Spelt Bread Recipe With Walnuts

If you're looking for a delicious and healthy bread recipe to add to your menu, look no further than this homemade spelt bread recipe with walnuts.

Spelt is a delicious ancient grain that is perfect for so many baking recipes. Check out the recipes below for more ideas. 

What is spelt flour?

Spelt flour is a type of whole-grain flour that has been used for thousands of years in baking. It is an ancient grain that is close relative to modern wheat but has a slightly nuttier and sweeter flavor. Whole spelt flour is a whole grain flour that is also known for its nutritional benefits, as it contains a variety of vitamins and minerals that are important for good health.

One of the reasons why spelt flour has gained popularity in recent years is because it is a great alternative to regular wheat flour that comes from white or red hard wheat. Spelt flour is also often used in artisanal baking because of its unique flavor and texture, which can add a new dimension to baked goods.

Overall, spelt flour is a great choice for those looking for a tasty and nutritious alternative to red wheat flour.

Ingredients for spelt sandwich bread loaf

This homemade bread is made with simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. 

• Spelt flour- You can grind your own flour, as I prefer to do in my Nutrimill grain mill. Or you can buy the spelt flour at your local grocery store or online. Sprouted spelt flour can also be used if you want to go this route. You might also see white spelt flour, which has had the bran and germ removed. This flour is much easier to work with but less healthy. 
• Bread flour- I like to use a blend of whole grain and refined flour in my bread. This is what my family prefers and I have been making it this way for a very long time. If you want to make 100% spelt flour bread you can easily do that with this recipe. I will add comments on this in the "notes" section below. 
• Milk or water- prefer milk as it gives the bread a softer crumb, but you can also use warm water too. 
• Active dry yeast
• Oil or butter- I like to use softened butter, but you can also use vegetable oils, canola oil, or olive oil. 
• Eggs
• Salt- It won't take much, but it is necessary not only for flavor but also for the rising of the bread. 
• Sweetener- I used honey in this recipe, but you can also use granulated sugar, brown sugar, or even maple syrup. 
• Chopped walnuts- you can use any nuts you like, but I went with walnuts.

How to make spelt bread

• In a small saucepan, heat 1 cup of milk, ¼ cup of butter, and 2 tablespoons of honey until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm to the touch.
• Add the warm milk mixture to the mixing bowl, be sure it is not hotter than 100 degrees, and mix in the yeast. 
• Let this sit for 3-5 minutes to activate the yeast. 
• Add in the remaining ingredients minus the walnuts.
• Mix the ingredients together on medium speed for 6 minutes with a dough hook, add in the chopped walnut, and mix until they are distributed. 
• If you don't have a mixer, knead the dough on a floured surface for 10 minutes, until it becomes smooth and elastic.
• Cover it with plastic wrap or a damp cloth, and let it rise for at least 1 hour. If your house is cooler, plan on 1 ½-2 hours. 
• Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased loaf pan. If you want, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal and cleaning at the end. 
• Cover the pan with a damp cloth and let it rise for another hour.
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake the bread for 45-50 minutes, until it is golden brown and reaches 195 degrees. 
• Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Important things to note when making homemade whole-wheat bread

Making whole wheat bread at home can be a rewarding experience, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure that your bread turns out delicious and healthy:

1. Whole wheat flour requires more water than white flour: When making whole wheat bread, it's important to use the right amount of water to avoid a dry or crumbly loaf. Whole wheat flour absorbs more water than white flour, so you'll need to add more water to your dough than normal. It is also really important not to overbake. This will also create very dry bread. I check this with a thermometer and never bake the bread to higher than 195 degrees. 
2. Whole wheat flour needs more time to rise: Whole wheat flour contains more fiber and bran than white flour, which can make it more difficult for yeast to rise. To ensure that your bread rises properly, give it plenty of time to rest and rise. You may need to let your dough rise for up to 2 hours before baking.
3. Add a little sweetness to balance the flavor: Whole wheat bread can have a slightly bitter or earthy taste, which can be balanced out with a little sweetness. In this recipe, I used honey, but use whatever you like. 

How to store baked bread

Storing homemade baked bread properly can help keep it fresh and delicious for several days. Here are some tips on how to store your bread:

1. Let the bread cool completely- Before storing your bread, make sure it has cooled completely. This will prevent moisture from forming inside the bread, this will make it to become soggy or moldy.
2. Store bread in a paper or cloth bag, or even a plastic bag- It's best to store homemade bread in a paper or cloth bag, which will allow it to breathe while also protecting it from dust and other contaminants. 
3. Store bread at room temperature- Bread is best stored at room temperature, as refrigeration can cause it to dry out and become stale more quickly. However, if you live in a particularly hot or humid climate, you may want to store your bread in the refrigerator to prevent mold growth. Just make sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving, as cold bread can be tough and dry.

How to freeze homemade baked bread

• Let the bread cool completely- Allow your homemade bread to cool completely before freezing it to prevent excess moisture inside the packaging.
• Wrap bread tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil: Wrap the bread tightly in plastic wrap or freezer-safe plastic bags to prevent freezer burn, and then wrap it in aluminum foil to maintain its freshness.
• Label with the date: Label the package with the date you froze it, so you know how long it has been frozen.
• Thaw bread before serving: Remove the bread from the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. Once thawed, reheat it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to restore its crustiness, if desired.

Notes

• If you want to make a 100% spelt bread loaf, you can easily do it with this recipe. It will have a strong nutty flavor and I love it! Simply sub out the white flour for spelt flour. I let it rise for 1 ½ hours, as the 100% whole spelt loaves take longer to rise. Then bake to 195 degrees and after it is baked, be sure to let it cool before slicing. This will give the starches time to set, otherwise, you will have a gummy loaf. This also allows for carry-over baking to happen, which will give you a perfectly baked loaf. 
• To make it vegan spelt bread, use vegan butter or coconut oil. Plant-based milk and flax eggs can be used to replace other ingredients.
• The bread dough will be slightly sticky, or tacky. This is what you want. Whole wheat dough will have more liquid, so it of course be stickier. 
• You can use instant yeast in place of the active dry. Use the same amount, but just know you do not need to activate the yeast. Simply add it in with everything else. 
• If you want to add in other seeds and nuts, what about trying sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, poppy seeds, or pepitas?
• While spelt is an ancient grain, it is not a gluten-free grain. This bread is not suited for those on a gluten-free diet who have celiac disease.  

Is spelt good for making bread?

Spelt flour is an excellent choice for making bread, as it produces a flavorful and hearty loaf of bread. Whole grain spelt flour is especially well-suited for bread baking, as it contains the bran and germ of the grain, which provides additional nutrients and fiber. The gluten in spelt flour is also more delicate than that of wheat flour, making it easier to digest for some people.

Sourdough bread recipes in particular benefit from the use of spelt flour. Sourdough bread is made using a natural yeast starter, and spelt flour can help create a more complex flavor profile.

The natural sweetness of spelt flour also complements the tanginess of sourdough bread. Whether you're an experienced baker or just starting out, spelt flour is a great choice for making a delicious and nutritious loaf of bread.

• Yeasted Breads
• Baked
• Spelt Flour