Gelatin Free Classic Whole Wheat Bread

Total time3 hr

Prep time25 min

Cook time35 min

4.5

(9)

There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, hearty loaf out of the oven and knowing exactly what went into it. This whole wheat bread is built on a short, honest ingredient list — flour, water, yeast, honey, salt, and butter — with absolutely nothing hidden or unexpected. That matters more than you might think, because many store-bought breads and even some commercial yeast products sneak in additives derived from animal by-products, including gelatin used as a stabilizer or coating. Here, every ingredient is straightforward and plant- or dairy-based, so there is no guesswork involved. The honey gives the crumb a subtle sweetness that balances the nutty depth of whole wheat beautifully, while the butter brushed over the top at the end creates a soft, glossy crust that is genuinely hard to resist. A double rise gives the loaf real structure and flavor, and the result slices cleanly for sandwiches or toasts up perfectly with a generous smear of butter or jam. Once you bake this at home, it is very difficult to go back to the packaged stuff.

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Ingredients

12 servings

1 ¼ cups warm water (105–110°f / 40–43°c)
2 ¼ tsp active dry yeast (1 standard packet)
2 tbsp honey
3 cups whole wheat flour, plus more for kneading
1 ½ tsp fine salt
3 tbsp unsalted butter

Instructions

1
Combine the warm water, yeast, and honey in the bowl of a stand mixer (or a large mixing bowl). Stir briefly and let stand for 5–10 minutes, until the surface is foamy and the mixture smells yeasty.
2
Add the whole wheat flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Mix on low speed with the dough hook (or stir with a wooden spoon) until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.

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