Black Pepper Free Bread Machine Whole Wheat Bread
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, fragrant loaf out of a bread machine, and this whole wheat version delivers every time. Whole wheat bread can feel intimidating to bake from scratch, but the machine handles all the heavy lifting — kneading, rising, and baking on the Whole Wheat cycle while you go about your day. Honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances the earthy depth of the whole wheat flour, while a touch of vital wheat gluten keeps the crumb tender and the structure sturdy rather than dense. Unsalted butter rounds everything out with a subtle richness that makes each slice taste like it came from a proper bakery. For anyone navigating a sensitivity to black pepper, store-bought whole wheat breads can be a minefield — some contain spice blends or seasoning mixes that sneak it in where you'd least expect it. This recipe uses only clean, straightforward ingredients, so you know exactly what's in every slice. Let the loaf cool fully before cutting into it, and you'll be rewarded with a beautifully even crumb that holds up beautifully for sandwiches, toast, or just a swipe of butter straight from the rack.
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Learn more →Ingredients
12 servings
- 1 ⅛ cups warm water (80–90°f / 27–32°c)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 tsp vital wheat gluten
- 2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
Instructions
- 1
Add the ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order listed: water, butter, honey, salt, whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, and yeast. Keep the yeast separate from the salt by making a small well in the center of the flour and adding the yeast there.
- 2
Insert the pan into the bread machine, select the Whole Wheat cycle, choose a 1.5 lb loaf size, and set the crust to Medium. Press Start and allow the machine to complete the full cycle, including kneading, rising, and baking — typically 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes total.
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