Brown Bread Recipe: A Delicious and Healthy Loaf
Are you ready to bake your own delicious and wholesome brown bread? This recipe will guide you through making a loaf that's perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying on its own. We'll focus on achieving that perfect texture and flavor, making this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe makes one medium-sized loaf. Adjust quantities as needed.
- 2 cups whole wheat flour: The star of our show! Provides that hearty brown bread texture and nutritional value. You can experiment with different types of whole wheat flour for varied results.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Adds lightness and helps bind the dough.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Our leavening agent. Don't skip this!
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the bread.
- 1 cup molasses: Adds richness and deepens the color. Blackstrap molasses will provide the deepest color and flavor.
- 1 3/4 cups boiling water: Activates the baking soda and creates a moist crumb.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Let's bake! This recipe is surprisingly easy to follow.
Step 1: Combining Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, baking soda, and salt. This ensures that all the dry ingredients are evenly distributed. Thorough mixing is key for a consistent loaf.
Step 2: Adding Wet Ingredients
Add the molasses to the dry ingredients. Pour in the boiling water gradually, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or spatula. The mixture will be quite thick. Be careful when adding boiling water; it's hot!
Step 3: Mixing the Dough
Once all the ingredients are combined, stir until a shaggy dough forms. Don't worry if it's a bit sticky. The dough doesn't need to be perfectly smooth. Just mix until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Greasing the Loaf Pan
Grease and flour a 9x5 inch loaf pan. This prevents the bread from sticking and makes it easier to remove once baked. Using a baking spray is also a great option.
Step 5: Baking the Bread
Pour the dough into the prepared loaf pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on your bread during the last 10-15 minutes of baking to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cooling and Enjoying
Let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the bread from becoming soggy. Once cooled, slice and enjoy! Freshly baked brown bread is best enjoyed within a few days.
Tips for the Best Brown Bread:
- Use fresh ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly affect the taste and texture of your bread.
- Don't overmix: Overmixing can result in a tough loaf.
- Check for doneness: Use the toothpick test to ensure your bread is fully baked.
- Experiment with add-ins: Try adding seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to your bread for extra flavor and texture.
This recipe provides a solid foundation for making delicious brown bread. Feel free to adjust it to your liking and have fun experimenting with different ingredients and variations! Happy baking!
