Are you ready to elevate your baking game with a recipe that not only fills your home with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked bread but also nourishes your body? Look no further than Mrs. Stutzman's Homemade Wheat Bread! This delightful recipe yields two loaves of wholesome goodness, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a pat of butter. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a little bit of love, you can create a warm, hearty bread that will have your family asking for seconds. Dive into this article to discover the secrets of perfecting this classic American recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 2 loaves
Ingredients
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cups warm water
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons active dry yeast
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of warm water (around 110°F or 43°C) with 2 tablespoons of active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is activated.
- Add 1/4 cup of honey and 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil to the yeast mixture. Stir until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, measure out 4 cups of whole wheat flour and 2 teaspoons of salt. Mix the salt into the flour to ensure even distribution.
- Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or spatula until a dough begins to form.
- Once the dough starts to come together, transfer it onto a floured surface. Knead the dough for about 8-10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as needed.
- Form the kneaded dough into a ball and place it in a lightly greased bowl. Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free area for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release the air. Divide the dough into two equal portions.
- Shape each portion into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle, then rolling it tightly from one short end to the other. Pinch the seams to seal the loaves.
- Place the shaped loaves into two greased 9x5 inch loaf pans. Cover them again with a towel and let them rise for another 30 minutes, or until they have risen slightly above the edges of the pans.
- While the loaves are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the loaves have risen, place them in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the tops are golden brown and the loaves sound hollow when tapped.
- Remove the loaves from the oven and let them cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade wheat bread fresh, or store it in an airtight container for later use.
Tips
- Ensure Proper Yeast Activation: Make sure your water is warm but not too hot—around 110°F (43°C) is ideal. If the water is too hot, it can kill the yeast, preventing your bread from rising.
- Kneading Technique: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic. This process is crucial for developing the gluten, which gives your bread its structure. If the dough feels too sticky, don’t hesitate to sprinkle in a little more flour as you knead.
- Rising Environment: For the best rise, find a warm, draft-free spot in your kitchen. You can also turn on your oven for a few minutes, then turn it off and place the covered dough inside to create a cozy environment for rising.
- Check for Doneness: When baking, tap the top of the loaves gently; if they sound hollow, they’re done! This is a classic baker's trick to ensure your bread is perfectly baked.
- Cooling Time: Allow your bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps to set the crumb and enhances the flavor, making each slice even more enjoyable.
- Storage: To keep your bread fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. You can also freeze slices for later enjoyment—just make sure to wrap them well!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 22g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
