Whole wheat bread recipe that yields soft, fiber-rich slices with a hint of sweetness. Ready to make fresh sandwich bread that tastes better than store-bought versions?
Wheat bread is a great option for those looking to add whole grains to their diet. The robust nutty flavor and chewiness also add an intriguing taste and texture combination. If you usually just 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 bumps up the amount of extra nutrients like fiber, calcium, iron, and potassium in each slice. Perfect for a grilled cheese sandwich, peanut butter & jelly for the kids, or simply toast it up and spread warm butter on top.
Using 100% whole wheat flour
This type of flour is milled with the bran and germ, unlike all-purpose flour that has just the endosperm. The protein content is also upwards of 13 to 14% making it dense and arid. Fear not, I have a few tricks up my sleeve to prevent the bread from drying out.
Benefits of adding a sweetener
Honey adds a hint of sweetness and helps keep the bread moist. It’s a humectant, which attracts water and holds it in the crumb for longer. Sugar is essential for yeast fermentation. The yeast uses the sugar as fuel to produce gas and other byproducts to add flavor, rise, and tenderness. Maple syrup or molasses add flavorful caramel notes and give the bread a darker appearance.
Working with yeast
I use active dry yeast for a steady and effective rise. The organisms dissolve in warm water and sugar first to wake them up. Use a liquid heated to between 100 to 110ºF (37 to 43ºC) for this type of yeast to work properly. Alternatively, you can substitute Instant yeast for more rapid fermentation, reducing rise time by almost 50%.
The role of butter
Mix softened butter in the dough to add tenderness to the crumb. A little bit of fat coats the proteins and reduces gluten formation. Since wheat flour is higher in protein, this prevents the bread from getting too tough when kneaded.
Properly kneading the dough
I use my stand mixer with a hook attachment to more efficiently knead the dough. It’s important to gradually add the flour to the wet ingredients, about 1 cup at a time. This allows for better incorporation and hydration control. The flour amount may need to be adjusted depending on the conditions in your home, as more dryness or humidity in the air can have an effect.
After a brief resting period, knead the dough on the lowest speed level to ensure a gradual development of the gluten network. When the sides of the bowl become clean, a dough ball will form that should feel smooth and elastic. It’ll be slightly sticky but should bounce back when poked.
Let it rise
Let the dough ferment in a greased bowl at room temperature, or make an oven proofing box for those chilly days to help the yeast stay bustling. The first rise is ready when doubled in size and stays indented when pressed. There will be a lot of gas trapped inside the dough, so punch it out before the final rise.
Final shaping
When the dough is ready to shape into a loaf, simply knead it a few times to make a smooth cylinder. Place it in a 9×5-inch greased loaf pan and let it ferment one last time. It should grow to about an inch over the rim.
Finishing touches
To add extra fiber to the bread, I like to sprinkle rolled oats on top right before baking it. To help it stick better, lightly brush egg wash on the surface. The egg yolk will also deepen the golden-brown color on the crust as it bakes. This step is optional.
Baking up a perfectly domed loaf
With the preheated oven at 350ºF (177ºC), add the loaf pan, and then just wait for the incredible smells to fill your kitchen. I recommend loosely covering the crust with some foil after 20 minutes. The higher amount of sugar in the recipe browns quicker than white bread, so the shield will prevent the surface from burning.
Take the bread out of the pan so the condensation doesn’t soften the crust. Let it cool completely on a wire rack before slicing. It’s hard for my family to resist, so we just wait until it’s cool to the touch but still warm enough that butter slathered on each slice melts. It’s so good!
Ways to make a softer loaf
Bran is like a sponge that soaks up available water and reduces the moisture of the interior crumb. The solution is to add more liquid to the dough and to let it sit for at least 20 minutes right after the first mixing step. This gives the water time to mellow out the bran and germ so it doesn’t feel so coarse when bitten into.
Whole Wheat Bread
Ingredients
- ¼ cup warm water
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 cup whole milk
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk, for egg wash
- 1 tablespoon rolled oats
Instructions
- Prepare the Yeast - Add warm water heated to 100-110ºF (37 to 43ºC) and sugar to the bowl of a stand mixer, and stir to combine. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 10 minutes until foamy.
- Mix the Dough - Add warm milk heated to 100-110ºF (37-43ºC), honey, salt, softened butter, and 1 cup of flour. Use the dough hook attachment and mix for 1 minute on the lowest speed setting. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom after 30 seconds.
- Add More Flour - Add 1 cup of flour, then gradually increase to medium speed until the dough just starts to come together, about 30 seconds. Add the remaining flour and mix on medium speed until the dough begins to pull away from the bowl, 30 seconds.
- Rest the Dough - Let the dough sit for 20 to 30 minutes to absorb the water and soften the bran.
- Knead the Dough - Knead on low speed until the dough becomes smooth and elastic, about 6 to 7 minutes. If the dough still feels very sticky, add more flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, mixing for 30 to 60 seconds each addition. Do not exceed ¼ cup of extra flour, too much will make the dough tough and not rise properly. Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead until a smooth ball forms, about 1 minute.
- First Dough Rise - Lightly grease a mixing bowl with oil. Add the dough inside and turn it to coat with the oil. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a damp kitchen towel. Let the dough rise in a warm draft-free area until doubled in size, about 1 to 2 hours.
- Punch the Dough - Punch the dough down while still in the bowl, and then transfer it to a lightly floured surface.
- Shape the Dough - Knead the dough 2 to 4 times to create a smooth ball and then roll into a 9-inch long cylinder. Press the side and bottom seams together to seal. Lightly grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan with oil or cooking spray. Place it in the loaf pan with the seam-side down.
- Second Dough Rise - Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise in a warm area until it reaches about 1-inch above the rim, about 1 hour.
- Heat the Oven - About 30 minutes before the bread is done rising, set the oven rack to the middle position. Preheat to 350ºF (177°C).
- Add Egg Wash and Oats - In a small bowl whisk together egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Gently brush the top of the bread with a thin layer of egg wash. Sprinkle oats evenly over the top, crushing some into finer pieces.
- Bake - Bake for 20 minutes, then loosely tent the top with foil so that the crust doesn't darken too much.Continue to bake the bread until the top is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches between 190 to 200ºF (87 to 93ºC) in the center, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cool - Let the bread sit in the hot pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool.
- To Serve - Slice the bread when it’s about room temperature or cool enough to handle.
Notes
- Recipe Yield: 1 large loaf
- Warm the Milk and Water: Microwave in 15-second increments, about 45 seconds.
- Instant Yeast Substitution: Add the same amount of instant yeast for active dry. Add it directly to the dry ingredients. Warm water and milk to 120-130ºF (48-54ºC). The rise times may be reduced by nearly half since instant yeast is more active.
- Storing: Bread can be stored at room temperature in a resealable plastic bag for up to 3 days. Slices can be frozen for up to 1 month.
- Reheating: Toast the slices for the best texture.
Nutrition Facts
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000-calorie diet. All nutritional information is based on estimated third-party calculations. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.
Jim Dolliver says
Made this a few times. really good.
Jessica Gavin says
Glad to hear that you are enjoying making the whole wheat bread!
Janice Kelly says
Great recipe but the foil came in contact with the raw dough (in the smallest spot) and tore when removed and ruined the loaf. The recipe worked great in my Emile Henry loaf baker. I removed the cover for last 10 minutes. Otherwise, I would only use the foil after the top has browned.
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for the feedback! You can definitely adjust the timing of when you add the foil on top. It’s just to prevent the surface from browning too much and as the bread finishes baking.
John Byler says
Loved the recipe! Can I make it without honey to lower the amount of sugar?
Jessica Gavin says
I would recommend keeping the honey level because it acts as a humectant, keeping the bread moist. You could try reducing the amount by half, but that’s the lowest I would go. Would love to hear how it tastes if you test it!
Sharon Morris says
I added flaxseed flour and chai seeds to recipe and was amazing.
Jessica Gavin says
Adding the seeds to the whole wheat bread sounds delicious! How much did you add of each? Would love to try!
Erin says
I love this recipe, but I’m having some trouble with it though. When I slice the bread it doesn’t hold together, maybe it’s too dry? I’m wondering if there is a troubleshoot to this problem. Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
Great question, Erin! Does the bread taste dry? If not, than you could either substitute some all-purpose flour for the wheat, about 1/2 cup to encourage more gluten development. Or if you want to keep the recipe all whole wheat, add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten. Let me know what you try, would love to hear!
Tyler says
About how much longer after tenting the loaf at 20 minutes does it need to bake?
Jessica Gavin says
Bake the bread until the top is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches between 190 to 200ºF (87 to 93ºC) in the center, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Susanne says
This bread is fantastic! I let it rise too long in the pan so it fell but it tastes great. I love that you included the baked temperature to indicate doneness since I’m always unsure. The whole process was so easy. I will definitely be making this more regularly!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you, Susanne! I’m so happy that you found this bread recipe easy and will make it again.
Franny Tassone says
Can I substitute olive oil for the butter in this recipe?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, you can use olive oil instead of butter. However, I would add 3 1/2 tablespoons of oil to account for about 15% moisture that is in butter (so only about 85% butterfat). Let me know how it goes!
Batul says
Hi Jessica…
I tried the recipe fully…and I added three cups of flour as well…. But it went extremely dry… To combine the third cup I had to add additional water…. The bread turned out to be really dense as well….. Please let me know how should I make this recipe next time…
Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Batul- Did you happen to weigh out the flour on a scale, or how did you measure it? That can cause some variances. Did you let the dough sit for 20-30 minutes to hydrate?
Pj says
You mentioned molasses. Would that be substituted for the honey?
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, you can use molasses, maply syrup, or honey in the bread recipe.
Linda W says
I make this bread in a bread machine and bake it in the oven. I stop the machine once the ingredients are thoroughly mixed and let it rest for 20-30 minutes, then finish the dough cycle. Perfect every time!
I sometimes add dried cranberries and walnuts for special occasions.
Jessica Gavin says
Thanks for sharing, Linda! I love the idea of adding cranberries and walnuts, yum!
Gourika Banerji says
Can we not put the 1/4 cup honey or sugar if i don’t want it to be sweet?
Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
Hi There! It won’t be too sweet. I worry that if you remove the sweetener the bread will taste dry because it’s a humectant and keeps the bread moist and tender. I would not remove the granulated sugar because the yeast needs food to ferment. If you give it a try, let me know how it goes!
Sheila Flores says
I made this whole wheat bread recently and was thrilled with the results. It’s so flavorful and tender. Loved the touch of sweetness from the honey. I’ll definitely be making this often as it’s now my husband’s and my favorite wheat bread. Thank you for the delicious recipes and great instruction!
Jessica Gavin says
You’re so welcome! I’m happy that you had success with the bread recipe and that everyone is enjoying it!
Ginny says
Hi Jessica,
I’ve tried many whole wheat bread recipes and have yet to find “the one” question, we all dislike honey. I mean really dislike honey and we can taste it in the other recipes I’ve tried. Your white bread recipe was a HUGE hit here and I’m hoping we can omit the honey and use 1/4 cup granulated sugar? Thoughts on that?
Thank you!
BTW, your brown butter chocolate chip cookies are the BEST!
Jessica Gavin says
Thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the recipe, Ginny! Yes, you can add granulated sugar, however, the bread may not retain as much moisture because it’s not a humectant like honey. You could also use pure maple syrup as a more equivalent sweetener.
Shalini says
Hi, my bread with whole wheat flour came out dense and the crumb doesn’t look like this at all. Can you please reference which bread flour you use? Thank you!
Jessica Gavin says
I typically use king arthurs whole wheat flour. How did the bread look after rising the seconds time? Was it above the pan? How did the dough feel? You may have to add a little bit more water next time is humidity can vary and how we measure.
Shalini says
Hi Jessica, the crumb of this bread looks so tempting that I really want to make it today but I don’t have a stand mixer. Can I use the cuisinart food processor to knead the dough by pulsing or just do it by hand?
Jessica Gavin says
I would recommend mixing the bread by hand.
Mibs says
Hi, I know this questions has been asked but I’m unsure of the answer. Can I use this recipe in my bread machine? I don’t have a mixer with a dough hook. I don’t particularly want to experiment these days since my supplies are low and not so easy to come by. Enjoy your recipes and videos so much. My current fav is the fried rice, YUM!
Jessica Gavin says
I think this can be made in the bread machine, however, I have not tried yet. You can also make this dough my hand. Please let me know if you try it, thanks!
Kay says
I made this bread over the weekend for my family and they were amazed at how soft and tasty it is. My husband is sensitive to sugar so we are working on adding more whole grains to our diet. I will be using your recipe science advice to adjust my own bread recipe. Thanks for your helpful recipes and food science knowledge. Keep them coming!
Jessica Gavin says
Thank you for our feedback Kay! What a great way to add in more whole grains, happy baking!
Penny says
Could I use my bread machine instead?? Thanks
Jessica Gavin says
Yes, bread machine yeast can be used the same way as instant yeast.
Sara says
Please tell me what and how I can substitute for the milk. Will Almond or Soy Milk work…I would really like to try this for a household of non-dairy people!!
Jessica Gavin says
Hi Sara- I think that almond milk would work. There is some fat in the nut milk which will help the bread stay tender.