Whole Wheat Raisin-Nut Bread 🍞🌰

This wholesome bread is perfect for breakfast, sandwiches, or as a savory snack. With the nuttiness of walnuts or pecans and the sweetness of raisins, it has a delightful flavor and texture that everyone will love. Plus, the whole wheat flour adds extra nutrition and fiber, making this a guilt-free indulgence! Consider spreading a bit of butter or your favorite nut butter on a warm slice for an extra treat. 🥜🍯

Ingredients

For a 1.5-pound loaf

• 1 and 1/4 cups water (warm)
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine (softened)
• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 3 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt
• 2 and 1/2 teaspoons yeast (active dry)

Mix in

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup raisins

For a 2-pound loaf

• 1 and 3/6 cups plus 2 tablespoons water (warm)
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine (softened)
• 4 and 2/3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons salt
• 3 and 1/2 teaspoons yeast (active dry)

Mix in

• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
• 1/2 cup raisins

Instructions

1. Prepare your ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients together. Make sure your water is warm (not hot!) to help the yeast activate.

🌡️ For best results, aim for a water temperature between 100°F and 110°F. Too hot, and it could kill the yeast, while too cool won’t activate it properly.

2. Mix wet ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the warm water, softened butter, and brown sugar. Stir until well mixed.

3. Add dry ingredients: Gradually stir in the whole wheat flour, salt, and yeast until a dough forms.

🥄 Kneading the dough can be a workout! Aim for about 8-10 minutes of kneading to develop the gluten which gives the bread its structure.

4. Incorporate nuts and raisins: Fold in the chopped walnuts or pecans and raisins until evenly distributed.

5. First rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a damp cloth, and let it rise in a warm place until it doubles in size (about 1-1.5 hours).

6. Shape the loaf: Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it in a greased loaf pan.

7. Second rise: Cover the loaf again and let it rise until it reaches the top of the pan (about 30-45 minutes).

8. Bake: Preheat your oven to 350°F and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.

9. Cool and serve: Let the bread cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

🧊 For a scrumptious twist, try adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a bit of orange zest to the dough for extra flavor!

Variations

• Nut-free: Omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds for a different crunch.
• Dried fruit: Experiment with different dried fruits like cranberries or apricots instead of raisins for a new flavor profile.
• Herbed bread: Add a teaspoon of your favorite dried herbs (like rosemary or thyme) to the dough for a savory twist!
• Sourdough option: Substitute a portion of the yeast with a sourdough starter to give your bread a tangy flavor and enhance the texture.

Now you have a delicious and nutritious whole wheat raisin-nut bread ready to enjoy! Happy baking! 🌾🥳