Soft Whole Wheat Bread Recipe: Fluffy and Delicious

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Baking soft whole wheat bread at home fills your kitchen with the comforting smell of freshly baked bread. This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients to create a loaf that is both soft and hearty, perfect for sandwiches or toast!

Freshly baked whole wheat bread cooling on a wire rack, surrounded by scattered flour and a wooden rolling pin

One of the best things about this recipe is that you can customize it easily. You can make it with 100% whole wheat flour or mix it with bread flour to achieve the desired texture. You can add honey, butter, and lemon juice, making each slice is moist and slightly sweet.

This recipe can be baked using a mixer or by hand, making it accessible for everyone. The resulting loaf is not only healthy but also incredibly delicious, ensuring that it will be a staple in your home for years to come!

You can find more details about baking this soft whole wheat bread using 6 ingredients.

Key Takeaways

  • The recipe uses basic ingredients for a soft and hearty loaf.
  • You can customize the flour mix to achieve the perfect texture.
  • The bread can be made using a mixer or by hand.

Ingredient Breakdown

A loaf of soft whole wheat bread sits on a wooden cutting board, surrounded by a scattering of wheat grains and a small bowl of honey

Making soft whole wheat bread is all about understanding the ingredients and how they work together.

Whole Wheat Flour Components

Whole wheat flour is essential for our bread recipe. It includes the bran, germ, and endosperm. These parts of the wheat kernel give the bread a nutty flavor and a hearty texture.

Bran

  • Adds fiber and nutrients.
  • Gives a slightly coarse texture.

Germ

  • Provides vitamins and healthy oils.
  • Can make the bread spoil faster if not used fresh.

Endosperm

  • Mainly starch and protein.
  • Helps in the structure and rise of the bread.

Sometimes I use vital wheat gluten to improve the texture. It helps the dough become more elastic and can make the bread softer and lighter.

Additional Ingredients and Alternatives

Besides whole wheat flour, several other ingredients boost the flavor and texture of our bread.

Yeast

  • Key to making the dough rise.
  • Needs warm water to activate.

Salt and Sugar

  • Enhance flavor.
  • Sugar also feeds the yeast.

Milk or Water

  • Liquid base for the dough.
  • Milk gives a softer, richer crumb.

Honey or Oil

  • Honey can sweeten and add moisture.
  • Oil or unsalted butter makes the bread tender.

For a fluffier loaf, bread flour can sometimes replace part of the whole wheat flour. This provides more gluten, which helps the bread rise better. The right combination of ingredients makes for a perfect loaf every time!

Step-by-Step Preparation

Making soft whole wheat bread involves mixing and kneading the dough, allowing it to rise twice, and then baking it until golden brown and delicious. These steps ensure a soft and fluffy texture perfect for sandwiches.

Mixing and Kneading the Dough

First, mix warm water, sugar, and instant yeast in a large bowl. Then, add oil and salt. For the flour, combine whole wheat flour with some bread flour.

Using a dough hook or by hand, knead the mixture. The dough needs to form a smooth and elastic texture.

To check if the dough is ready, use the windowpane test. If the dough stretches without breaking, it’s good to go. This step develops the gluten, which is key to a soft loaf.

First and Second Rise

After kneading, place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a towel, and let it rise. This first rise typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.

Once it has doubled in size, punch it down to release the air. Then, shape the dough into a loaf and set it in a greased bread pan.

Cover the pan again and let the dough rise a second time. This rise is shorter, usually 30-45 minutes, until the dough rises slightly above the rim of the pan.

Baking and Cooling

Preheating the oven is essential, so set it to 350°F (175°C) while the dough undergoes its second rise. Once ready, place the bread in the oven to bake.

To prevent the top from getting too dark, you can tent the loaf with aluminum foil. Baking usually takes about 35-40 minutes. The bread is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 190°F (88°C).

After baking, remove the bread from the pan and cool it on a wire rack. This hard part is waiting for the bread to cool before slicing! Letting it cool ensures it maintains a soft texture inside.

Soft Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
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Soft Whole Wheat Bread Recipe

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

8

servings
Prep time

2

hours 
Cooking time

40

minutes

Make soft and fluffy whole wheat bread at home with our simple recipe. It’s perfect for healthy eating and tastes amazing!

Ingredients

  • 3 cups whole wheat flour

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 2 tablespoons sugar or honey

  • 1 ½ teaspoons salt

  • 1 ½ tablespoons active dry yeast

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)

  • ¼ cup vegetable oil or melted butter

  • 1 egg (optional, for a softer crumb)

Directions

  • Activate the Yeast:
  • In a small bowl, dissolve the sugar or honey in warm water.
  • Sprinkle the yeast over the water and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes until frothy.
  • Mix the Dough:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, all-purpose flour, and salt.
  • Add the activated yeast mixture and vegetable oil (or melted butter) to the dry ingredients.
  • If using, add the egg as well.
  • Mix until a dough forms.
  • Knead the Dough:
  • Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
  • Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic.
  • If the dough is too sticky, add a bit more flour, one tablespoon at a time.
  • First Rise:
  • Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, turning to coat all sides.
  • Cover the bowl with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap.
  • Let the dough rise in a warm place for about 1-2 hours, or until it has doubled in size.
  • Shape the Loaf:
  • Punch down the dough to release any air bubbles.
  • Turn it out onto a lightly floured surface and shape it into a loaf.
  • Place the shaped dough into a greased 9×5 inch loaf pan.
  • Second Rise:
  • Cover the loaf with a towel and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes, or until it has risen slightly above the edge of the pan.
  • Bake the Bread:
  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
  • If the top is browning too quickly, cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
  • Cool and Serve:
  • Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
  • Transfer the loaf to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

Frequently Asked Questions

A mixing bowl filled with whole wheat flour, yeast, and water. A spoon stirs the ingredients together to form a soft dough

Baking soft whole wheat bread at home can be simple and rewarding. Here are answers to some of the most common questions folks have about making this delicious bread.

What ingredients are needed for a simple soft whole wheat bread recipe?

To make soft whole wheat bread, you’ll need whole wheat flour, water, yeast, salt, and a sweetener like honey. Some recipes recommend adding a bit of oil for moisture. These basic ingredients will help you create a soft and tasty loaf.

How can I adapt a whole wheat bread recipe for a bread machine to ensure it stays soft?

When using a bread machine, you can follow the same ingredients as for hand-made bread. Start by placing the wet ingredients first, then dry ones, and yeast last. You might also want to add vital wheat gluten to improve the texture. Be sure to check the machine’s instructions for specific settings.

What are some tips for achieving the best results when baking whole wheat bread?

Use fresh ingredients, especially the yeast. Let the dough rise in a warm place and avoid over-kneading. Adding a little bit of bread flour can help create a fluffier texture. Proper baking time and temperature are essential for a perfectly soft bread.

What are the steps to making 100% whole wheat bread that is still soft and moist?

To make 100% whole wheat bread that is still soft and moist, follow these steps:

  • Combine water, yeast, and some flour to make a sponge, letting it rise.
  • Add honey, oil, salt, and remaining flour, then knead until smooth.
  • Let the dough rise twice—once in a bowl and once in the loaf pan—before baking.

How can I create a rustic whole wheat bread with a tender texture?

To create a rustic whole wheat bread with a tender texture, you can:

  • Add ingredients like oats, seeds, or a touch of molasses for extra flavor.
  • Let the dough rise slowly in a cool place. This slower process helps develop a tender crumb while maintaining the rustic look and taste.

What are some healthy alternatives to include in a soft whole wheat bread recipe?

You might consider incorporating flax seeds, chia seeds, or even nuts for added nutrition. Swapping refined sugar with natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup can also make your bread healthier.

Whole grains like spelt or barley can enhance the nutritional content while keeping the bread soft.