Baking fresh whole wheat bread at home is a rewarding experience that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma and provides a wholesome, flavorful loaf perfect for any meal. Using a KitchenAid stand mixer simplifies the process, making it accessible even for beginners.
Whole wheat bread is not only hearty and delicious but also packed with nutrients, offering a healthier alternative to white bread. Whether you’re making sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying a warm slice with butter, this recipe delivers a soft yet dense crumb with a perfect crust every time.
In this detailed recipe, I’ll guide you through creating a fantastic whole wheat bread using your KitchenAid mixer. You’ll find tips to get the best results, ingredient insights, and suggestions for variations.
Plus, don’t miss the links to other delicious recipes that complement your bread baking adventures. Let’s dive into making homemade whole wheat bread that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This KitchenAid whole wheat bread recipe is designed to be simple, straightforward, and reliable. The use of a stand mixer cuts down on manual kneading time and effort, while the whole wheat flour gives the bread a rich, nutty flavor and added fiber.
This bread is:
- Nutritious: Made primarily with whole wheat flour, it contains more fiber and nutrients than white bread.
- Soft and Moist: Thanks to the right balance of ingredients and kneading technique.
- Versatile: Perfect for sandwiches, toast, or as a side with soups and salads.
- Customizable: You can add seeds, nuts, or dried fruits to personalize your loaf.
- Cost-Effective: Baking at home is cheaper and healthier than buying artisan whole wheat bread.
This recipe also pairs well with other wholesome meals like soups and sandwiches. Check out some of my favorite complementary recipes like Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide or Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious for perfect meal ideas.
Ingredients
- 3 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F / 43°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (one packet)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted coconut oil
- Optional: 1/4 cup rolled oats or seeds (like sunflower or flaxseed) for topping or mixing in
Equipment
- KitchenAid stand mixer with dough hook attachment
- Large mixing bowl (if needed for proofing)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan (8.5 x 4.5 inches recommended)
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Cooling rack
- Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)
Instructions
- Activate the yeast: In a small bowl, combine the warm water and honey. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until foamy. This step ensures your yeast is alive and ready to work.
- Mix the dough: Attach the dough hook to your KitchenAid mixer. In the mixer bowl, add the whole wheat flour and salt. Turn on the mixer to low speed and slowly pour in the yeast mixture and the olive oil. Mix until the dough begins to come together, about 2 minutes.
- Knead the dough: Increase the speed to medium-low and knead for 7-10 minutes. The dough should be smooth, elastic, and slightly tacky but not sticky. If it’s too dry, add a teaspoon of water; if too sticky, add a tablespoon of flour.
- First rise: Remove the dough from the mixer bowl, shape it into a ball, and place it in a lightly oiled bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm, draft-free place for about 1 to 1.5 hours, or until doubled in size.
- Shape the loaf: Once risen, gently punch down the dough to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf by rolling or folding the dough and place it into a greased loaf pan. Cover again and let it rise for 30-45 minutes until it puffs up just above the rim of the pan.
- Preheat oven: While the dough is rising, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Bake the bread: Optionally, brush the top with water and sprinkle rolled oats or seeds for a rustic look. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
- Cool and enjoy: Remove the bread from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing. This prevents a gummy texture.
Tips & Variations
“Whole wheat flour absorbs more liquid than white flour, so be patient with your dough texture and adjust liquids accordingly.”
- For a softer crust: Place a small oven-safe dish with water in the oven while baking to create steam.
- Add seeds or nuts: Mix in chia seeds, flaxseeds, or chopped walnuts into the dough for extra texture and nutrition.
- Honey alternatives: Use maple syrup or agave nectar for a vegan option.
- Make it a multigrain loaf: Replace 1 cup of whole wheat flour with oat flour or rye flour.
- Sweet variation: Add 1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries for a slightly sweet bread.
- Use a bread machine: If you prefer, use the dough cycle on your bread machine, then shape and bake in a conventional oven.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per Slice (1/12 loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 |
Carbohydrates | 22g |
Dietary Fiber | 3.5g |
Protein | 4g |
Fat | 2g |
Sodium | 150mg |
Sugar | 3g |
These values are approximate and will vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Serving Suggestions
Whole wheat bread is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your freshly baked loaf:
- Classic toast: Spread with butter, jam, or nut butter for a simple breakfast or snack.
- Sandwich base: Pair with your favorite fillings like avocado, hummus, or roasted veggies. For inspiration, check out these Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious.
- Soup companion: Serve alongside a warm bowl of soup such as the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide for a comforting meal.
- French toast: Use thick slices for a wholesome French toast breakfast.
- Croutons: Cube leftover bread, toss with olive oil and herbs, and bake until crispy to top salads or soups.
Conclusion
Baking whole wheat bread with your KitchenAid mixer is a delightful way to enjoy fresh, homemade bread with minimal effort. This recipe’s carefully balanced ingredients and straightforward steps ensure a soft, flavorful loaf packed with wholesome goodness.
Not only will you enjoy the satisfaction of baking bread from scratch, but you’ll also gain a healthier alternative to store-bought bread, rich in fiber and nutrients.
Experiment with different mix-ins and toppings to customize the bread to your taste. And while your oven is warming up, consider pairing your fresh bread with comforting recipes like the Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.
Baking bread is just the beginning of a wonderful culinary journey that can expand into many delightful homemade meals.
📖 Recipe Card: KitchenAid Whole Wheat Bread
Description: A wholesome and hearty whole wheat bread made effortlessly with a KitchenAid mixer. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup warm water (110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (1 packet)
- 1/2 cup bread flour (optional, for better texture)
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon vital wheat gluten (optional, for better rise)
Instructions
- Dissolve yeast in warm water and let sit for 5 minutes.
- Add honey, olive oil, and salt to the yeast mixture.
- In the KitchenAid bowl, combine whole wheat flour, bread flour, and vital wheat gluten.
- Attach the dough hook and slowly add wet ingredients while mixing on low.
- Knead dough for about 8 minutes until smooth and elastic.
- Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour or until doubled.
- Punch down dough and shape into a loaf; place in greased bread pan.
- Let dough rise again for 30 minutes.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Optional: Sprinkle rolled oats on top of the loaf.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped.
- Cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 34g
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