Making your own bread at home is a rewarding experience, and this Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread recipe offers a simple yet delicious option. With a wholesome, nutty flavor, wholemeal bread is rich in fiber and perfect for toast, sandwiches, or as an accompaniment to soups and stews. This recipe uses minimal ingredients and yields a beautifully soft loaf with a crisp crust.

Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread is a simple homemade bread made with wholemeal flour, which retains the bran and germ of the wheat, offering a more nutritious and flavorful loaf. This type of bread has a denser texture compared to white bread, with a slightly nutty taste. Perfect for a healthy and hearty addition to any meal, it’s also easy to make with basic kitchen tools and ingredients.

Other Popular Recipes

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Packed with whole grains and fiber, making it a nutritious choice.
Simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions.
No need for special equipment – just your hands, a bowl, and an oven.

It has a soft texture with a perfectly crunchy crust.
Ideal for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with soup or stew.
Great for beginners who are new to bread baking.

The aroma of freshly baked bread fills your kitchen.

Ingredients Needed to Make Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

Wholemeal flour (500g): Provides the hearty, wholesome base of the bread with added fiber.
Warm water (300ml): Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.

Fast-action yeast (7g): The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.
Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and helps to develop the crumb.

Honey or sugar (1 tbsp): Optional, but adds a slight sweetness and helps feed the yeast.

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon or dough hook

Clean kitchen towel
900g (2 lb) loaf tin
Oven

Instructions to Make Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and lightly grease the loaf tin.
Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, then mix together until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and knead it lightly for 1-2 minutes.

Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf tin.
Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes until it reaches the top of the tin.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

What Goes Well with Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread?

Butter and jam: A classic and simple topping for warm bread.
Cheese platter: The nutty flavor of wholemeal bread pairs wonderfully with sharp cheeses.

Soups and stews: Great for dipping into hearty soups or stews.
Avocado spread: Perfect for a healthy and nutritious toast.
Honey: A drizzle of honey over buttered bread enhances its nutty sweetness.

Scrambled eggs: Makes a great base for eggs or other breakfast dishes.
Hummus: Wholemeal bread is an ideal accompaniment to hummus or other spreads.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

For the best results, consider the following tips:

Use warm water: Ensure the water is warm, not hot, to activate the yeast without killing it.
Knead well: Proper kneading develops the gluten, giving the bread its structure and texture.
Let the dough rise properly: Allowing enough time for both rises will give you a lighter, airier loaf.

Score the top: Make a small cut on top of the loaf before baking to control the way the bread expands.
Brush with olive oil: For a glossy crust, lightly brush the top of the loaf with olive oil before baking.
Cool completely before slicing: This helps the bread set and prevents it from becoming gummy.

Easy Variations of Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

Add seeds: Mix in sunflower, sesame, or flaxseeds for added texture and nutrients.
Swap honey for molasses: For a deeper, richer flavor, use molasses instead of honey.
Add dried fruit: Incorporate raisins or dried cranberries for a touch of sweetness.

Use mixed flours: Combine wholemeal flour with white bread flour for a lighter loaf.
Add herbs: Mix in rosemary, thyme, or other herbs for an aromatic twist.
Make it vegan: Substitute olive oil for butter and skip the honey to make a plant-based loaf.

Best Practices to Store Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

Store in an airtight container: Keep the bread fresh by sealing it in an airtight bag or container.
Keep at room temperature: Wholemeal bread stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored at room temperature.
Freeze for longer storage: Wrap the loaf or slices in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Refrigerate to extend freshness: If you prefer, you can refrigerate the bread for up to a week.

Best Practices to Reheat Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread

Use the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F) and warm the bread for about 10 minutes.
Microwave for quick reheating: For a softer texture, microwave slices for 10-15 seconds.

Let thaw naturally: If frozen, let the bread thaw at room temperature before reheating.

How Can I Make Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread Healthier?

Use less salt to reduce sodium content without sacrificing flavor.
Swap butter for olive oil for a healthier fat option.

Incorporate seeds to add healthy fats and protein.
Add oats to the dough or sprinkle on top for extra fiber.
Reduce sugar or skip the honey for a less sweet bread.

Nutrition Value (per slice):

Calories: 150
Fat: 4g
Carbohydrates: 24g

Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g

FAQs

How do I make Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread softer?

To make Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread softer, ensure you knead the dough well to develop the gluten. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to improve the softness. Another tip is to cover the bread with a clean kitchen towel immediately after baking to trap moisture, resulting in a softer crust.

Can I freeze Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread?

Yes, you can freeze Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread. After the bread has cooled completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

How long should I let wholemeal bread dough rise?

Typically, wholemeal bread dough should rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size. This ensures the yeast has enough time to activate properly. The second rise, once the dough is shaped, should take around 30-40 minutes, depending on the room temperature.

Why is my wholemeal bread dense?

Wholemeal bread can turn out dense if the dough isn’t kneaded long enough or if there isn’t enough hydration. Wholemeal flour absorbs more water than white flour, so make sure to add sufficient water to create a soft dough. Additionally, letting the dough rise fully during both the first and second rise is crucial to achieving a light and airy texture.

Final Words

Baking Mary Berry’s Wholemeal Bread at home is a rewarding experience, producing a loaf that’s both hearty and wholesome.

More By British Baking Recipes

Mary Berry Tea Bread

Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread Recipe

Author: Ekani Ella
Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 30
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 1 loaf

Category: Bread
Method: Baking

Print Recipe

Description

Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread is a simple homemade bread made with wholemeal flour, which retains the bran and germ of the wheat, offering a more nutritious and flavorful loaf. This type of bread has a denser texture compared to white bread, with a slightly nutty taste. Perfect for a healthy and hearty addition to any meal, it’s also easy to make with basic kitchen tools and ingredients.

Ingredients

Wholemeal flour (500g): Provides the hearty, wholesome base of the bread with added fiber.
Warm water (300ml): Activates the yeast and helps form the dough.
Fast-action yeast (7g): The leavening agent that helps the bread rise.

Salt (1 tsp): Enhances the flavor of the bread.
Olive oil or butter (2 tbsp): Adds moisture and helps to develop the crumb.
Honey or sugar (1 tbsp): Optional, but adds a slight sweetness and helps feed the yeast.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F) and lightly grease the loaf tin.
Mix the flour, yeast, and salt in a large bowl.
Add the warm water and olive oil to the dry ingredients, then mix together until a sticky dough forms.

Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Punch down the dough and knead it lightly for 1-2 minutes.

Shape the dough into a loaf and place it into the prepared loaf tin.
Let the dough rise again for about 30 minutes, until it reaches the top of the tin.
Bake the bread in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped on the bottom.

Cool on a wire rack before slicing and serving.