Vegan Wholemeal Bread Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Baking your own vegan wholemeal bread is one of the most rewarding kitchen adventures you can embark on. Not only does it fill your home with the comforting aroma of freshly baked bread, but it also offers a wholesome option packed with nutrients and free from animal products.

This bread recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a hearty, fiber-rich loaf that’s both delicious and nourishing. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a complete beginner, this step-by-step guide will help you create a beautiful, soft, and crusty wholemeal bread that’s perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with your favorite vegan spread.

Wholemeal bread has a wonderful nutty flavor and a satisfying texture, making it a staple for healthy meals. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a wide variety of dishes.

If you’ve been searching for a reliable, easy-to-follow vegan bread recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor or nutrition, this is the one to try. Let’s dive in and get baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan wholemeal bread recipe is packed with wholesome ingredients that contribute to a rich flavor and tender crumb. It’s made without any dairy or eggs, using simple pantry staples like wholemeal flour, yeast, and plant-based milk.

The dough is easy to work with and requires minimal hands-on time, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

One of the best parts? It yields a loaf with a perfectly crunchy crust and a soft, chewy interior that stays fresh for days.

This bread is not only great for sandwiches but also ideal for breakfast toast, dipping in soups, or serving alongside your favorite vegan meals. Plus, baking your own bread means you can avoid preservatives and control exactly what goes into your loaf.

For more delicious vegan baking ideas, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or try pairing this bread with creamy sauces like our Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups (360g) wholemeal flour – for a rich, nutty flavor and fiber
• 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour – to lighten the texture slightly
• 2 tsp active dry yeast – the leavening agent
• 1 1/4 cups (300ml) warm water – temperature between 100°F to 110°F (38°C to 43°C)
• 2 tbsp olive oil – adds moisture and richness
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar – natural sweetener to feed the yeast
• 1 tsp salt – enhances flavor

Equipment

• Large mixing bowl – for combining ingredients and kneading dough
• Wooden spoon or dough scraper – to mix the dough
• Measuring cups and spoons – for accurate ingredient portions
• Loaf tin (9×5 inch) – to shape and bake the bread
• Clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap – to cover the dough while it rises
• Cooling rack – for cooling the baked bread
• Oven thermometer (optional) – to ensure precise baking temperature

Instructions

1. Activate the yeast: In your large mixing bowl, combine the warm water, maple syrup, and active dry yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until frothy. This step confirms your yeast is alive and ready to work.
2. Mix the dry ingredients: While the yeast activates, whisk together the wholemeal flour, all-purpose flour, and salt in a separate bowl.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually add the flour mixture to the yeast mixture. Stir using a wooden spoon or dough scraper until a rough dough forms.
4. Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface. Knead vigorously for about 10 minutes until it becomes smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. You can add a bit more flour if the dough is too sticky.
5. First rise: Lightly oil the mixing bowl and place the dough inside, turning it to coat with oil. Cover with a clean kitchen towel or plastic wrap. Let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
6. Shape the loaf: Once risen, punch down the dough gently to release air bubbles. Shape it into a loaf by flattening into a rectangle, then rolling tightly. Place the shaped dough into your greased loaf tin.
7. Second rise: Cover the loaf again and let it rise for another 30-40 minutes until it has puffed up about 1 inch above the rim of the tin.
8. Preheat the oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Bake the bread: Place the loaf tin in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the bread sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom and has a golden brown crust.
10. Cool completely: Remove the bread from the tin and transfer it to a cooling rack. Let it cool entirely before slicing to ensure the crumb sets properly.

Tips & Variations

For a softer crust, brush the loaf with a little olive oil or plant-based butter immediately after baking.

To add extra flavor and texture, mix in 1/4 cup of seeds like sunflower, pumpkin, or flaxseeds during the kneading stage.

You can substitute part of the wholemeal flour with rye or spelt flour for a different flavor profile. Just keep the total flour amount the same.

If you’re short on time, consider trying the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves, which simplifies the process using a bread maker.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan wholemeal bread is wonderfully versatile. For breakfast, toast a slice and spread with almond butter and sliced bananas for a nutritious start to your day.

It’s also excellent for sandwiches filled with fresh vegetables, hummus, or your favorite vegan deli slices.

Try serving it alongside a warm bowl of soup or stew; the dense crumb holds up beautifully when dipped. For a special treat, make garlic bread by brushing slices with olive oil, crushed garlic, and fresh herbs before toasting.

Explore more vegan meal ideas that pair wonderfully with wholemeal bread by visiting our Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals or our Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Conclusion

Baking your own vegan wholemeal bread is a delightful way to bring wholesome, fresh bread into your kitchen without any animal products. This recipe offers a perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition, making it a fantastic choice for those who want to enjoy homemade bread that’s both hearty and healthy.

With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find this bread easy to make even if you’re new to baking. The result is a loaf with a crisp crust and a tender crumb that stays fresh for days.

Don’t hesitate to experiment with seeds, herbs, or flour blends to make it your own.

We hope this recipe inspires you to enjoy the process of baking and sharing delicious vegan breads. For more plant-based baking inspiration, be sure to check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious and keep exploring the wonderful world of vegan cooking!

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