Red River Cereal Bread - freshly baked bread

Red River Cereal Bread

Whole Wheat & Multigrain Bread

A classic Canadian prairie bread made with Red River Cereal — cracked wheat, rye, and flax in every slice.

Prep Time

15 min

Proof Time

1h 30m

Bake Time

35 min

Servings

10

Calories

185

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1½ cups bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1¼ cups warm water
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    Dissolve 1 tbsp honey in warm water. Add yeast and wait 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix

    Add remaining ingredients and both flours. Mix and knead 10 minutes until smooth.

  3. 3

    First Rise

    Cover and rise 60 minutes until doubled.

  4. 4

    Shape & Second Rise

    Shape into a loaf, place in a greased pan. Rise 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes. Brush with butter.

Baker's Notes

Pure whole wheat bread can be dense and bitter. My secret is the 60/40 blend of whole wheat to bread flour — you get the nutrition without sacrificing texture.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

This loaf carries the taste of the Canadian Prairies in every slice, built on the same cracked wheat, rye, and flax blend that's filled Red River Cereal boxes since the 1920s. The whole wheat flour gives it a hearty, slightly nutty crumb, while the honey and melted butter keep it moist and add a soft caramel-toned crust once it's out of the oven.

Prairie kitchens have leaned on this bread for generations because it's forgiving and honest — no fancy folding, no stand mixer required, just a good ten-minute knead and patience while it rises. It's the kind of loaf that makes your kitchen smell like a farmhouse and disappears fast once it's sliced warm.

Tips for the Best Red River Cereal Bread

Whole wheat flour drinks up more water than white flour, so if your dough feels stiff or tears rather than stretches after a few minutes of kneading, work in an extra tablespoon of warm water at a time. Brush the crust with melted butter right after baking for that classic golden sheen and softer top.

What to Serve With It

Slice it thick for toast with maple butter or a smear of natural peanut butter, or serve it alongside a bowl of split pea or vegetable soup on a cold day. It also holds up well under a slice of aged cheddar or with a spoonful of homemade jam at breakfast.

Storage & Reheating

Once fully cooled, store the loaf in a bread bag or airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or slice and freeze for up to 3 months. Toast frozen slices straight from the freezer, or thaw at room temperature and warm briefly in a 150°C (300°F) oven before serving.

Nutrition Facts

185

cal

5g

Protein

4g

Fat

35g

Carbs

3g

Fiber

204mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use actual Red River Cereal instead of just whole wheat flour?+

Yes, soak about 1/2 cup of the dry cereal in the warm water for 10 minutes before mixing it into the dough. It adds the traditional cracked wheat, rye, and flax texture the bread is named for.

Why brush the loaf with butter after baking instead of before?+

Brushing after baking keeps the crust from over-browning in the oven while still giving you that soft, glossy finish and a richer flavour on the outer crust once it cools slightly.

Can I substitute maple syrup for the honey?+

Yes, maple syrup works one-to-one in place of honey and gives the crumb a gentle maple note that pairs naturally with the whole wheat and rye character of this loaf.

Why does my dough feel dry and stiff while kneading?+

Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than bread flour alone. Add warm water a tablespoon at a time during kneading until the dough turns smooth and slightly tacky, not crumbly.

How do I know the loaf is fully baked?+

The crust should be deep golden brown and the loaf should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read about 90°C (195°F).

Tips & Tricks

  • Whole wheat flour absorbs more water — add extra if dough feels dry.
  • Honey feeds the yeast and helps the bread brown beautifully.
  • Let cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Reviews (5)

Jennifer K.★★★★★

This is now our go-to bread recipe. The house smelled incredible while it was baking. My kids couldn't wait to tear into a warm slice.

André G.★★★★★

Just like from the bakery! The crust is crispy and the crumb is soft. Bravo for this extraordinary recipe.

Chantal D.★★★★★

Easy to prepare and so delicious! Even my picky kids went for seconds. This bread has become a staple in our home.

Pierre T.★★★★★

Excellent recipe. I followed the instructions to the letter and the result was perfect. My wife loved it. The best homemade bread I've made.

Marie L.★★★★★

Made this last weekend and my family loved it! The bread came out perfectly golden with a beautiful crust. Will definitely be making this again.