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Classic Bread Machine 100% Whole Wheat Bread

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  • #50428

A classic whole wheat bread recipe that can be mixed in your bread machine or heavy-duty mixer.


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

3 reviews
1 comment

ingredients

2 1/2 teaspoons dry instant yeast
1 1/3 cup warm water
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup honey, molasses, or maple syrup
3 1/2 cups whole wheat bread flour, plus more if needed
1/4 cup nonfat dry milk powder
1 1/4 teaspoon salt

directions

If using a bread machine, combine all the ingredients in the bread machine in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Set on dough setting.

Otherwise, combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat on low speed with an electric mixer just until a soft dough forms. Switch to a dough hook and knead the bread on low for 6-8 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic. Transfer the dough to a greased bowl. Cover the bowl and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour.

Remove the dough from the bread machine or bowl. Form the dough into a loaf shape and place in a greased bread pan. Cover the pan with greased plastic wrap and let rise in a warm location for 1 hour. It should be about 1-inch above the top of the pan when ready.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Remove the plastic wrap from the bread and place the bread in the oven and bake at 350 degrees F for 40 minutes or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped.

Remove from the oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 5 minutes then transfer to a cooling rack. Let the bread cool completely before slicing. Store the whole wheat bread in an airtight container.

common recipe questions


What is the best temperature for the water used to activate yeast?

The water should be warm, ideally between 105°F and 115°F. Too hot, and it can kill the yeast; too cold, and it won't activate the yeast properly.

Can I substitute the honey, molasses, or maple syrup with sugar?

Yes, you can use an equal amount of sugar, but it will slightly alter the flavor of the bread.

What if I don’t have nonfat dry milk powder?

You can omit the milk powder, but it helps to improve the bread's texture and flavor. A liquid dairy substitute isn't recommended as it would change the hydration ratio of the dough.

How do I know if I’ve kneaded the dough enough?

The dough should be smooth and elastic. It should spring back when poked with a finger.

Can I use regular whole wheat flour instead of whole wheat bread flour?

Whole wheat bread flour has more gluten, which helps with the bread's structure. Regular whole wheat flour can be used, but the bread might be denser.

What's the purpose of letting the dough rise twice?

The first rise allows the yeast to ferment and the dough to develop flavor. The second rise gives the loaf its final shape and size.

How can I tell if the bread is fully baked?

The bread is done when it's golden brown and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. An instant-read thermometer should read around 190-200 degrees F when inserted into the center.

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

Store the bread in an airtight container at room temperature. It can also be sliced and frozen for longer storage.

Can I add nuts or seeds to this recipe?

Yes, you can add nuts, seeds, or dried fruits to the dough for additional flavor and texture.

Is it necessary to use a bread machine?

No, the bread can be made entirely by hand or with a stand mixer. The bread machine simplifies the kneading and rising process.


nutrition data

192 calories, 5 grams fat, 33 grams carbohydrates, 6 grams protein per slice.
Show full nutritional data (including Weight Watcher's Points ®, cholesterol, sodium, vitamins, and diabetic exchanges)


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reviews & comments

  1. Dslayer298 REVIEW:

    Pro Bakers Tip: To make Bread Flour out of All-Purpose Flour, (White or Whole Wheat), add 1 teaspoon vital wheat gluten to every 100 grams of flour. This has saved me a lot of money over the years!

  2. Guest Foodie REVIEW:

    I don't have a bread machine so I used my KA mixer to mix the dough. Very good texture and flavor. I used molasses in it. It rose nicely and slices beautifully.

  3. cornallergic

    I have tried this recipe twice. The first time the loaf was sunk in the middle. The second time the top was flat, and it did not raise. My yeast is good, is active, and everything was room temp, so I have no clue what was going wrong. I did this in my bread machine on whole wheat cycle

    • Are you saying you baked it in your bread machine using the whole wheat cycle or just mixed it and baked it in the oven?

  4. Kippy36 REVIEW:

    This bread is wonderful. I used honey in the recipe and it came out great.

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