Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Written by Emily on July 22, 2022 in Breads

This is my simple Whole Wheat Bread recipe. Whole wheat bread recipe that yields soft, fiber-rich slices with a hint of sweetness. This easy Whole Wheat Bread is perfect for sandwiches, toast, or just enjoying with some softened butter. You will love this soft homemade bread recipe! The bread is incredibly soft, and I can never resist eating a slice warm from the oven. Once you try it, I’m sure you’ll agree that this is the best whole wheat bread recipe!

If you usually buy wheat bread from the store, you should be aware that most brands still use all-purpose flour to help keep the bread soft. This recipe uses 100% whole wheat flour without sacrificing taste or texture. It also has more amount of extra nutrients like fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium in each slice. It is perfect for a grilled cheese sandwich, peanut butter & jam sandwich, or simply toast it up and spread warm butter on top. This healthy whole wheat bread has the best flavor. This Whole Wheat Bread is light and fluffy, and easier to make than you might think! My recipe uses basic ingredients that you have in your pantry. It is done within a few hours. And no more store-bought preservatives! Your kitchen will smell incredible…and you’ll never need to buy bread again! It’s the favorite bread in our house. I hope it becomes a favorite in your house, too!

Ingredients required to make Whole Wheat Bread

Active Dry Yeast: I use active dry yeast for a steady and effective rise of the bread dough.
Warm Water: warm water is required for the yeast to work effectively.
Sugar: The yeast needs sugar to proof effectively. Also, it gives sweetness to the bread.
Salt: Used to season the bread.
Butter: Mix softened butter in the dough to add tenderness to the crumb. Since wheat flour is higher in protein, this prevents the bread from getting too tough when kneaded.
Milk: Milk is used to add moisture and tenderness to the crumb. Milk is warmed to help the working of the yeast.
Whole wheat flour: 3 and a half cups of whole wheat flour is used to make this bread. No all-purpose flour is used in the bread which guarantees more fiber and nutrition.

How to make Whole Wheat Bread

Proofing the yeast: Mix one tablespoon of active dry yeast and two tablespoons of sugar in half a cup of warm water. It is required that the water be warm for the yeast to work. Keep it aside for five minutes and the mixture would have turned frothy. If it has not the yeast is not working. Discard the mixture and redo it with unexpired yeast.
Making the dough and first proofing: In a large mixing bowl, pour the proofed yeast mixture, half cup milk, half cup sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 4 tablespoons of softened butter and gently mix. To this add 3 and a half cups of whole wheat flour and mix using a wooden spoon until you’re not able to mix anymore. Cover and rest the dough for 20 minutes for the development of gluten. After 20 minutes, knead the dough in a stand mixer for 15 minutes or until the dough is springy to the touch. If there’s no stand mixer, invert the contents of the bowl to a clean work surface and knead for 12 to 15 minutes or until the dough is springy to touch. Knead the dough until you can pull and stretch the dough into a thin film without tearing. Oil the bowl well and transfer the dough into the bowl and cover it with a kitchen towel. Leave it for 2 hours in a warm spot in the kitchen for the dough to proof. After 2 hours, the dough must’ve doubled in size. Knock out the air from the dough.
Shaping the loaf and second proofing: On a lightly floured clean work surface, roll the dough into a rectangle of the same width as the bread loaf tin. Tightly roll the rectangular dough into a loaf. Oil the bread tin well and transfer the dough loaf into the tin. Cover it and leave it to prove for another 1 and ½ hours. Preheat the oven to 200 C.
Baking the bread: After 1 and ½ hours, the dough must’ve proved well. Brush the top of the dough with milk. Bake the dough in a preheated oven at 200 C for 20 minutes, then reduce the temperature to 180 C and bake for 30 minutes.
Apply butter and enjoy: When the bread is right out of the oven, apply butter generously on all sides. Slice the bread and enjoy it as it is or toasted with butter.

Love the Whole Wheat Bread? You would love these other bread recipes too:

Masala Bread Recipe

Easy Homemade Cinnamon Rolls

Soft and Fluffy Milk Bread Loaf