The whole wheat walnut bread with the bread machine is a simple yet flavorful recipe, perfect for those who love homemade bread with genuine ingredients. Thanks to the use of the whole wheat program, the rising is longer and gradual, allowing for a well-developed bread with a soft, fragrant crumb and a balanced crust.
In addition to walnuts, we also added some raisins, which add a rustic and slightly sweet note, making this bread ideal not only for serving at the table but also for breakfast or a snack. It is great 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 put the ingredients in the basket, follow a few simple steps, and let the machine work autonomously. The result is a homemade whole wheat bread, fragrant and well-structured, suitable even for those with little experience in baking.
A versatile recipe, easy to replicate and perfect to incorporate into your daily routine, bringing the pleasure of homemade bread to the table every day.
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Economical
- Preparation time: 5 Minutes
- Portions: 1 bread about 2.2 lbs
- Cooking methods: Bread Machine
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All Seasons
Ingredients for Whole Wheat Walnut Bread with the Bread Machine:
- 3 1/8 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 tsp fine salt
- 1 1/2 tsp active dry yeast
- 1 1/2 cups lukewarm water
- 2 3/4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or vegetable oil)
- 1 tbsp acacia honey (= 1 tablespoon)
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 2/3 cup chopped walnuts
Tools for Whole Wheat Walnut Bread with the Bread Machine:
- 1 Bread Machine Cecotec
Steps for Preparing and Baking Whole Wheat Walnut Bread:
Weigh all the ingredients precisely. Coarsely chop the walnuts with your hands or a knife: they should not be too small so that 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 well.In the bread machine, the liquids go in first, followed by the flours.
Pour the lukewarm water, oil, and honey into the bread machine’s basket. This way, the honey will dissolve better, and the dough will start more homogeneously.
Add the flours
First, add the whole wheat flour and then the all-purpose flour, leveling them slightly without pressing.
Salt and yeast
Put the salt in one corner of the basket. Put the dry yeast in another corner, on top of the flour. It’s important that salt and yeast do not come into direct contact initially.
Insert the basket into the bread machine, close the lid, and select the whole wheat program (program 3) for the Cecotec. Set the medium crust, or dark if you prefer it more colorful, and start.
After about 8–10 minutes of mixing, open the lid and check the dough. It should be soft, elastic, and well-mixed. If it appears too dry or crumbly, add 1–2 tablespoons of water. If it’s too sticky, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
After about 10–12 minutes from the start, when the dough is already formed, add the chopped walnuts directly into the basket along with the raisins. The machine will incorporate them uniformly without breaking them too much. You won’t hear a beep; you have to time it yourself. If you’re only adding walnuts and not raisins, use 130 grams.
From this point, no further intervention is needed. The bread machine will automatically handle the longer risings, the final development phase, and the gradual baking. The whole wheat program lasts about 3 hours and 40–45 minutes.
End of baking
At the end of the program, immediately remove the bread from the basket, using oven mitts to avoid condensation forming at the bottom.
Let the bread cool completely on a rack for at least 1 hour before cutting. This step is crucial to achieve a well-set, non-moist crumb.
Final Result
You will get a well-developed whole wheat walnut bread with a soft but firm and fragrant crumb, ideal for breakfast, snacks, or accompanying cheeses and jams.
FAQ (Questions and Answers)
How long is the whole wheat program of the bread machine?
The whole wheat program lasts about 3 hours and 40–45 minutes. The longer times allow for more gradual rising and even baking, ideal for whole wheat bread.
How many servings is this whole wheat walnut bread for?
With a bread of about 2.2 lbs, you can get 10–12 slices on average, enough for 8–10 servings depending on thickness.
Can I substitute walnuts with other nuts?
Yes, you can substitute walnuts with hazelnuts, almonds, or a mix of nuts, keeping the same quantities.
When should the walnuts be added to the bread machine?
The walnuts should be added about 10–12 minutes after the program starts, when the dough is already formed, to prevent them from breaking up too much.
How much does it cost to bake whole wheat walnut bread with the bread machine?
The baking cost is low: it averages around €0.20–€0.40 for a complete cycle, depending on the electricity rate.
Is it better to bake the bread in a traditional oven rather than with the bread machine?
Baking bread in a traditional oven is generally quicker but consumes more. Considering preheating and baking at 350°F for about 30–35 minutes, the cost can reach €0.50–€0.80, compared to €0.20–€0.40 with the bread machine.
