Grandma’s legendary , The Fluffiest Wheat Bran Bread Ever!

Remember those comforting smells that filled the house on weekends, For me, it was the warm, yeasty aroma of Grandma’s legendary wheat bran bread. That bread, oh that bread! Dense with goodness, fluffy as a cloud, and perfect for any meal. Today, I’m sharing her recipe , along with a little bonus about the magic ingredient: wheat bran!

Bran is the hard outer layer of whole grain kernels, like wheat, rye, and oats. It gets separated from the softer, starchier center of the grain during milling. While bran might not be the star of the show, it’s a nutritional powerhouse! Here’s why bran is a health champion:

Fiber Fiesta: Bran is loaded with fiber, both soluble and insoluble. Soluble fiber helps lower cholesterol and keeps you feeling fuller for longer. Insoluble fiber acts like a broom in your digestive system, keeping things moving smoothly and preventing constipation.

Prebiotic Power: Bran is a prebiotic, which means it feeds the good bacteria in your gut. These good guys help with digestion, keep your immune system strong, and may even reduce your risk of certain diseases.

Vitamin and Mineral Vault: Bran is a good source of some essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, iron, and magnesium. These nutrients play important roles in keeping your body healthy and functioning properly.

Gather your goodies:

3 cups (750g) all-purpose flour (plus some extra for dusting)

1 cup (200g) wheat bran

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon granulated yeast

Warm water for kneading (about ¾ cup)

Let’s get baking!

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, wheat bran, and salt. Think of it like a dry party waiting for the wet ingredients to crash it.

In a separate bowl, sprinkle the yeast over the warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes. This activates the yeast, making it all bubbly and ready to raise our bread into fluffy heaven.

Pour the yeasty water into the flour mixture and stir it all together. It might be a bit sticky at first, but that’s okay! We’ll fix that soon.

Gradually add the warm water, a little bit at a time, kneading the dough after each addition. You want a soft, but not too sticky, dough. Think of it like a happy playdough consistency.

Lightly flour a surface and turn the dough out onto it. Time to get your hands dirty (but in the best way possible)! Knead the dough for about 10 minutes, until it’s smooth and elastic. This is where the magic happens – kneading develops the gluten, which is what makes the bread so fluffy.

Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about an hour. Imagine the dough as a sleepy giant; it needs some time to wake up and grow bigger.

Once the dough has doubled in size, punch it down gently. Deflate that giant a bit, but don’t be too rough!

Shape the dough into a loaf.

Carefully pick up the shaped dough and gently roll it in the wheat bran. This will give your bread a beautiful, textured crust with some extra bran goodness.Let it rise again for another 30 minutes.

Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). Get that oven nice and hot – it’s baking time!

Bake the bread for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown. The smell will fill your kitchen with pure deliciousness. You can even tap the top of the loaf – if it sounds hollow, it’s done!

Let the bread cool on a wire rack before slicing. This might be the hardest part – waiting to devour that warm, fluffy goodness!

Now, onto the Bran-tastic Bonus!

Wheat bran is a powerhouse ingredient. It’s packed with fiber, which keeps you feeling full and helps with digestion. It also has some important vitamins and minerals, making this bread a healthy and delicious choice. So, while you’re enjoying that slice of toast with butter or cheese, you can also feel good knowing you’re giving your body a little boost.

Top Tips from Grandma’s Kitchen:

For an extra sweet treat, add a tablespoon of honey or molasses to the dough.

Want a nutty flavor? Toast some chopped walnuts or pecans and sprinkle them on top of the dough before baking.

This bread is perfect for toasting, but it’s also fantastic for sandwiches or served warm alongside soups and stews.

With this recipe, you can recreate those warm childhood memories and share the love with your own family. So, grab your bowls, get ready to knead, and bake up a loaf of Grandma’s legendary wheat bran bread!