Use this tried and true recipe—and nobody will believe that you used spelt flour!
I casually mentioned to my sister that I was trying a new spelt challah recipe one week after the previous attempt failed miserably. She told me to stop searching because she’d had the best spelt challah the week before made by her son’s mother-in-law. When the batch I was trying didn’t turn out great, I asked her to get me that recipe. And I’ve been making it since. Mrs. Marmorstein was happy to share it with all of the Between Carpools audience, so now you can all enjoy the fluffiest and most flavorful spelt challah you’ve ever tried!
The Best Spelt Challah Recipe
Cook time
Total time
Ingredients
- 15.5 cups of white spelt flour (that’s 2 kg plus 2.5 cups and a bit less than 5 lbs)
- 5 cups very warm water
- ¼ cup sugar
- 3 tablespoons sea salt
- 3 tablespoons dry yeast
- ¾ cup oil
Instructions
- Put 1 cup of water, yeast, and sugar in a mixer bowl. Let proof until bubbly and foamy - 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add the rest of the water.
- Slowly add most of the flour.
- Add the salt to the remaining flour, mix well and add to the mixer.
- Add oil and mix for an additional 10 minutes.
- Set dough aside to rise in a clean, greased bowl and cover (or just use a clean non-scented garbage bag like I do). Let the dough rise for an hour and knead it down until there are no air bubbles.
- Take challah, braid and then let rise for an additional hour.
- Preheat oven to 350⁰F. Brush with egg wash and add topping of your choice. Bake for 40 minutes.
For more challah recipes and tips click here.
How many loaves does this recipe yield?
It depends on how you divide it. I make 8 medium sized loaves from one batch, but you could definitely make 10 smaller ones or 6 large ones.
No eggs?? ..or is that a typo?!
Not a typo – no eggs!
Can you swap with honey?
I haven’t tried it like that, but I think it would. Let us know if you try it!
Can I use whole spelt flour with this recipe?
Happy to see a recipe with only a little sugar. Are these challahs not so sweet?
These are not sweet challahs. Perfect for enjoying with savory dips!
I’ve have been making a delicious spelt challah for the past 6 months that is also delicious and very light. The first time I served it my husband couldn’t believe it was spelt and still so delicious and light as a feather. I’ve passed it on to do many people and everyone had the same reaction. I got one will not go back to regular or whole wheat challah again!! If you want I’ll be happy to share it!
Please share
Please share !!
Please share
I would love that recipe!
If youre in the US can you tell us how much flour we would take out of a 5 lb bag? For example : use 5lbs minus 2 cups
Are you able to make a Bracha for hafrasha on this ?
Sure! Spelt is one of the 5 main grains.
I think she is asking re it being less than 5 lbs.
sounds like a great recipe for us. How much agava nectar can I use instead of the sugar ? (need to make it diabetic friendly)
I’m gonna try this recipe today! Called Bais Horaah regarding making a Brocha for hafroshas challah. You can! Anything over 12 1/2 cups I was told.
Thank you for this recipe! I’m new to challa baking and was looking for a good spelt recipe. When do I start mixing? After the yeast has proofed and I’m adding the water?
Do I mix before the yeast proofs?
Thank you!
Sending the other spelt challeh recipe?
Will Beth Share her spelt chalet recipe?
I’ve been making Spelt Challah for a few years now. Since I’ve been making it my family doesn’t want to go back to regular flour. I’ve shared this recipe many times. It’s a winner. If you make it please share with me how you liked it.
5lbs. Spelt Flour
3 oz fresh or 4 T dry yeast
1 c. sugar
4 eggs
9 oz. oil
2 heaping T honey
2½ T salt
Bake 425 until golden approx 10 minutes and then 350 for 25 minutes.
Spelt flour is lighter than regular flour and needs less oil. It’s normal for the dough to feel stickier so add more flour only if necessary or oil your hands when handling. Spelt Challah is more crumbly after baked as it has lower gluten than regular flour.
Hatzlacha and Enjoy!
White spelt or regular spelt ?
I use white spelt
HI, how much water??
I used four cups of water and it came out amazing!
Does this work with whole spelt flour?
I use spelt flour (white or whole or a mix of both) and I just use the recipe in the back of the ArtScroll adult version biography of Rebbetzin Kanievksy a’h. No eggs. 🙂