100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (2024)

100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (1)

35 Comments / baking, bread, cooking, recipe, whole wheat / By Heather Jackson

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I have been working really hard to find the best 100% whole wheat bread recipe for our family.

These are the criteria I wanted to accomplish:

  • Soft crust for sandwiches
  • Easy to make
  • Makes 2 loaves at a time
  • No crazy ingredients
  • No refined sugar
  • Tastes good

Clearly, I wasn’t asking for much.

I have been trying different recipes and taking bits and pieces from each. I think I have finally hit on a bread that really works for us. It is kid and husband approved, so I hope you like it too!

100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (2)
**A few notes: when I say “warm water” I mean water that feels just slightly above body temperature. Too hot and you kill the yeast, so it’s better to be too cold than too hot. You can substitute butter for coconut oil or honey for maple syrup. Use what you have! Also, I have written these instructions for a KitchenAid mixer*affiliate link* because that is what I have. It should be easy enough to do this by hand if you don’t have a mixer. The kneading step is very minimal.
***Most of my bread making supplies are purchased through Amazon as “subscribe and save” items. I have included a link at the bottom of the post in case they aren’t something you generally keep on hand.

100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (4)Heather Jackson

This 100% Whole Wheat Bread recipe rises three times, but the dough is a dream to work with and the taste and texture are excellent!

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Ingredients

  • 2-1/2 cups warm water
  • 2 tbsp . yeast
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil or substitute butter
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup or substitute honey
  • 1 tbsp . salt
  • 6-1/2 cups whole wheat flour

Instructions

  • Pour water into mixing bowl and add yeast. Let sit 5-10 minutes.Meanwhile melt together coconut oil and maple syrup. Remember not to get this too hot or you will kill your yeast. Coconut oil is liquid at 76°.

  • Pour oil/syrup mixture and salt to the mixing bowl. With paddle attachment on low speed (speed 1) add flour a little at a time while mixing.

  • When it has all been added, swap to a dough hook and turn speed up to knead dough just long enough to make sure the dough isn't sticking too much to the side of the bowl. If it is too sticky, add more flour a tablespoon at a time.

  • The dough is perfect when it forms a nice ball. Remove dough hook, cover bowl with a clean towel and set in a warm place. Let rise 1 hour or until the dough reaches the top of the bowl.

  • Punch dough and let rise for another hour.

  • Next grease 2 loaf pans and divide the dough into 2 balls. Pick up one ball and stretch it until it is a rectangle about as long as your bread pan.

  • Now roll the dough into a log the best you can and place in the pan. Do the same with the second ball, cover both pans with your cloth and let rise one more hour.

  • Bake in a 350° oven for approximately 35 minutes. I normally have to tent mine loosely at 25 minutes with tin foil to keep from burning the top. It should be nicely brown on the top and sound hollow when you tap on it. Turn bread out onto a cooling rack.

Notes

It will slice much more nicely when it is cool, but I usually go ahead and have a slice or two while it is hot and slathered with butter. Bliss!

(Some people use the rolling pin instead of stretching, but I avoid rolling pins whenever I can!)

Here are some pictures in case you are new to baking your own bread. Please don’t judge the photo quality! Both of my camera batteries died right as I started baking, so I took most of these with my phone!

100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (5)
Yeast and water mixture starting to foam
100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (6)
After a brief kneading, the dough comes together to form a rough ball.
100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (7)
After 1 hour rising. This is ready to be punched down and allowed to rise again.
100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (8)
Dough shaped and in the pans for the last rising.

For more great recipes, be sure to check out my cookbook, The Homestead Kitchen! *affiliate link*


100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (9)100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (10)

***This post contains affiliate links. That means that a small percentage of the purchase price of items bought through my links goes toward keeping this blog up and running and food in Beulah’s bowl, so thanks!***

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100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (11)

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100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Bread

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100% Whole Wheat Bread Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is 100% whole wheat bread healthy? ›

Considering that both whole grain and whole wheat products contain the entire kernel, they're equally nutritious. When it comes to grain products, it's important to eat mostly whole grain or whole wheat products, as they contain the most nutrients.

Which bread is 100 percent whole wheat? ›

Arnold® Premium Breads | 100% Whole Wheat.

What is the difference between 100% whole wheat and 100% Atta bread? ›

Whole wheat bread, popularly known and sold as “atta bread”, is made from whole wheat flour (atta) or a mixture of both whole wheat flour (atta) and refined wheat flour (maida). All wholewheat bread by The Baker's Dozen is made purely from 100% atta without any maida.

Why is 100% whole wheat bread so heavy? ›

The bran in whole wheat flour weakens the gluten strands by cutting into them and disrupting the gluten matrix. This decreases the overall extensibility and elasticity of the dough so that it cannot hold onto as much carbon dioxide – resulting in a denser bread.

Is it OK to eat whole wheat bread everyday? ›

Yes, it is generally safe to eat whole wheat bread (often referred to as brown bread) daily, as part of a balanced diet. Whole wheat bread is a good source of complex carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and it can be a nutritious addition to your daily meals.

Is 100% whole wheat the same as 100% whole grain? ›

Whole grains are healthier than whole wheat because they often contain more fiber. Though 100% whole wheat can be a type of whole grain, some products contain a mix of wheat and white flour. Look for labels that say whole grain or 100% whole wheat, as both are healthy choices.

Is Dave's Killer bread 100 percent whole wheat? ›

With a smooth texture and a touch of sweetness, 100% Whole Wheat bread is the perfect seedless bread for everything from sandwiches to french toast. Dave's Killer Bread 100% Whole Wheat 4.4 out of 5 stars.

Which bread is healthier sourdough or 100% whole wheat? ›

The bottom line

Sourdough is a healthier alternative to regular white or whole wheat bread. Although it has comparable nutrients, the lower phytate levels mean it is more digestible and nutritious. The prebiotics also help to keep your gut bacteria happy, and it may be less likely to spike blood sugar levels.

Does 100 whole wheat bread turn to sugar? ›

You see, when you eat a grain, it is quickly converted in the body to a sugar. Yes, even the organic, whole grain kind! When you eat your slice of 100% whole wheat bread you receive approximately 2 grams of fiber, but you consume 20 grams of carbohydrates (starch and sugar) and 100 calories.

Does 100 whole wheat bread raise blood sugar? ›

To recap, to help manage blood sugar, it is most important to choose bread that is: 100% whole grain, such as 100% whole wheat. a good source of dietary fiber, containing at least 3 grams per slice. low in added sugars, with only 1–3 grams per slice.

Is 100% whole wheat bread better than white bread? ›

Wheat bread has more of certain nutrients

Whole wheat flour features nutrients you won't find in refined white flours—unless they've been enriched to add those vitamins and minerals back in. You'll see higher levels of magnesium, selenium, and folate in whole wheat bread.

Why is my homemade whole wheat bread so dense? ›

The reason why whole wheat loaves end up so dense is because whole wheat flour has very little gluten as compared to white all-purpose flour. Gluten is important for giving the dough – and final loaves – structure. Without it, loaves tend to end up flat and dense.

Will adding more yeast make bread fluffier? ›

Use a good-quality bread flour that has a high protein content, as this will give your dough the structure it needs to rise and become light and fluffy. Make sure to use the right amount of yeast for your dough. Too much yeast will cause the dough to rise too quickly, resulting in a denser texture.

Does whole wheat bread require more kneading? ›

Whole wheat flour may require a bit more kneading than white flour.

Is 100% whole wheat bread healthier than white bread? ›

“This provides higher fiber content and more nutrients,” she says. A standard serving of whole wheat bread (one slice) contains roughly 80-100 calories, around two to three grams of fiber, and a better profile of vitamins and minerals compared to white bread, according to Ingram.

Is 100% whole wheat bread high in carbs? ›

Carbs. Whole wheat bread is loaded with complex carbohydrates, which take longer for the body to process and tend to impact blood sugar at a slow, steady pace. An average slice contains anywhere from about 12 to 20 grams of total carbohydrates, a significant amount of which are fiber (3 grams per slice).

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