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 3 cups unbleached white flour
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 packet quick rapid-rise yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon flax seed
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds, optional
- 1 tablespoon chia seed, optional
- 1 tablespoon golden flax seed, optional
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon, optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons oil of choice
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons blackstrap molasses, optional
- 3 cups warm water
Directions
Begin by soaking the flax seeds in just enough water to soften them. Let them sit until they become gel-like. This helps create an “egg-like” texture and adds moisture to the bread.
In one bowl, combine all the dry ingredients. In another bowl, combine the wet ingredients. Add the flax seed mixture to the wet ingredients, then gradually mix the dry and wet ingredients together. Adding them slowly helps make the dough easier to manage.
Once combined, knead the dough for at least 10 minutes to help develop the gluten. You may need to lightly flour your kneading surface before removing the dough from the bowl.
Place the dough in a slightly oiled bowl, cover it, and allow it to rest for 30 minutes. After resting, turn the dough out of the bowl, form it into two loaves, and allow the loaves to rise for at least 1 hour.
Place the loaves into well-oiled loaf pans. Preheat the oven and bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes, or until golden brown. The bread is done when it begins to separate from the sides of the pan.
Sister Mura’s Helpful Tips
For the best results, whisk the flour before measuring and avoid packing it tightly into the measuring cup. Packed flour can affect how well the bread rises.
Sister Mura also recommends using half milk and half water for the 3 cups of liquid. Soy milk, oat milk, or another milk alternative can be used, but it should be warm before adding it to the recipe.
She sometimes skips the first 30-minute rise and forms the loaves immediately, allowing them to rise for about 2 hours instead. Coconut oil or olive oil both work well, depending on what is available.
For a softer, less dry bread, add a little more oil. For a sweeter bread, increase the honey slightly. And when kneading, using a quarter-turn motion makes the process easier.
Final Thought
This whole wheat bread is more than just a recipe. It is a simple reminder that nourishing food does not have to be complicated. With a few basic ingredients, a little patience, and a warm oven, you can create bread that is hearty, wholesome, and made with love.
