Whole wheat walnut bread with the bread machine is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for those who love homemade bread with wholesome ingredients. Thanks to the use of the whole grain program, the rising process is longer and more gradual, allowing you to achieve well-developed bread with a soft and fragrant crumb and a balanced crust.
In addition to walnuts, we have also added raisins, which add a rustic and slightly sweet note, making this bread ideal not only to serve at the table but also for breakfast or a snack. It is excellent to enjoy plain, slightly toasted, or accompanied by honey, jams, or cheeses, both fresh and aged.
The bread machine makes this preparation particularly convenient: just place the ingredients in the pan, follow a few simple steps, and let the machine work autonomously. The result is a homemade whole wheat bread that is fragrant and well-structured, suitable even for those with little experience with doughs.
A versatile recipe, easy to replicate and perfect to include in the daily routine, to bring the pleasure of homemade bread to the table every day.
“Discover my review of the bread machine Cecotec Bread&Co 1000 Delicious 0228”
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 1 loaf about 2.2 lbs
- Cooking methods: Bread Machine
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for Whole Wheat Walnut Bread with the Bread Machine:
- 3 1/3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 tsp fine salt
- 2 1/4 tsp instant dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 3/4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp acacia honey
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 2/3 cup broken walnuts
Tools for Whole Wheat Walnut Bread with the Bread Machine:
- 1 Bread Machine Cecotec
Steps for Preparing and Baking Whole Wheat Walnut Bread:
Accurately weigh all the ingredients. Coarsely break the walnuts with your hands or a knife: they should not be too small so they remain visible inside the bread. Soak the raisins in a bowl of room temperature water and let them sit for 10 minutes, then remove them from the water, squeeze, and dry them well.In the bread machine, you first add the liquids, then the flours.
Pour the lukewarm water, oil, and honey into the bread machine’s pan. This way, the honey will dissolve better and the dough will start more uniformly.
Add the flours
First add the whole wheat flour and then the all-purpose flour, leveling them slightly without pressing.
Salt and yeast
Place the salt in one corner of the pan. Place the dry yeast in another corner, on top of the flour. It is important that the salt and yeast do not come into direct contact at the beginning.
Insert the pan into the bread machine, close the lid, and select the whole grain program (program 3) for the Cecotec. Set the crust to medium, or dark if you prefer it more colored, and start.
After about 8-10 minutes of kneading, open the lid and observe the dough. It should be soft, elastic, and well combined. If it appears too dry or crumbly, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. If it is too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
After about 10-12 minutes from the start, when the dough is already formed, add the broken walnuts directly into the pan along with the raisins. The machine will incorporate them evenly without breaking them excessively. You won’t hear a beep, you have to calculate the time yourself. If you only use walnuts and not raisins, use 130 grams.
From this moment on, no further intervention is needed. The bread machine will automatically handle the longer rising phases, the final development stage, and the gradual baking. The whole grain program lasts about 3 hours and 40-45 minutes.
End of baking
At the end of the program, immediately remove the bread from the pan, using potholders, to prevent condensation from forming on the bottom.
Let the bread cool completely on a wire rack for at least 1 hour before slicing. This step is crucial for achieving a well-set and non-moist crumb.
Final result
You will get well-developed whole wheat walnut bread with a soft yet firm and fragrant crumb, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or to accompany cheeses and jams.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
How long does the whole grain program on the bread machine last?
The whole grain program lasts about 3 hours and 40-45 minutes. The longer times allow for a more gradual rise and uniform baking, ideal for whole grain bread.
How many servings does this whole wheat walnut bread provide?
With a loaf of about 2.2 lbs, you can get an average of 10-12 slices, sufficient for 8-10 servings depending on the thickness.
Can I replace the walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can replace the walnuts with hazelnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts, using the same quantities.
When should the walnuts be added to the bread machine?
The walnuts should be added about 10-12 minutes into the program, when the dough is already formed, to prevent them from breaking too much.
How much does it cost to bake whole wheat walnut bread with the bread machine?
The baking cost is minimal: on average, it ranges around 0.20-0.40 euros for a complete cycle, depending on the electricity rate.
Is it better to bake the bread in a traditional oven instead of the bread machine?
Baking bread in a traditional oven is generally faster but consumes more. Considering preheating and baking at 356°F (180°C) for about 30-35 minutes, the cost can reach 0.50-0.80 euros, compared to 0.20-0.40 euros with the bread machine.
