Whole Wheat Bread

Whole Wheat Bread is a hearty, nutritious, and delicious homemade bread made with whole wheat flour. It’s soft, slightly nutty in flavor, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying with butter and jam. This easy recipe produces a wholesome loaf with a tender crumb and a golden crust, making it a staple for any kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Nutritious & High in Fiber – Whole wheat flour adds essential nutrients and fiber.
• Soft & Fluffy – No dense or dry bread here! This recipe creates a light and airy texture.
• Easy to Make – Uses simple ingredients with step-by-step instructions.
• Versatile – Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or even making homemade croutons.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 packet (2 ¼ tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 ¼ cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds (optional, for extra fiber)
• 1 tbsp vital wheat gluten (optional, for extra softness)

Directions

Activate the Yeast:

1. In a small bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water with honey. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

Mix the Dough:

2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, salt, flaxseeds, and vital wheat gluten (if using).
3. Add the yeast mixture and olive oil, then mix until a dough forms.

Knead the Dough:

4. Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes, or until smooth and elastic.

First Rise:

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a damp towel, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape & Second Rise:

6. Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan.
7. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes until it reaches the top of the pan.

Bake the Bread:

8. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 1 loaf (12 slices)
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rising Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Bake Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Honey Whole Wheat Bread – Use honey instead of maple syrup for a subtly sweet flavor.
• Multigrain Whole Wheat Bread – Add sunflower seeds, oats, or flaxseeds for extra texture.
• Cinnamon Whole Wheat Bread – Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon and 2 tablespoons raisins for a hint of sweetness.
• Garlic & Herb Whole Wheat Bread – Mix in 1 teaspoon garlic powder and dried herbs for a savory twist.

Storage & Reheating

• Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days.
• Refrigeration: Can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, but best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezing: Slice and freeze in a sealed bag for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: Toast slices or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5 minutes.

FAQs

Why is my whole wheat bread dense?

Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid, so adding a little vital wheat gluten or extra kneading helps create a lighter texture.

Can I make this bread without yeast?

Yes! Substitute with 1 teaspoon baking soda and 1 cup buttermilk for a quick bread version.

How can I make my bread softer?

Using olive oil, butter, or an extra tablespoon of honey helps keep the bread moist.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead?

For a lighter loaf, replace 1 cup of whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour.

What’s the best way to slice homemade bread?

Use a sharp serrated knife and let the bread cool completely before slicing.

Can I make this bread in a bread machine?

Yes! Use the whole wheat setting and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Does whole wheat bread take longer to rise?

Yes, because whole wheat flour is denser. Let it rise until doubled in size for best results.

Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?

Yes! Instant yeast doesn’t need proofing—just mix it directly into the dry ingredients.

How do I get a crustier loaf?

Bake with a small pan of hot water in the oven to create steam for a crispier crust.

Can I make rolls instead of a loaf?

Yes! Divide the dough into 12 rolls and bake at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

Conclusion

This Whole Wheat Bread recipe is simple, wholesome, and perfect for daily use. Whether you’re making toast, sandwiches, or serving it alongside soup, this homemade whole wheat bread is a nutritious and satisfying choice. Try different variations, store extras for later, and enjoy the delicious aroma of fresh-baked bread in your kitchen!

Whole Wheat Bread

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 1 loaf (10-12 slices) 1x
• Category: Bread
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American, Healthy
• Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

---

Description

This whole wheat bread is soft, hearty, and perfect for sandwiches or toast! Made with 100% whole wheat flour, this homemade bread is high in fiber and has a rich, nutty flavor. Whether you’re looking for an easy whole wheat bread recipe, a healthy homemade bread option, or a soft wheat bread for sandwiches, this recipe delivers a fluffy, wholesome loaf every time!

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
• 1 1/4 cups warm water (110°F)
• 2 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• 1 tsp salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Activate the Yeast:

• In a bowl, mix warm water, yeast, and honey.
• Let sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy.

2. Mix the Dough:

• In a large bowl, combine whole wheat flour and salt.
• Add the yeast mixture and olive oil.
• Mix until a sticky dough forms.

3. Knead & First Rise:

• Knead for 8-10 minutes until smooth.
• Place in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1-1.5 hours until doubled.

4. Shape & Second Rise:

• Punch down the dough and shape into a loaf.
• Place in a greased loaf pan.
• Cover and let rise for 30-40 minutes.

5. Bake the Bread:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
• Let cool before slicing.

---

Notes

• For extra soft wheat bread, replace ¼ cup of water with milk.
• Add seeds or nuts for extra crunch and nutrition!
• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days or freeze for longer storage.