Simple Traditional Brown Bread Recipe

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Deliciously Easy Brown Bread Recipe

This easy brown bread recipe features step-by-step instructions that will guide beginners and seasoned bakers alike. Utilizing fresh yeast and a combination of wholemeal and plain flour, this recipe is perfect for anyone seeking a simple yet satisfying baking project.

Butter on a glass plate. Slices of brown bread

Ingredients Needed for Brown Bread

Gather the following ingredients to prepare your brown bread:

  • Fresh Yeast: This recipe requires fresh yeast. If you prefer using dried yeast, consider trying my Easy White Bread recipe.
  • Tepid Water: Room temperature water will suffice.
  • Granulated Sugar: Either white caster sugar or regular granulated sugar will work.
  • Sea Salt: I recommend using sea salt for its rich nutrient profile; however, table salt is acceptable.
  • Flour: A mixture of wholemeal flour and plain white flour produces the best results. If you opt for 100% wholemeal flour, you may need to add a bit more water.
  • Butter: Adding butter will enhance flavor and tenderness in your bread.

Scroll down for the complete list of ingredients and their quantities in the recipe card below.

This straightforward homemade bread recipe is perfect for beginners. If you’d like to explore other variations, be sure to check out my White Bread recipe, which employs dried yeast and plain flour—great for those who want a simpler option without needing strong white bread flour.

For those interested in sourdough baking, consider reading my review of Elaine Boddy’s cookbook, Whole Grain Sourdough Baking at Home.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Brown Bread

Begin by greasing a 2lb loaf tin and lightly dusting it with flour, shaking off any excess. Set it aside for later use.

Yeast and water in a glass jug

In a large jug, combine the tepid water and fresh yeast. Stir gently to mix.

Hand mixing flour in a bowl

In a mixing bowl, add the flour, then incorporate the salt, sugar, and cubed butter. Using your fingertips, rub the butter into the mixture until it resembles fine breadcrumbs.

Bread dough in a clear mixing bowl

Create a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in the yeast liquid. Mix everything together until a rough dough forms, ensuring there are no pockets of flour remaining. Avoid the temptation to add more water, as this dough should be slightly sticky.

Don’t worry if the dough appears a bit rough—it will become smoother in the next steps.

Cover the bowl with a lid or cling film and let it rest in a warm spot for 30 minutes. This resting period will allow the dough to develop.

Smooth dough in a mixing bowl

After the dough has rested, knead it on a lightly floured surface until it’s smooth—this process takes about 5 minutes.

Return the dough to the bowl, cover it once more, and let it prove in a warm area for approximately one hour or until it has doubled in size. If your kitchen is cooler, it may take longer.

Cling film covering bread dough in a tin

Once the dough has risen appropriately, tip it out onto a lightly floured surface. Gently fold the edges of the dough for it to fit into your prepared loaf tin without deflating it.

Carefully place the dough into the loaf tin, dust it with flour, and cover it lightly with a cloth or cling film.

Risen bread dough in a tin

Allow the dough to rise in a warm area until it doubles in size, which may take about an hour depending on the kitchen temperature.

About 20 minutes before your bread is set to bake, preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). It’s essential that your oven reaches this temperature before you place the bread inside, as it can significantly impact the final product’s success.

Red knife slashing the top of bread dough before baking

Before baking, use a serrated knife to carefully slash the top of the dough. Take care not to cut too deeply.

Butter on a glass plate. Slices of brown bread

Bake the bread for approximately 40 minutes or until it has a deep golden brown crust. If you prefer a darker crust, leave it in the oven a bit longer.

Creating Steam in the Oven

For optimal results, I recommend using a steam oven, always adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions. If you do not have a steam oven, you can create steam manually. Place a suitable tray in the bottom of your oven while it’s heating up, and have a cup of cold water ready to pour into that tray right before you bake your bread.

Exercise caution when pouring the water to avoid burns, as the steam will be very hot upon opening the oven door.

Easy Brown Bread Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 40 minutes

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 13

Calories: 153 per serving

Ingredients

  • 33g fresh yeast
  • 320ml tepid water
  • 250g Organic Wholemeal Flour
  • 250g plain flour (or strong white bread flour)
  • 1 teaspoon caster sugar (granulated is fine)
  • 1.5 teaspoons fine sea salt (or table salt)
  • 25g butter, cut into cubes

Instructions

  1. Grease a 2lb loaf tin and lightly dust it with flour.
  2. In a jug, combine the tepid water and fresh yeast.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, salt, sugar, and butter.
  4. Rub in the butter until a breadcrumb texture is formed.
  5. Make a well in the mixture and add the yeast liquid.
  6. Mix until a rough dough forms.
  7. Cover and let it rest for 30 minutes in a warm spot.
  8. Knead the dough on a floured surface until smooth (about 5 minutes).
  9. Return the dough to the bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in size (about an hour).
  10. Fold the dough gently, fit it into the loaf tin, and cover for another rise.
  11. Preheat the oven to 200°C (390°F) 20 minutes before baking.
  12. Slash the dough lightly before placing it in the oven.
  13. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden-brown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use dried yeast instead of fresh yeast?

Yes, you can substitute dried yeast for fresh yeast. Use approximately one-third of the amount, as dried yeast is more concentrated. For this recipe, that would be about 11 grams of dried yeast.

2. How can I tell if my yeast is still active?

To check if your yeast is active, dissolve it in warm water with a pinch of sugar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. If it becomes frothy and bubbly, it is active and ready to use.

3. Why did my bread not rise?

There are a few reasons your bread may not rise: the yeast may have expired, the dough was not in a warm enough environment, or not enough kneading and resting time was provided. Always ensure your dough has adequate warmth to rise.

4. Can I make this bread gluten-free?

Yes, you can experiment with gluten-free flour blends. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum or follow a recipe specifically designed for gluten-free baking.

5. How do I store the bread to keep it fresh?

To prolong the freshness of baked bread, allow it to cool completely, then store it in a bread box or wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Avoid storing it in the refrigerator, as this can dry it out.

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