Paraben 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 knowing exactly what went into it. This whole wheat bread is built from a short, clean list — flour, water, yeast, honey, salt, and butter — with no preservatives, synthetic additives, or hidden chemical compounds that tend to sneak into commercial baked goods. That matters a lot when you're trying to avoid parabens and other synthetic preservatives that show up in packaged breads far more often than most people realize. The honey adds a gentle natural sweetness while helping the yeast bloom beautifully, and the butter gets brushed over the crust right out of the oven for a finish that's rich and deeply satisfying. A double rise gives the loaf its sturdy, slightly chewy crumb — the kind that holds up to a thick spread of jam or a hearty sandwich without falling apart. Baking your own bread is genuinely one of the easiest ways to take back control over what you're eating, and this straightforward recipe makes it approachable even if you've never worked with yeast before.

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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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