Soft Whole Wheat Bread
Vegan, Vegetarian
100% whole wheat bread recipe with step by step photos and video. This foolproof recipe gives you a really good soft wheat bread with the ingredients you have at home.
This is a soft wholemeal bread with a light crumb. The recipe does not have the typical denseness and heaviness which is found in 100% whole wheat bread. There is a special & secret ingredient in the recipe that helps in the gluten development.
I embarked upon this ingredient one day when I was making naan. Typically the Indian Naan and Bhatura have one ingredient that helps in the leavening process and gives a soft texture, even when the naans are made without yeast. I thought why not try using this ingredient in a bread. And it worked like a charm.
Later while studying more about bread baking, I came to know that an acidic medium in limits, helps in gluten development. So no wonder that this ingredient worked. So before you ask me what is the secret Let me tell you its Curd or yogurt.
Well the bread has a slight taste of yogurt, but really it does not matter. Later I experimented with another two acidic ingredients Vinegar and lemon juice and these too worked very well. With vinegar the bread had a slight taste of vinegar, but we had no issues.
As a vegetarian, you can use dairy yogurt and as a vegan you can use cashew yogurt or vinegar or lemon juice.
How To Make 100% Whole Grain Fluffy Wheat Bread
Making bread can take quite a bit of time to make. This recipe takes less than three hours and needs only 7 ingredients.
Heres what you will need:
- Hot Water
- 100% Whole Grain Wheat Flour
- Dry Active Yeast
Making bread is definitely an art.
Then you will have two beautiful loaves to enjoy.
Makes perfect toast and sandwiches.
About Whole Wheat Bread
Whole wheat bread is made using wholemeal flour, yeast, honey and water. Sometimes eggs or other ingredients are used. I am sharing three version of whole wheat bread in this post.
You all know my love for baking bread at home from my array of bread post in my blog. So far i have tried 100% Whole Wheat Bread, White Bread, Multi Grain Bread. And i went a little fancy and made a Homemade Panettone& Focaccia Bread. So far everything turned out so beautiful and they all been my favorite ones.
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How To Make Whole Wheat Bread In A Bread Machine
Note: Bread machines vary from maker to maker. This recipe requires a machine that has a two pound capacity. Follow the directions that come with your bread machine. This is a basic method.
How To Store Your Whole Wheat Bread
This recipe makes two loaves, so I like to keep one wrapped and stored in the pantry for eating. The second loaf I keep wrapped up in the refrigerator until we’re ready to enjoy it.
I have a bread box, but I still prefer keeping my loaf wrapped inside of the bread box. And when I cut off the first slice, I store that end piece pressed against the cut end of the loaf as a kind of “cap” to help prevent it from drying out. When we’re ready for the second loaf, I take it out of the fridge and store it at room temperature in the bread box.
Since this is fresh homemade bread with no preservatives, it will start to mold after several days. So keeping that second loaf in the fridge until we’re ready for it buys us some extra time. You could also successfully freeze the second loaf if you prefer. However, we usually eat it soon/fast enough that refrigerating suffices.
If it takes your family awhile to work through two loaves of bread, another winning alternative would be to give the second loaf away! I mean, who wouldn’t love the thoughtful gesture of freshly-baked homemade bread?
If you have never baked homemade bread before, I encourage you to try it. It may seem intimidating at first and the various steps do take a bit of time, but overall, it truly is easy. And if you are already an expert baker, then I hope you’ll add this recipe to your repertoire!
Now go forth and make bread!
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How To Serve 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Besides just eating it warm from the oven, this homemade bread can be enjoyed in so many ways.
Its perfect for sandwiches, because of its soft, pillow-y texture.
And it toasts beautifully! I love to slather it with butter and give it a sprinkling of cinnamon sugar, or a swipe of jam. That plus a cup of hot, milky tea and Im in heaven.
You could also use it as a base for your avocado toast!
If you find your leftovers are starting to get a bit dry, use them for French toast or bread pudding, or whiz them up in the food processor to make bread crumbs.
Classic 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Who says whole wheat bread has to be dense, dry, and tasteless? This 100% whole wheat recipe features the delightfully nutty taste of wheat in a fine-grained, moist, faintly sweet loaf.
- 1 to 1 1/8 cups lukewarm water*
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey, molasses, or maple syrup
- 1/4 cup King Arthur Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
- 1 1/4 teaspoons salt
*Use the greater amount in winter or in a dry climate the lesser amount in summer or a humid climate.
Instructions
Weigh your flour or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess.
In a large bowl or the bowl of your stand mixer, combine all of the ingredients and stir just until the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Let it rest for 20 to 30 minutes this gives the flour a chance to absorb some of the liquid and the bran to soften, making the dough easier to knead.
If kneading by hand, transfer the dough to a lightly greased surface, oil your hands, and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it’s smooth and supple. If kneading in a stand mixer, attach the dough hook and knead for 5 to 7 minutes at low speed, until the dough is soft and smooth. Adjust its consistency with additional flour or water, if necessary.
Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl, cover it, and let it rise until puffy though not necessarily doubled in bulk, 1 to 2 hours.
Perfect your technique
You won’t believe our most popular recipe …
Tips from our Bakers
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Baking Tips For Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
- You can speed up the first rise by putting the covered bowl with the dough in a warm oven. Heat the empty oven for a few minutes, turn it off, and then put the dough inside.
- After the bread bakes, you can rub butter over the hot top crust to soften and flavor it, if desired.
- Homemade bread slices easiest after it has cooled. Since this bread is so soft, I find that I have to slice it a little thicker than typical sandwich bread.
The Best Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
This healthy whole wheat bread has the best flavor, with a touch of honey. The bread is incredibly soft, and I can never resist eating a slice warm from the oven. Once you try it, Im sure youll agree that this is the best whole wheat bread recipe!
Below Ive also included instructions for how to make this bread with all-purpose flour or bread flour. Whichever you choose, you will have a delicious loaf of bread to use for sandwiches or to serve with dinner. I highly recommend spreading some butter and honey on a slice its so delicious!
You might also enjoy my brioche bun recipe, whole wheat pizza dough and easy yeast rolls.
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Did You Make This Recipe
We want to see it! Tag and use hashtag #redstaryeast
Easy to make. Tastes fantastic !
Linda Soko |
Can one use white whole wheat in this recipe?
Red Star Yeast |
Hi Linda Yes, that should work fine. You may want to visit the flour brands website to see if they suggest any modifications to your recipe when substituting one for the other.Happy baking!
First time Ive made bread in years, and this recipe worked out great. I did have to bake it a little longer than the recipe called, but I used a thermometer as they recommended on the website and it turned out perfect.
Jean | Reply
Yeah! It worked! I still always get a little nervous with yeast. Ive tried a different whole wheat molasses recipe in the past and it never worked. I kind of gave up but all the reviews here were positive soNummy! I used it to make a Reuben for my son and I had the butt with butter alongside my salad. I love the ends.So easy and I love the molasses flavor.Definitely will make again.
Good recipe! Thank you Red Star! I halved the recipe for 1 loaf, added 1-1/2 cups dried cranberries, subd canola oil for the vegetable, subd pancake syrup . Thank God turned out good.
Joysie | Reply
I was very impressed with this recipe and the directions provided. I had tried another recipe before this one that required a lot more ingredients including white flour, so I was stoked to find this recipes simple ingredents. Turned out great, and I love that it made two loaves!
Joysie | Reply
Sassy |
% Whole Wheat Bread For The Bread Machine
This firm, sweet loaf of golden whole wheat bread, perfect for sandwiches and toast, is one we worked out for our Zojirushi bread machine. But fear not we’ve included directions for baking the bread by the standard method, as well.
- 1 1/4 cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup honey or 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten, optional for higher rise
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Instructions
Weigh your flour or measure it by gently spooning it into a cup, then sweeping off any excess.
To make bread in a bread machine: Put all of the ingredients into the bread pan in the order listed. Program for basic white bread , and press Start.
Remove the bread from the machine when it’s done. Either turn it out of the pan onto a rack to cool or turn it out of the pan, place it back in the machine , crack the lid open about 1″, and let it cool right in the cooling-down machine. This helps prevent the crust from wrinkling as the loaf cools.
To make bread by hand: Mix all of the ingredients in a large bowl, or in the bowl of a stand mixer.
Perfect your technique
Successful loaves from your bread machine
Knead the dough until it’s smooth and just slightly tacky, about 8 to 10 minutes. Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let it rise until doubled in volume, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
Gently deflate the dough and shape it to fit a greased 8 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ loaf pan. Let it rise, covered, until doubled, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours.
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What’s A Bread Sponge
Let’s talk about step #2 for a moment, shall we? I believe that the biggest factor that makes this bread stay so soft and fresh is the step in the recipe calling for you to make a sponge. Now I’m not talking about the kind of sponge you keep by your kitchen sink. In bread making, a sponge is a very moist dough that just begins to rise as it gives the yeast a head start. After it’s had some time to do its magic, you add more flour and ingredients and proceed with the recipe. The sponge in this recipe only needs to sit for about 10 minutes. But apparently that’s all it takes to achieve this bread’s wonderful texture.
Related Recipes You Might Like:
- Whole Wheat Oatmeal Bread
- Raisin Bran Muffins
- Semolina Bread Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Recipe
Let me know in the comments below if you made this recipe and loved it, and if you had issues, so we can troubleshoot together. I love to hear what you think, always. Thanks for being here, it’s much appreciated. You might also to our FREE email series to Boost your Home Baking Skills! And our regular newsletter. And let’s connect via
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What To Love About 100% Whole Wheat Bread
Honestly, there is very little NOT to love about homemade bread. Especially warm from the oven. But here are some more favorites.
- Incredibly soft and delicious sandwich bread
- Healthy and satisfying
- Easy to make with few ingredients
- The aroma of home-baked bread
- Perfect for sandwiches, toast, and snacks!
How To Make Whole
Making 100% whole-wheat bread at home is easier than you might think. It is truly just the basic chemistry of transforming flour, water and yeast into a fragrant, delicious loaf. The most time-consuming step of creating homemade whole-wheat bread is waiting for the dough to rise, but that step is a hands-off process.
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% Whole Grain Fluffy Wheat Bread
May 12, 2009 by Stephanie Manley, Last Updated April 29, 2020
Making your own bread doesnt have to be hard. This whole-grain wheat bread recipe makes it so easy to make your own bread. If you like soft and fluffy brown bread this 100% Whole Grain Fluffy Wheat Bread is it. Made with whole grain flour, you dont need white flour for this recipe.
The Best Whole Wheat Bread
Here’s the deal…what makes this bread so amazing is that it stays soft and fresh for days after it’s been baked.
Just about all homemade bread tastes fabulous fresh out of the oven. But then whatever isn’t initially eaten tends to dry out a bit as the days stretch on, particularly in the case of wheat bread.
But this bread is just as good on the third day as it was on the first. Seriously! I wouldn’t believe it if I hadn’t experienced it first hand myself. It’s like store-bought, stay-soft bread without the preservatives. Forgive me for going all Scarlett O’Hara on you, but as God is my witness, I’ll never make another whole wheat bread recipe again!
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% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Yield: Additional Time: Total Time:
This 100% Whole Wheat Bread recipe makes easy, healthy loaves of soft, incredibly flavorful homemade bread. Perfect for toast, sandwiches, or snacking.
- 5 1/2 to 6 cups whole wheat flour*
- 2½ cups warm water
- 1½ tablespoons instant yeast
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon salt
Homemade Whole Wheat Bread
- 15 + 2 – 20 minute rising of dough minutes
- Cook Time:
Homemade Whole Wheat Bread made with 100% whole wheat and honey to bring that delicious homemade taste.
Hi and welcome to our website!
If you are looking for a delicious homemade whole wheat bread that is so easy to make you will be delighted, plus the enjoyment of making your own bread is amazing. If you are a first time bread maker don’t be afraid to start your first batch of bread from our site. I have a full step by step video that will help you get started, and a recipe you can print and have next to you while you are making it. Plus thats not all you can send me a message a day in advance to let me know you are going to make my recipe and I will be available to help you if you have a question during that time. NOW! have I convinced you to get started.
Homemade Whole Wheat Bread that is full of delicious taste and great with butter and molasses.
Look at this delicious texture of bread and I’m sure you will enjoy making it and having it after with a nice cup of tea.
Whole wheat flour and with fast rising yeast.Finished dough with a cross in it and while the dough is rising you will see the texture of the dough inside.Fresh homemade whole wheat bread
I hope I’ve convinced you to start your homemade bread today, I will share with you a link to my cookbook for you to check out.
Bonita’s Kitchen Cookbook available on amazon and with me just send me a message.
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