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Baking with Grains: Cracked Wheat Bread


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4.9 from 17 reviews

  • Author: Laura Davis
  • Total Time: 65 minutes
  • Yield: Makes 2 loaves 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

A chewy, slightly sweet loaf made with cracked wheat, molasses, and sesame seeds. Perfect for sandwiches or toast!


Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 cups (120 g) cracked wheat or bulgur
  • 1 1/2 cups (355 ml) boiling water
  • 1 tablespoon active dry yeast
  • Pinch of sugar
  • 1/4 cups (60 ml) warm water
  • 1 cups (237 ml) warm buttermilk
  • 1/4 cups (60 ml) molasses
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 4 tablespoons (57 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 1/4 cups (40 g) raw sesame seeds
  • 1 cups (130 g) whole wheat flour
  • 2 1/2 to 3 cups (310 to 375 g) all-purpose or bread flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

  1. Place cracked wheat (or bulgur) in a bowl and pour boiling water over it. Let soak for about 1 hour until softened.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the yeast with warm water and a pinch of sugar. Allow to sit for 7-10 minutes until bubbly and frothy.
  3. Combine warm buttermilk, molasses, honey, and room-temperature butter in a separate bowl. Mix well to incorporate.
  4. In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, salt, and sesame seeds. Add the proofed yeast and the buttermilk mixture, mixing until smooth (approximately 3 minutes). Drain cracked wheat thoroughly and mix into the dough. Gradually add all-purpose flour, ½ cup at a time, until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the bowl.
  5. If using a stand mixer, switch to a dough hook and knead for 4-5 minutes until dough is soft and springy. If kneading by hand, place dough onto a floured surface, knead gently for about 5 minutes, adding minimal flour as needed to avoid sticking.
  6. Place dough into a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat. Cover with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Allow to rise in a warm spot for approximately 1½ hours or until doubled in size.
  7. Gently deflate dough and divide into two loaf pans or three round loaves. Place on greased loaf pans or parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush tops with melted butter, cover loosely, and let rise again for about 30 minutes.
  8. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  9. Bake bread for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped. Cool on wire racks before slicing.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use dark molasses instead of light.
  • To ensure even baking, use two loaf pans instead of one, reducing baking time as needed.
  • Store leftover bread in a breadbox or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Category: Baking
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 10
  • Sodium: 300
  • Fat: 10
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 5
  • Cholesterol: 15