Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Name: Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 75 min
Ingredients: 2 and 1/2 cups whole wheat flour; 2 tablespoon cooking oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 and 1/4 teaspoon instant yeast; 2 tablespoon sugar; 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup water

Last Updated On: Dec 26, 2025 by Sharmilee J

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Whole wheat bread is a soft homemade bread made using wheat flour dough and baked till golden. It is one of those basic recipes that feel simple but very helpful on a daily basis for breakfast or dinner. You can make this bread when you want something healthy and fresh at home. It tastes mild with slight wheat flavor and goes almost with anything.

This bread is made fully with whole wheat flour so it feels much better than white bread. It keeps you full for longer time and does not feel heavy also. You can use it for toast, sandwiches or even eat it plain. Baking bread at home may look tough first but once you try, it is actually very satisfying and easy.

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About Whole Wheat Bread
Whole Wheat Bread Ingredients
How to make Whole Wheat Bread Step by Step
Expert Tips
Serving and Storage
FAQS
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About Whole Wheat Bread

Whole wheat bread is yeast based bread made using wheat flour, water, oil and few basic ingredients. Yeast helps the dough to rise and makes the bread soft inside. The process may sound long but it is not difficult once you try it. The yeast helps the dough rise and makes the bread airy and soft.

This recipe is not made with maida, the texture is little dense comparatively to maida bread but still soft if baked properly. This bread can be modified easily in many ways. You can add seeds, oats or even nuts for extra texture. Some people add honey instead of sugar also.

The flavor of whole wheat bread is very mild, slightly nutty from the flour, with a natural sweetness if you add sugar. You can keep it plain for savory sandwiches, or add little more sugar to make it slightly sweet bread which tastes great with butter and jam. You can also add honey or seeds like flax, sesame for extra crunch.

I usually bake this bread on weekends. It stays good for few days so it helps a lot during my busy mornings. Sometimes I make sandwiches using homemade bread and pack for kids lunchbox.

Whole Wheat Bread Ingredients

Whole wheat flour - I used only wheat flour(atta). It gives the bread its wholesome taste and makes it healthier. You can also mix little maida if you want lighter texture, but I kept this 100% wheat.
Cooking oil - I add this to keep the bread soft and moist. It also helps the crumb from drying fast.
Instant yeast - I have used instant yeast to help the dough rise nicely. It gives light texture inside the bread. You can use active dry yeast also but need to activate it properly.
Sugar - I have used sugar to activate the yeast and give mild sweetness. It also helps in browning the crust. You can use brown sugar if you like.
Water - I have used warm water to bring the dough together. It helps yeast to work better. I usually add little by little as flour absorbs differently.

Why This Recipe Works

It is a simple homemade bread recipe and not complicated.
This recipe gives soft bread even without using maida.
You can easily adjust the shape and size of the loaf.
It is healthier and better for daily eating.
This recipe works well for toast, sandwich and plain bread.

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How to make Whole Wheat Bread Step by Step

1.In a bowl add sugar then add ½ cup warm water, mix well until sugar completely dissolves.

2.Then add yeast set aside undisturbed for 10 minutes, when its frothy(this ensures yeast is active and ready to go), add oil and mix it up.

3.Mix well and set aside. In a mixing bowl add wheat flour then add required salt.

4.Whisk it well, then add yeast solution then add ½ cup water.

5.Gather and knead it to a dough.Brush with oil and let it rise for at least 45 minutes or an hour until is doubles in size.

6.Punch down and knead it until it forms a soft dough. You can bake a full big loaf too but I baked in 2 mini loaf pans so divided the dough into 2.

7.Now shape into a log.You can even roll it like how I've shown here. Brush the bread tins with oil,carefully transfer the logs into the bread tin.

8.Keep it covered with a cloth and let it rise for 30 minutes or till the bread reaches slightly above the rim of the tin.

9.Brush the top with milk, this is for even browning

10.I placed the pan in lower rack.Bake in preheated oven at 180 deg C for 30-35 minutes or until the top turns golden. Mine got done in 30 minutes. Once baked remove the pan and let it cool for 15 minutes then carefully invert and let it to cool down completely at least for 1 hour. If you don't want the crust on top, use a wet cloth to cover and keep aside for few mins.

11.You can even bake in big bread loaf tin to get 1 big loaf.

Use serrated knife to slice.Slice and serve.Serve as bread toast / plain bread.

Expert Tips

Yeast - I make sure the yeast becomes frothy before using. Don't skip the step or else the bread will not rise properly.
Kneading - I knead the dough for 8 to 10 minutes until its soft and smooth., it develops gluten and makes bread soft.
First rise - I cover and rest the dough in warm place. Depending on climate it may take 1 or 2 hours. Dough should be double in size before shaping.
Proofing time - I keep the dough in a warm place for rising. Sometimes it takes more time depending on weather so be patient.
Cooling before slicing - I always let the bread cool fully before slicing. Cutting early will make inside sticky and crumbly.

Serving and Storage

Serve them hot with butter, jam or even plain with tea. This goes well with both sweet and savory spreads. You can toast it or use for sandwiches also. Leftover bread can be stored in airtight box at room temperature for 2 days.

FAQS

1.Does this made with wheat flour?

Yes this recipe uses only wheat flour. Texture will be slightly dense but soft if kneaded well.

2.Can I skip sugar?

Sugar helps yeast to activate. You can reduce it but try not to skip fully.

3.Why my bread turned hard?

Mostly dough was tight or over baked. Also too much flour can cause this.

4.Can I use butter?

Yes, you can use butter if you like it gives more flavor.

5.How long does this stay fresh?

It stays fresh for around 2 days outside, 4-5 days in fridge. Always cool completely before storing.

If you have any more questions about this Whole Wheat Bread Recipe do mail me at sharmispassions@gmail.com. In addition, follow me on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest ,Youtube and Twitter.
Tried this Whole Wheat Bread Recipe? Do let me know how you liked it. Also tag us on Instagram @sharmispassions and hash tag it on #sharmispassions.

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