Are you ready to elevate your bread-baking game with a wholesome twist? Dive into the delightful world of Honey Wheat Germ Bread, where the natural sweetness of honey meets the nutty flavor of wheat germ, creating a loaf that’s not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Imagine the warm aroma wafting through your kitchen as this golden-brown beauty bakes to perfection. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this easy-to-follow recipe will have you impressing family and friends in no time. Get ready to indulge in a slice of heaven that’s perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or a cozy snack!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 35 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups whole wheat flour
- 1/2 cup wheat germ
- 1 packet active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine 1 cup of warm water (about 110°F or 43°C) with 1 packet of active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy. This indicates that the yeast is active.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of whole wheat flour, 1/2 cup of wheat germ, and 1 teaspoon of salt until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of honey and 1/4 cup of vegetable oil. Once the yeast mixture is frothy, add it to the honey and oil mixture.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir with a wooden spoon or spatula until the dough begins to come together.
- Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for about 5-7 minutes until it is smooth and elastic. If the dough is too sticky, add 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 place for about 30 minutes, or until it has doubled in size.
- After the dough has risen, punch it down to release any air bubbles. Shape the dough into a loaf by flattening it into a rectangle and rolling it tightly from one end to the other.
- Place the shaped loaf into a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan. Cover it again with the kitchen towel and let it rise for another 15-20 minutes, or until it has risen just above the rim of the pan.
- While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Once the dough has risen, place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
- Enjoy your homemade Honey Wheat Germ Bread fresh or toasted with your favorite spread!
Tips
- Check Your Yeast: Make sure your yeast is fresh and active. If it doesn’t froth after 5-10 minutes, it may be expired, and you'll need to start over for the best results.
- Knead for Texture: Kneading the dough is crucial for developing gluten, which gives the bread its structure. Don’t rush this step—aim for a smooth and elastic texture.
- Warm Rising Spot: For optimal rising, place your dough in a warm, draft-free area. You can even turn on your oven for a minute, then turn it off and place the dough inside to rise.
- Don’t Skip the Punch Down: After the first rise, punching down the dough helps release air bubbles and makes for a more even crumb in your finished bread.
- Perfect Baking: To check if your bread is done, tap the bottom of the loaf. If it sounds hollow, it’s ready! Keep an eye on the color—it should be a beautiful golden brown.
- Cool Completely: Allow your bread to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. This helps set the texture and makes for cleaner slices.
- Storage Tips: Store your bread in an airtight container or bag at room temperature for up to three days, or freeze it for longer storage.Enjoy the process and the delicious results of your homemade Honey Wheat Germ Bread!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
