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Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread Recipe

Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread
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Mary Berry Wholemeal Bread is a simple yeast-based loaf made with wholemeal flour, warm water, salt, sugar, and a little oil. The dough is kneaded until elastic, left to rise, shaped, placed in a loaf tin, and baked until golden and risen.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 500g wholemeal flour

  • 2 tsp dried yeast (or fast-action yeast)

  • 1 tsp salt

  • 1 tsp sugar

  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil (or olive oil)

  • 300–350ml warm water (as needed to form dough)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the yeast mixture

Add warm water, sugar, and yeast to a bowl. Stir lightly and let it sit for 5–10 minutes until frothy. This step confirms that your yeast is active and will help the bread rise properly.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a large bowl, mix wholemeal flour and salt. Create a well in the centre to pour in the wet ingredients.

Step 3: Form the dough

Add the frothy yeast mixture and oil to the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon, then use your hands to bring the dough together into a soft ball.

Step 4: Knead the dough

Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for 8–10 minutes until smooth, elastic, and slightly springy.

Step 5: Let the dough rise

Place the dough in an oiled bowl, cover with a tea towel or cling film, and leave it to rise in a warm place for about 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 6: Shape the loaf

Punch down the dough to release air, shape it into a loaf, and place it into a greased loaf tin.

Step 7: Second rise

Cover again and allow the dough to rise for 25–30 minutes until it reaches the top of the tin.

Step 8: Bake the bread

Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (fan 180°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the loaf is golden and sounds hollow when tapped on the base.

Step 9: Cool before slicing

Place on a cooling rack to cool completely. This keeps the crumb firm and prevents tearing.

Find it online: https://maryberrycooks.co.uk/mary-berry-wholemeal-bread-recipe/