Homemade Whole Wheat Bread

There’s nothing like biting into a slice of soft, homemade whole wheat bread. The combo of rich flavor and fluffy texture beats store-bought whole wheat bread every time. Plus, it’s got way more nutritional benefits, from fiber and B vitamins to iron, magnesium, zinc, and protein. And the best part? No weird additives—just wholesome, whole wheat.

Looking for more vegan bread recipes? Try making my Garlic & Rosemary Dutch Oven Bread, Vegan Garlic Knots, Festive Dinner Roll Wreath (Gluten-Free Option) If you want something extra fancy, these are really fun!

Why You’ll LOVE this Homemade Whole Wheat Bread Recipe 

• Quick and Easy:This whole wheat bread is one of the simplest bread recipes you could make! Mix the ingredients, let the dough rise, shape it, and bake—no complicated techniques or fancy equipment required. Even if you’re new to bread baking, this homemade whole wheat bread recipe is incredibly approachable and rewarding.
• Versatile: You can use this whole wheat bread for just about anything: sandwiches, french toast, vegan grilled cheese, or even bite-sized party sliders.
• Kid Friendly: Homemade whole wheat bread shouldn’t be dry, crumbly, or hard to enjoy. This loaf is soft, fluffy, and mild in flavor-perfect for even picky eaters.
• Healthy & Nutritious: This whole wheat bread is filled with the natural goodness of whole grains—rich in fiber, protein, B vitamins, iron, magnesium, and zinc. It’s a nourishing alternative to store-bought loaves, with none of the preservatives or additives.

What’s the Big Deal with Whole Wheat Bread?

Whole wheat bread is made with unrefined flour making it the most nutritious bread possible. While whole wheat bread is often known for being dense or dry, this version is anything but. It’s soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, with a high rise and tender crumb. Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or eating warm with butter, this bread is a wholesome upgrade from anything you’ll find at the store.

Store-bought bread is often full of preservatives so that it can last for weeks without spoiling. A few months ago, I went to a health food store and asked for whole wheat bread made without preservatives, and they told me that it was not feasible for them to sell such bread in their store, as the shelf life is too short. Although it can be difficult to find, I am so grateful that there are a few health food stores that sell wholesome breads made without preservatives. Sometimes you need to look for them in the freezer section.

But why not make your own?

This is what we are doing today. We are baking whole wheat bread from scratch. It is really not that hard, and there is something very therapeutic about the process. There is also such a sense of accomplishment when that beautiful loaf is resting on the kitchen counter. Just the smell of fresh-baked bread brings the family together.

We are using fresh ground white whole wheat flour. It is a little lighter in color and milder in taste than the traditional red whole wheat flour, but they are both equally nutritious.

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Maple Syrup:  I love using maple syrup because it has such a great flavor. But if you don’t have that on hand you could use apple juice concentrate, honey, agave, or brown sugar.   
• Olive Oil:  If you don’t have olive oil on hand you could substitute it with avocado oil or vegetable oil.
• Sprouted Spelt Flour: Sprouted spelt flour is a great ingredient to bake with- it adds a rich, nutty flavor and it’s easier to digest too. Don’t have any on hand? No problem- you can easily swap in whole wheat flour instead.

Recipe Variations and Add-ons:

• Cinnamon and raisin: If you’re making a breakfast bread cinnamon and raisins are always fun!
• Walnuts: Walnuts contain tannins, particularly in the skins, which are natural compounds that give your bread a purplish tint. Adding a cup of chopped walnuts makes the bread slightly softer and richer as well!
• Garlic & Rosemary: This is always a winning combo for savory sandwich bread! Just chop both the garlic and rosemary and knead them into your dough.

What Can I Serve with Whole Wheat Bread?

• Raspberry Jam: Offering a mild sweetness with a hint of tartness, this raspberry jam is the perfect topping for toast or pb&J.
• Soups: I love this bread with Vegan Gnocchi Soup or Creamy Cherry Tomato Soup!
• Classic Hummus: Although hummus if generally served with pita bread, I love it on any sandwich with lettuce and tomato.
• Cashew Butter Recipe: Cashew butter is so good especially on this bread! I like to serve it with Blueberry Jam or Strawberry Jam

FAQs

Does this bread freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully! Once the bread has completely cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or a bread bag and then place it in a freezer safe bag or container. You can freeze the whole loaf or slice it first for easy, grab-and-go portions. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw at room temperature or toast slices straight from the freezer.

Why is my bread crumb dry or crumbly?

There are a few common mistakes that might make your whole wheat bread turn out dry. To start, be careful to measure the flour correctly! You don’t want to pack your measuring cup and accidentally add too much flour. It’s easy to overdo the dry ingredients, which throws off the moisture balance. And lastly, keep a close eye on your baking time as overbaking is one of the quickest ways to dry out your loaf.

Can I make this bread without a stand mixer?

Yes! Kneading by hand works—just give it a bit more time and elbow grease.

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Looking For More Bread Recipes:

• Vegan Banana Bread
• Artisan Bread (No-Knead)
• Norwegian FLATBRØD (FLATBREAD)
• GLUTEN FREE NORWEGIAN FLATBRØD (FLATBREAD)
• VEGAN APPLE CINNAMON SWIRLY TWISTED SWEET BREAD