Whole Wheat Bran Bread
Whole wheat bran bread offers hearty flavor with a chewy texture, perfect for breakfast or sandwiches. Its wholesome ingredients appeal to health-conscious bread lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a saucepan, combine 1 cup water and milk.
- Bring to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in cereal, butter, molasses, sugar, and salt.
- Cool to lukewarm.
- Heat remaining water to 110° to 115° and pour into a large mixing bowl.
- Sprinkle with yeast and stir until dissolved.
- Add cereal mixture and whole wheat flour.
- Beat well. Add enough all-purpose flour to make a stiff dough.
- Turn out onto a floured surface.
- Knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes.
- Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Punch the dough down.
- Shape into two loaves and place in greased 8 x 4 x 2-inch loaf pans.
- Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Bake at 400° for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Yield: 2 loaves.
- If cooking for two, wrap one loaf in heavy-duty aluminum foil and freeze to enjoy later.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor of your Whole Wheat Bran Bread, consider adding a tablespoon of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the dry ingredients. If you don't have dark molasses, you can substitute with honey or light molasses for a milder taste. Make sure to knead the dough well for the best texture; it should be smooth and elastic before rising.
Serving Suggestions
This Whole Wheat Bran Bread is delicious on its own or served with butter and jam for breakfast. It pairs beautifully with Orange Roughy With Peppers for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, enjoy it alongside a fresh salad or soup. You can also slice it for sandwiches, making it versatile for lunch or snacks.
Storage & Reheating
Once cooled, store the bread in an airtight container or wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it fresh. It can also be frozen for up to three months. To reheat, simply thaw at room temperature and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to restore its freshness.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whole Wheat Bran Bread contains roughly 2911 calories, with 47g protein, 137g carbohydrates, and 250g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (120% of the Daily Value), protein (94% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (77% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% 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 different types of flour in this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute part of the whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour or use a gluten-free flour blend if desired. Just keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly. Adjust the liquid amounts as needed based on the flour used.
What should I do if my dough doesn't rise?
If your dough doesn't rise, it may be due to inactive yeast. Ensure your yeast is fresh and check the water temperature during activation—it should be between 110° to 115°F. If the dough doesn’t rise after the first hour, try placing it in a warmer location or giving it more time.
How can I tell when the bread is done baking?
The bread is done when it has a golden-brown crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. You can also use a thermometer; the internal temperature should reach around 190°F. If you’re unsure, let it bake a few extra minutes, checking periodically.
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).