Whole Wheat bread with Raisins

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This whole wheat bread with raisins and nuts is nutritious, delicious, and wholesome. It has a lighter texture with a crisp crust that melts in the mouth. And, with black raisins and walnuts evenly dispersed means you can also eat this bread on its own or with a meal. Also, try making bruschetta with a few slices for a delicious appetizer.

Table of Content

• About this bread
• New to whole wheat flour?
• Ingredients and substitutes
• Step by step instructions (pin)
• Frequently asked questions
• You may also like
• Recipe

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Are you someone that spends lots of money on artistic loaves of bread like these? Well, here they call them 'artisan loaves of bread' and only a few bakeries sell these. And, not to mention, that they are expensive because they are usually made by highly qualified bread bakers. So, today, I'm going to show you how to make this bread and you are going to love how easy it is. In fact, if you want to impress anyone with your baking skills, you must make this bread.

First of all, I am quite fascinated that some of you have had great success with my bread recipes. In fact, I must admit that I was a bit hesitant about sharing bread recipes. Because unlike food, I started baking bread only three years ago, in 2009. I got into bread baking because Ziv is a huge bread person. And, I also love bread but he can't do without it. However, I never thought that these three bread recipes would actually make my blog popular -  burger buns, white sandwich bread, and dinner rolls. Thank you so much for all the feedback and supportive comments.

About this bread

If you are a bread person, when you see these rustic loaves of bread in the bakeries, don't you just want to pick them all? So, here is a whole wheat bread with raisin and nuts that is much like those you see in a boulangerie.

This loaf uses 75% whole wheat flour but also 25% white flour. Hence, it gives you the best of both worlds. You get that wholesome goodness from whole wheat and that light and airy structure from the gluten in the white loaf. Makes sense? And, of course, you have delicious raisins and walnuts that make this bread sweet and flavorful.

New to whole wheat flour?

Baking with whole wheat is not easy, especially for those who eat and love white bread. So, if you are just venturing into the world of whole wheat, do not feel compelled to use all whole wheat flour. For example, you can start with a ratio of half whole wheat and half bread flour. And, as you get used to eating whole wheat, increase or decrease the ratio. In fact, when I started, I added only 25% whole wheat to our recipe. Then, I moved onto 50%, and now it's about 75%. However, I avoid using all whole wheat as the loaf tends to be denser. And, my kids don't fancy it either.

Ingredients and substitutes

• Flour - In this recipe, I use both, whole wheat as well as white all-purpose flour. You can use 100% whole wheat if you prefer. And yet, I find whole wheat sometimes tends to get a bit dense. This ratio of whole wheat and all-purpose gives a nice light and fluffy loaf.
• Instant dry yeast - I like to use instant dry because I've always had great success with it. If you have to use active dry yeast you will need 2 ¼ tsp or one packet. And if you use fresh yeast you will need about 21 grams. It's not necessary to activate the yeast but I like to take the guesswork out and make sure my dough will rise.
• Water - The temperature of the water is an important factor in bread making. It has to be warm, not hot. Usually about 110 F. And yet, you don't really need a thermometer. The temperature is around the same as when you give milk to a baby. So, think as if this water is to be fed to a baby. Is it warm enough?
• Milk - I love adding a bit of richness to the dough, and milk works great. Water will work just as well.
• Honey - I think the flavor of honey works best with whole wheat but you can definitely use 2 tbsp of sugar instead.
• Olive oil - Just enough to feed the yeast so do not omit it.

Step by step instructions (pin)

Prepare yeast mix

• Make sure water is warm, not hot (110 F).
• Add yeast, honey, and oil.
• Stir well and set aside for 5 mins to foam.

Prepare milk mixture

• Place warm milk in a bowl.
• Add melted butter and egg.
• Combine well (break the egg yolk).

Soak the raisins / chop the nuts

• Chop walnuts (pecans) and set aside.
• Pour hot water over the raisins.
• Let them soak for half an hour.
• Then drain completely.

Knead the dough

• Into a stand mixer bowl add the whole wheat flour.
• Add salt - combine.
• Then, add yeast mixture and milk mixture.
• Knead on medium-low for about 3 minutes.
• Then, add the all-purpose flour.
• Combine and knead for another 2 minutes.
• Make sure to scrape the sides of the bowl in between.

Proof the dough - 1st time

• Remove the dough on a lightly floured surface.
• Knead for 30 secs and form into a ball.
• Place in an oiled bowl and set aside for about an hour or until double in volume.

Get your raisins and nuts ready

• When double in volume.
• Invert the dough onto a floured surface.

• Stretch the dough into a square shape.
• Spread the raisins and nuts evenly.
• Then roll the dough into a jelly roll.
• Pinch each fold to keep the raisins and nuts in place.
• Pinch the seams well and tuck under.
• Flatten the dough and roll it into a log (like folding a spring roll).

Divide the dough

• I make two loaves with this batch.
• Cut the jelly roll in half.
• Then shape each half into a ball.

Proof loaf - 2nd time

• Place both balls of dough on a floured baking tray.
• Dust with more flour, cover and let rest.
• Let rise in a warm place for an hour or until double in volume.

Slit and bake

• Preheat the oven to 200 C / 400 F.
• Make cuts on the top of each bread (air vents).
• Place the bread baking tray on a larger baking tray on the lower rack in the oven.
• Add ½ cup water to the larger baking tray to create steam.
• Bake for about 40 to 50 minutes.
• When ready, cool on a cooling rack.
• Dust off excess flour on the top with a pastry brush.
• Once baked, let cool for at least an hour before you cut.

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Frequently asked questions

Don't forget to save this recipe on Pinterest for later.
You can also find a collection of my tutorials and recipes here on Pinterest.

You may also like

• Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread Recipe
• Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls
• No-Knead Bread - White Crusty Bread
• No-Knead Beer Bread

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Recipe

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