Tender Whole Wheat Bread with Soft Crust
This Tender Whole Wheat Bread with Soft Crust is a delightful twist on traditional whole wheat bread recipes. Crafted to offer a soft and welcoming crust, this bread not only stays fresh longer but also boasts a rich, wholesome flavor that everyone will enjoy. Ideal for sandwiches, toasting or simply savoring with a pat of butter. I've shared this recipe on my blog, and it has received numerous heartfelt praises from my readers. Elevate your baking game with this nutritious yet indulgent bread that’s sure to become a family favorite.
20
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
whole wheat bread flour
3 - 4 cups (Measured)
vital wheat gluten
1/2 cup (Measured)
salt
1 teaspoon (Measured)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (Measured)
honey
4 tablespoons (Measured)
warm water
1 1/2 cups (Heated to 110-120 degrees)
yeast
1 (1/4 ounce) package or 4 teaspoons (Measured)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat bread flour, vital wheat gluten, and salt. Set aside.
2
In a separate bowl, combine the warm water (between 110-120 degrees Fahrenheit), olive oil, honey, and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy.
3
Gradually add the flour mixture into the wet ingredients, either by hand or using a Kitchen Aid mixer. Stir until the dough pulls away from the sides of the bowl. You may need to adjust the flour amount, but typically, it will be around 3 1/2 cups.
4
Continue mixing and kneading the dough. If using a mixer, knead for 7-8 minutes. For hand kneading, aim for 10-12 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
5
Once kneaded, place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover it with a towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm environment for about 1 hour or until it has doubled in size.
6
After it has risen, gently punch down the dough to release air. Turn it out onto a floured surface and form it into a round shape. Cut the dough in half with a serrated knife.
7
Shape each half into a rectangular loaf and place them in greased loaf pans.
8
Cover the loaves and allow them to rise again for about 45 minutes or until nearly doubled in size.
9
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Once the loaves have risen, bake them for 25-30 minutes. They are done when they sound hollow when tapped on the bottom.
10
Remove from the oven and let cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring the loaves to a wire rack.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tender Whole Wheat Bread with Soft Crust?
It is a nutritious yeast bread designed for a soft crust and rich flavor, ideal for sandwiches or toast.
What temperature should the warm water be?
The water should be heated to between 110 and 120 degrees Fahrenheit for the yeast to activate properly.
How much vital wheat gluten is needed for this recipe?
This recipe requires 1/2 cup of vital wheat gluten.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe makes approximately 20 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
What are the dry ingredients in this bread?
The dry ingredients include whole wheat bread flour, vital wheat gluten, and salt.
What are the wet ingredients used?
The wet ingredients are warm water, olive oil, honey, and yeast.
How long should the yeast mixture sit before adding flour?
Let the yeast mixture sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes frothy.
How much whole wheat bread flour should I use?
You should use between 3 and 4 cups of flour, typically around 3.5 cups until the dough pulls away from the bowl.
How long should I knead the dough with a mixer?
If using a mixer, knead the dough for 7 to 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
How long should I knead the dough by hand?
For hand kneading, aim for 10 to 12 minutes.
How long is the first rising period?
The first rise should take about 1 hour or until the dough has doubled in size.
How long is the second rise after shaping the loaves?
The second rise should last about 45 minutes or until the loaves are nearly doubled.
How do I shape the dough into loaves?
Cut the dough in half with a serrated knife and shape each half into a rectangular loaf.
How can I tell if the bread is finished baking?
The bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
How much honey is included in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of honey.
How much olive oil is required?
You will need 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
How much salt is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of salt.
What type of flour is best for this recipe?
Whole wheat bread flour is recommended for the best results.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes 2 loaves of bread.
Where should I let the dough rise?
Place the dough in an oiled bowl in a warm environment, covered with a towel or plastic wrap.
What is the purpose of adding vital wheat gluten?
It helps the whole wheat dough become more elastic and results in a softer bread texture.
What is the total baking time?
The loaves should bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
When should I remove the bread from the pans?
Let the loaves cool in the pans for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack.
What category of food does this recipe fall under?
This recipe is categorized under Yeast Breads.
What are some tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include whole wheat bread, soft crust, yeast bread, homemade bread, and healthy baking.
Is the crust on this bread soft or hard?
This bread is specifically crafted to have a soft and welcoming crust.
Why do you punch down the dough?
Punching down the dough releases air bubbles that formed during the first rise.
How much yeast is used in this recipe?
You can use either 1 (1/4 ounce) package or 4 teaspoons of yeast.
What tool is recommended for cutting the dough?
A serrated knife is recommended for cutting the dough in half.