Whole Wheat Raisin Bread Recipe: A Nutritious and Delicious Treat

Whole wheat raisin bread is a healthy and delicious choice for breakfast or as a snack. Packed with the goodness of whole grains and the natural sweetness of raisins, this bread is both nutritious and satisfying. In this guide, we'll provide a detailed recipe for making whole wheat raisin bread, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and tips for perfecting your loaf.

1. Key Ingredients

a. Dry Ingredients

  • Whole Wheat Flour: Provides fiber and nutrients, giving the bread a hearty texture.
  • Active Dry Yeast: Leavens the bread, making it rise and giving it a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances the flavor of the bread.
  • Cinnamon: Adds a warm, sweet-spicy flavor that complements the raisins.

b. Wet Ingredients

  • Warm Water: Activates the yeast and hydrates the flour.
  • Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps keep the bread moist.
  • Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps keep the bread tender.

c. Add-ins

  • Raisins: Provide natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
  • Nuts (optional): Adds crunch and extra nutrition, such as walnuts or pecans.

whole wheat raisin bread recipe

2. Step-by-Step Recipe

a. Preparation

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup warm water (110°F or 45°C)
  • 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup raisins
  • 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)

b. Instructions

Step 1: Activate the Yeast

  1. Combine Yeast and Water: In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in the warm water. Let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until it becomes frothy.

Step 2: Mix the Dough

  1. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, salt, and ground cinnamon.

  2. Add Wet Ingredients: Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and pour in the frothy yeast mixture, honey, and olive oil. Mix until a dough forms.

  3. Add Raisins and Nuts: Fold in the raisins and nuts (if using) until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 3: Knead the Dough

  1. Knead: Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead for about 10 minutes until it is smooth and elastic.

  2. First Rise: Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until doubled in size.

whole wheat raisin bread recipe

Step 4: Shape the Dough

  1. Punch Down the Dough: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air.

  2. Shape the Loaf: Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan.

Step 5: Second Rise

  1. Cover and Rise: Cover the loaf with a kitchen towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.

Step 6: Bake

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bake: Bake the bread for about 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
  3. Cool: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

3. Tips for Perfect Whole Wheat Raisin Bread

a. Proper Yeast Activation

  • Temperature Check: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to properly activate the yeast without killing it.
  • Fresh Yeast: Use fresh yeast for the best rise and texture.

b. Kneading Technique

  • Elastic Dough: Knead the dough until it is smooth and elastic to develop the gluten properly.

c. Rising Environment

  • Warm Place: Let the dough rise in a warm, draft-free area for the best results.

d. Baking Tips

  • Check Doneness: Bread is done when it sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • Cool Completely: Let the bread cool completely before slicing to avoid a gummy texture.

4. Serving Suggestions

a. Breakfast

  • Toasted with Butter: Serve slices toasted with a smear of butter or cream cheese.
  • French Toast: Use slices to make a delicious and hearty French toast.

b. Snacks

  • Nut Butter: Spread with almond or peanut butter for a nutritious snack.
  • Cheese: Pair with slices of cheese for a savory-sweet combination.

c. Storage

  • Room Temperature: Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze slices in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature or toast from frozen.

Conclusion

Whole wheat raisin bread is a wholesome and delicious option for any time of day. With its blend of whole grains, natural sweetness, and easy preparation, this recipe is perfect for both novice and experienced bakers. Follow this guide to create a loaf of bread that is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying.




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