Rustic Spelt Flour Bread In A Loaf Pan

This recipe for Rustic Spelt Flour Bread In a Loaf Pan in the perfect dense spelt loaf. Know that this is not a sourdough loaf, but a yeast bread. It is a simple recipe to make and can be made all in the same day. You can use it for toast, sandwiches, french toast or anything else you can think of!

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• Homemade spelt flour artisan pizza dough
• Nutty spelt flour pasta dough
• Spelt flour carrot cake muffin recipe
• Chewy spelt flour oatmeal raisin cookies
• Crepes made with spelt flour
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• Brown butter chocolate chip cookies with spelt flour
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What is the difference between whole grain and white spelt flour?

Whole Grain Spelt Flour:

• Processing: Made from the entire spelt kernel, including the bran, germ, and endosperm.
• Flavor and Texture: Nuttier flavor and coarser texture due to the presence of bran particles.

White Spelt Flour:

• Processing: Produced by removing the bran and germ, leaving only the endosperm.
• Flavor and Texture: Milder flavor and finer, lighter texture suitable for recipes where a lighter texture is desired.

Ingredients

• 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. No spelt flour? Read my post on recommendations for what other flour can be used besides spelt.  
• Milk or water- I used milk in mine as think it gives the bread a softer texture. You can also use water if you prefer.  
• Active dry yeast
• Oil or butter- Canola oil also gives the bread a really soft texture, but you can also use softened butter if you like.  
• Eggs
• Salt- It won't take much, but it is necessary not only for flavor but also for the rising of the bread. 
• Sweetener- Granulated, brown sugar, or honey will work. I used granulated sugar in mine. 
• Vital wheat gluten- This is optional, but helps create a really soft loaf of bread.

How to make spelt bread

Begin by activating the yeast. To do this, combine the warm milk, yeast and the sweetener. Mix it and let this sit for 3-5 minutes. Add this with the remaining ingredients to your mixer and mix for 6-8 minutes until the dough is smooth.

Cover and let the dough rise at room temperature until is has doubled. Form the dough into your loaf, then cover and let it double again.

PRO TIP: The warmer and more humid your house, the quicker the bread will rise. If you have a proof setting on your oven, you can use that as well.

At the end of the rising time, preheat your oven. You will want it hot when the bread is ready to bake. When it has doubled, brush the bread with an egg wash for a pretty shine.

I made my loaf into a butter top, if you want to do the same with yours, let me show you how. Once the bread has risen, brush the top with egg wash. Using a lame (razor) slit across the top. Pipe a line of butter in the slit.

Bake the bread until it is golden brown. I prefer to take the temperature on my bread than using time or color as the indicator. This is so important with whole wheat breads and something not everyone uses. You will always run the risk of overbaking without taking the temperature.

PRO TIP: Baking the temperature to 190-192 degrees for this spelt bread will bake it to moist perfection!

Tips and tricks

Making whole wheat bread at home can be a rewarding experience, but there are a few important things to keep in mind to ensure the best results possible.

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.
2. 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 190-192 degrees. 
3. 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.
4. 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 sugar, but use you can also use honey or brown sugar.

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.

Other spelt flour recipes

• Spelt carrot cake muffins
• Chewy oatmeal raisin spelt cookies
• No knead sprouted spelt bread
• Spelt bread recipe
• Spelt crackers
• Sourdough focaccia recipe
• Spelt brownies
• Brown butter spelt chocolate chip cookies
• Spelt challah recipe

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