CDKitchen, it's what's cooking online!
  • contact the CDKitchen helpdesk

Basic Bread Machine Whole Wheat Bread

  • print recipe
  • save recipe
  • add photo
  • add review
  • #12542

A simple, 100% whole wheat bread made even easier with the help of your bread machine.


serves/makes:
  
ready in:
  2-5 hrs
Rating: 4/5

6 reviews
2 comments

ingredients

1 1/8 cup water
3 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional)
1 1/2 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons dry yeast

directions

Combine all the ingredients in the bread machine in the order recommended by the machine manufacturer. Set the machine to whole wheat, light crust.

When the bake cycle is complete, remove the pan from the machine and let cool on a rack for 5 minutes. Remove the bread from the pan and let cool completely on a rack before slicing or storing.

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.

recipe tips


Add ingredients to the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer.

Check the dough during the kneading cycle; it should be a smooth, soft ball. Add a bit more water or flour if needed.

Allow the bread to cool completely before slicing to prevent it from becoming gummy.

Slice the bread with a serrated knife for clean cuts.

Experiment with different whole wheat flour types, like white whole wheat, for varying flavors.

Enjoy the bread fresh or toast it for a different texture and taste.

Use the bread for sandwiches, toast, or even homemade croutons.

Remember that homemade bread doesn't contain preservatives, so it may not last as long as store-bought bread.

common recipe questions


What is the purpose of vital wheat gluten in this recipe?

Vital wheat gluten improves the texture and rise of whole wheat bread, which can be denser than white bread.

Can I make this bread without a bread machine?

Yes, you can knead the dough by hand or with a stand mixer, let it rise, shape it, and bake it in a conventional oven.

How do I know when the bread is fully baked?

The bread should sound hollow when tapped on the bottom, and the internal temperature should reach around 190 degrees F.

Is there a substitute for sugar in this recipe?

Honey or maple syrup can be used as natural sweeteners, but they may slightly alter the flavor and texture.

What's the best way to store homemade whole wheat bread?

Store it in an airtight container or bread box at room temperature to maintain freshness.

Can I add other ingredients like nuts or seeds?

Yes, you can add ingredients like sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped nuts for added texture and flavor.

How do I prevent the bread from becoming too dense?

Make sure your yeast is fresh and active, and measure your flour correctly using the spoon-and-level method.

What if my bread machine doesn’t have a whole wheat setting?

Use the basic bread setting but expect a slightly different texture as the whole wheat setting typically has longer rise times.

Can I use all-purpose flour instead of whole wheat flour?

Using all-purpose flour will significantly change the texture and nutritional content of the bread.


nutrition data

86 calories, 1 grams fat, 18 grams carbohydrates, 4 grams protein per slice. This recipe is low in fat.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


share on facebook share on twitter share on pinterest


reviews & comments

  1. fmattso3

    I’m trying now but very disappointed. No butter or oil in recipe and I did not notice this fact until it was too late!! So I am just wondering how it will turn out. Never have I heard of bread recipe not having any kind of oil or butter.

  2. Buddy REVIEW:

    Bread came out good. But I added 2 tbsp of canola oil. Was this intentionally left out of the recipe? I didn’t have enough ingredients to take a chance to make bread without it.

  3. Pyhoelting REVIEW:

    Very disappointed in my first attempt. Feel like it needs more water so I’ll circle back to this recipe, but will try others first in search for a better result

  4. reddog1027 REVIEW:

    This bread was easy as pie and there wasn't enough left for me to take a picture of it and upload it. It is a recipe that I will be using over and over again.

  5. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    This was a good bread but a bit on the dry side.

  6. br REVIEW:

    Easy to make. Excellent Bread.

  7. Maynard7 REVIEW:

    I didn't have the powdered milk, so I made it without. The bread turned out OK, but I thought the loaf would be bigger considering the 3 cups of flour used. I think I will try a different recipe next time to see if I get better results.

    • 3 cups of flour produces a 1 to 1 1/2 lb loaf usually, and using 100% whole wheat flour will definitely make it denser (and seem even smaller).

  8. I luv 2 cook

    A good basic bread machine whole wheat bread recipe. I tried several before this one and this is the one I now use. I like to use coarse whole wheat flour and this recipe works for that.

About CDKitchen

Online since 1995, CDKitchen has grown into a large collection of delicious recipes created by home cooks and professional chefs from around the world. We are all about tasty treats, good eats, and fun food. Join our community of 200K+ members - browse for a recipe, submit your own, add a review, or upload a recipe photo.