Pull Apart Whole Wheat Bread
Pull apart whole wheat bread features a soft, hearty texture with a slightly sweet and nutty flavor, perfect for sharing and suitable for breakfast or snack times.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream shortening with sugar, reserving about 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Add yeast to warm water with the reserved sugar and let it activate.
- Add beaten egg, salt, yeast mixture, water, and All Bran to the creamed shortening and sugar.
- Gradually add flour until a soft dough forms.
- Place the dough in a greased bowl and let rise until doubled in size.
- Knead the dough lightly and form into small balls.
- Roll each ball in melted butter.
- Stack the buttered balls in a greased bundt pan.
- Let the stacked dough rise until doubled in size.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, consider using a combination of whole wheat and all-purpose flour. You can substitute the shortening with coconut oil for a healthier fat option. If you prefer a sweeter bread, add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the yeast mixture. Make sure the water is warm but not hot to avoid killing the yeast.
Serving Suggestions
This pull apart whole wheat bread is delightful served warm with butter or your favorite spread. It pairs beautifully with Aunt Minnie's Jam Cake for a sweet treat. Consider serving it alongside soups or salads for a hearty meal. You can also enjoy it for breakfast with a smear of cream cheese or alongside Super Hot Chocolate Mix on a chilly day.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover pull apart bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. To keep it fresh longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week. For reheating, place slices in a toaster or warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pull Apart Whole Wheat Bread contains roughly 147 calories, with 4g protein, 23g carbohydrates, and 5g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1025mg per serving (45% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use instant yeast instead of dry yeast?
Yes, you can use instant yeast as a substitute. Just add it directly to the dry ingredients without needing to activate it in water first. This will save you a little time, and the bread should still rise beautifully.
What if my dough doesn't rise properly?
If your dough doesn't rise, it could be due to inactive yeast or an unsuitable environment. Make sure your yeast is fresh and that you're letting the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area. You can try placing it in a slightly warm oven (turned off) or near a warm stove.
Can I freeze the bread after baking?
Absolutely! To freeze, wrap the cooled bread tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw it at room temperature and warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).