trying to bake whole wheat bread with a recipe using milk and egg It remains flat in the oven so may be too hot. Can anyone tell me what temp should be?

Whole wheat bread is a denser bread than white bread, so it will naturally be less airy and rise less in the oven. However, if your bread remains flat, there are a few possible reasons, such as oven temperature, ingredients, and technique.

1. Oven Temperature:

- While baking bread, the initial temperature of the oven plays a crucial role. A good temperature for baking whole wheat bread is around 375°F (190°C). If the oven is too hot, the crust of the bread will form too quickly, preventing the loaf from rising properly.

2. Ingredients:

- Make sure you are using the correct proportions of ingredients. Incorrect measurements of yeast or too little gluten in whole wheat flour can affect the rise of the bread.

- Ensure the yeast you're using is fresh. Old or expired yeast won't have enough leavening power to make the bread rise.

- Be precise while measuring the liquids and flours. Too much or too little liquid or flour can throw off the overall consistency and rising capability of the dough.

3. Technique:

- Proper kneading of the dough helps to develop the gluten structure, which is crucial for the bread to rise. Knead the dough for at least 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic.

- Before baking, let the dough rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This step allows the yeast to work its magic and produce gas that makes the bread rise.

- Handle the dough gently when transferring it from bowl to loaf pan to avoid knocking the air bubbles out.

- Ensure that you proof the dough long enough. Under-proofed dough won't have enough time to rise properly and will result in a flat loaf.

- Be patient. Whole wheat bread generally takes a little longer to rise than white bread. Allow enough time for the two proofing stages.

By adjusting the oven temperature, checking your ingredients, and focusing on your technique, you can get your whole wheat bread to rise and bake beautifully.