Baking your own vegan wheat bread at home is one of the most satisfying culinary adventures you can embark on. There’s something magical about the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through your kitchen, promising warm, soft slices that are perfect for any meal.
This recipe is not only entirely plant-based, but it also uses wholesome ingredients to create a loaf that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you’re new to vegan baking or a seasoned pro, this simple yet effective method will yield a beautiful crusty exterior with a tender crumb inside.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of patience, you can enjoy the comfort of homemade bread without any eggs, dairy, or additives. Plus, making bread from scratch gives you full control over the ingredients, helping you avoid preservatives and artificial flavors.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delightful vegan wheat bread recipe that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply eating warm with a drizzle of your favorite jam.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This vegan wheat bread recipe is a true crowd-pleaser for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—even if you’ve never baked bread before.
The ingredients are simple and affordable, yet they come together to create a loaf that rivals bakery-quality bread. The use of whole wheat flour adds a hearty nuttiness and plenty of fiber, making it a wholesome choice for your daily diet.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. It’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with soups and stews.
The bread has a soft, moist crumb and a slightly chewy crust that holds up well for spreads and dips. And because it’s vegan, it’s suitable for those with dietary restrictions or anyone looking to eat more plant-based foods.
Finally, you’ll appreciate the satisfaction and pride that comes with baking your own bread. There’s nothing quite like the taste and freshness of homemade bread, and this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour – Provides rich flavor and fiber
- 1 ½ cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C) – Activates the yeast
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar – Adds a touch of natural sweetness
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast – Leavens the bread
- 1 teaspoon salt – Balances the flavors
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or any neutral vegetable oil – Provides moisture and tenderness
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl – For combining ingredients
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate measurements
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk – To mix the dough
- Loaf pan (8×4 inch or similar) – For baking the bread
- Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap – To cover the dough while rising
- Oven – For baking
- Cooling rack – To cool the bread after baking
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and maple syrup. Sprinkle the active dry yeast over the top and gently stir. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes until the mixture becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the whole wheat flour and salt until evenly combined.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the yeast mixture and olive oil into the flour mixture. Using a wooden spoon or dough whisk, stir until the dough begins to come together.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Knead for about 8-10 minutes until the dough is smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky. You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook for this step if preferred.
- First rise: Lightly grease the large mixing bowl with oil. Place the dough in the bowl, covering it with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free spot for 1 to 1 ½ hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf by folding and rolling it to fit your loaf pan.
- Second rise: Place the shaped dough into a greased loaf pan. Cover it again with a towel or plastic wrap and let it rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up noticeably.
- Preheat your oven: While the dough is undergoing its second rise, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: Bake the loaf for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool completely: Remove the bread from the oven and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool fully before slicing to ensure the best texture.
Tips & Variations
For a softer crust, brush the top of the loaf with a little olive oil or melted vegan butter right after baking.
- Use bread flour: If you prefer a lighter, airier texture, substitute half or all of the whole wheat flour with bread flour.
- Add seeds or nuts: Enhance your bread by mixing in 2 tablespoons of flaxseeds, sunflower seeds, or chopped walnuts for extra texture and nutrition.
- Include herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like rosemary or thyme can be kneaded into the dough for a flavorful twist.
- Sweet bread variation: Add ½ cup raisins or dried cranberries along with an extra tablespoon of maple syrup for a subtly sweet loaf.
- Make it gluten-free: For a gluten-free option, try this recipe with a gluten-free flour blend and xanthan gum, but note the texture will be different.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12 loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 120 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 22 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 2.5 g |
Fiber | 3.5 g |
Sugar | 2 g |
Sodium | 180 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This vegan wheat bread is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. For a classic breakfast, toast slices and spread with almond butter and fresh fruit jam.
Use it for hearty sandwiches filled with your favorite plant-based deli slices, avocado, or roasted veggies.
It also makes a lovely side for soups and stews, especially warming bowlfuls like a Low Calorie Vegetable Soup Recipe for Healthy Eating or a robust Chili Recipe Slow Cooker Vegetarian: Easy & Hearty Meal.
For something indulgent, try it toasted with vegan bechamel sauce as described in our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.
Conclusion
Baking your own vegan wheat bread is a rewarding experience that brings wholesome goodness right to your table. This recipe balances simplicity with flavor, making it a perfect introduction to homemade bread baking or a reliable go-to for daily meals.
With its hearty texture and mild, nutty taste, this bread complements everything from breakfast spreads to comforting dinners.
Once you master this loaf, you might find yourself experimenting with add-ins and flavor variations, or even diving into other vegan baking adventures like our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves.
Homemade bread has a way of bringing people together, and with this easy vegan recipe, you can enjoy that warmth and connection any day of the week.
📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Wheat Bread
Description: A simple and wholesome vegan wheat bread perfect for sandwiches or toast. Made with whole wheat flour and natural ingredients for a healthy, delicious loaf.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 packet (2 1/4 tsp) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional)
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and maple syrup; let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- Gradually mix in whole wheat flour and ground flaxseed until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough for 8-10 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Shape dough into a loaf and place in a greased loaf pan.
- Let dough rise for another 20 minutes.
- Sprinkle rolled oats on top if desired.
- Bake for 35 minutes or until golden brown and hollow sounding.
- Remove from oven and cool before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 4g | Carbs: 33g
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