Homemade Bran Bread Recipe: Soft, Moist Loaf Guide

This bran bread recipe is perfect for anyone who wants extra fiber but prefers something other than typical wheat bread. It’s simple to make and yields a nicely shaped, tasty loaf.

Last Updated on November 12, 2024 – Originally Posted March 2017

Note: this recipe was most recently tested in a Zojirushi BB-PAC20. I’ve baked it at sea level and at 3,700 feet with consistent results. Adjustments for other machines or elevations may be needed—follow your machine’s instructions for ingredient order and settings.

Featured Comment

I’ve made this 5 times, perfect rise and loaf every time. Chewy, slightly dense, perfect for toast and sandwiches. ~ Lois

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This bran bread uses bran flakes cereal for added fiber while keeping a mild, approachable flavor. You do not need to crush the flakes—add them whole to the pan and let the bread machine do the work.

What is bran? It’s the outer layer of cereal grain and a concentrated source of dietary fiber, essential fatty acids, protein, vitamins, and minerals.

The recipe also calls for powdered milk, which is milk that has been evaporated to dryness and stored as a powder. It has a much longer shelf life than liquid milk and adds a bit of richness and structure to the loaf.

I loved the appearance of this loaf: evenly shaped with a deep brown crust.

How to make Bran Bread

This recipe is written for a two-pound bread machine. Use the basic/white setting with medium crust.

Always follow your bread machine’s instructions for the correct order to add ingredients. In many machines, including Zojirushi models, liquids go in first. After the machine starts, check the dough about five to ten minutes into kneading. It should form a smooth, round ball.

If the dough is too dry, add liquid a teaspoon at a time until it comes together. If it’s too wet, add flour a tablespoon at a time until the dough reaches the expected consistency.

FAQ for This Recipe

• Different yeasts: active dry, instant, bread machine, and quick-rise yeast behave differently. Refer to your yeast package or appliance guide when substituting types and adjust quantities or proofing times as needed.
• Bread machine sizes vary. If you have a machine smaller or larger than two pounds, convert ingredient amounts proportionally or consult a conversion guide for best results.
• Choosing between bread flour and all-purpose flour affects texture. Bread flour yields a chewier, stronger crumb due to higher protein; all-purpose produces a lighter crumb but may need slight adjustments.

Easy Bran Bread Recipe – Two Pound Loaf

This is for a two-pound bread machine. Use the basic/white setting with medium crust.

1 1/2 Cups Water
3 3/4 Cups Bread Flour
1 1/4 Cups Bran Flakes Cereal (don’t crush the flakes)
2 1/2 Tbsp Sugar
2 Tbsp Powdered Milk
1 1/2 tsp Salt
2 Tbsp Olive Oil
2 tsp Active Dry Yeast

Metric measurements and nutrition information are provided below.