SUNSHINE WHEAT recipe served on a plate, by Houligan's Port Orange
Restaurants/Houligan's Port Orange/Sunshine Wheat Recipe

Sunshine Wheat Recipe

Make Sunshine Wheat Recipe in just 2h 45m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.

Time2h 45m
Serves10
Jump to Recipe
Last updated Oct 14, 2026

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Ingredients

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Method

Dough

  1. 1

    Activate yeast

    Combine warm water (95–110°F / 35–43°C) and honey in a small bowl. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the surface, stir lightly, and let sit 5–8 minutes until foamy.

  2. 2

    Mix dry ingredients

    In a large bowl or stand mixer bowl, whisk together whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, salt, turmeric, ground cumin, and black pepper until evenly distributed. (Note: turmeric and cumin are added to the dough for color and subtle flavor; if you prefer, add them to the Sunshine Mix instead.)

  3. 3

    Combine wet and dry

    Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the foamy yeast mixture and olive oil. Mix with a spoon or dough hook on low until a shaggy dough forms, about 2 minutes.

  4. 4

    Knead

    Knead by hand on a lightly floured surface or with a dough hook for 8–10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. If dough is too stiff, add up to 2 tablespoons warm water; if too sticky, add up to 2 tablespoons whole wheat flour.

  5. 5

    First rise

    Lightly oil a clean bowl, place the dough inside, turn to coat, cover with plastic wrap or a damp towel, and let rise in a warm draft-free place until doubled in size, about 60–75 minutes.

Sunshine Mix (add-ins and topping)

  1. 6

    Prepare add-ins

    While the dough rises, grate the carrot, finely dice the yellow bell pepper, measure sunflower seeds and golden raisins (if using). Toast the sunflower seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until fragrant—cool completely.

  2. 7

    Fold add-ins into dough

    After the dough has doubled, gently deflate it on a lightly floured surface. Flatten into a rectangle and evenly sprinkle the grated carrot, diced bell pepper, toasted sunflower seeds and raisins over the surface. Fold the dough over the filling and gently knead 6–8 times until the add-ins are evenly distributed. Avoid overworking so the vegetables remain bright.

  3. 8

    Shape and proof

    Shape the dough into a loaf or oval. Place into a lightly oiled 9x5" loaf pan or on a parchment-lined baking sheet (for an oval). Cover and let proof until puffy and nearly doubled, about 30–45 minutes.

  4. 9

    Preheat oven

    During the final proof, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Position a rack in the middle of the oven.

  5. 10

    Finish and bake

    Gently brush the top with egg wash or olive oil, then sprinkle flaky sea salt and an extra pinch of sunflower seeds if desired. Score the top once or twice with a sharp knife for controlled expansion. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes until the crust is golden and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center registers 200–205°F (93–96°C). If the top browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 8–10 minutes.

  6. 11

    Cool

    Remove from oven, turn out of the pan if used, and transfer to a wire rack. Let cool at least 45 minutes before slicing so the crumb sets. Serve at room temperature.

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