Baking your own bread at home is a rewarding and nourishing experience, especially when you know exactly what goes into your loaf. If you’re striving to eat healthier, embrace a vegan lifestyle, or simply want to enjoy the hearty goodness of whole grains, this 100% whole wheat bread machine recipe (vegan) is for you.
With the help of a bread machine, the process is delightfully simple—no kneading by hand or monitoring the dough required! This bread is soft, flavorful, and perfect for sandwiches, toast, or snacking.
Not only does it deliver wholesome nutrition from every slice, but it’s free of dairy, eggs, and refined sugars. Whether you’re a seasoned bread maker or a total beginner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Read on to discover why this vegan whole wheat bread deserves a place in your weekly baking rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 100% Whole Wheat Goodness: Made entirely from whole wheat flour, this bread is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
- Totally Vegan: No animal products, just simple, plant-based ingredients.
- Effortless with a Bread Machine: Just add the ingredients and let the machine do the work—perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Soft & Flavorful: Thanks to a touch of maple syrup and a little olive oil, this bread is tender and delicious, not dry or heavy.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as toast, in sandwiches, or with your favorite soups and salads.
- Customizable: Add seeds, nuts, or dried fruit for your own creative twist.
- Budget-Friendly: Baking at home saves money and reduces packaging waste.
Ingredients
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
Whole wheat flour | 3 cups (360g) | Use white whole wheat for a lighter texture if you like |
Warm water | 1 1/4 cups (300ml) | About 110°F (43°C), not hot |
Maple syrup | 2 tablespoons | Or agave, or other liquid sweetener |
Olive oil | 2 tablespoons | Or any neutral oil |
Salt | 1 1/2 teaspoons | |
Vital wheat gluten | 2 tablespoons | Optional, but helps with rise and softness |
Active dry yeast | 2 teaspoons | Or bread machine yeast |
Equipment
- Bread machine (1.5 or 2 lb loaf capacity preferred)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Digital kitchen scale (optional but highly recommended for accuracy)
- Spatula (for scraping down the sides, if needed)
- Wire cooling rack (for cooling the finished bread)
Instructions
-
Prepare your bread machine pan.
Ensure the kneading blade is securely in place. Lightly oil the pan if your machine tends to stick.
-
Add wet ingredients first:
Pour warm water, olive oil, and maple syrup into the bread machine pan.
-
Add dry ingredients:
Gently spoon whole wheat flour over the liquid, covering it completely. Sprinkle vital wheat gluten evenly over the flour, then add salt.
-
Add yeast:
Make a small well in the flour (not touching the liquid) and add the active dry yeast. This prevents the yeast from activating prematurely.
-
Start the bread machine:
Select the Whole Wheat or Basic setting (choose the one with a longer rising time if available), and set the loaf size and crust color as desired.
-
Monitor the dough (optional):
About 10 minutes into kneading, lift the lid and check the dough. It should form a smooth, slightly tacky ball.
If too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time; if too wet, sprinkle in more flour.
Tip: Whole wheat flour absorbs water slowly. Resist adding lots of flour early on; let the dough knead for a while before adjusting.
-
Let the machine complete the cycle:
The bread machine will knead, rise, and bake the loaf for you. Enjoy the aroma as it bakes!
-
Remove and cool:
When finished, use oven mitts to carefully remove the pan. Let the bread rest for 5-10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
For best texture, wait until the bread is fully cool before cutting. This prevents a gummy crumb.
-
Slice and enjoy!
Use a serrated bread knife for clean slices. Store leftovers wrapped in a clean towel or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Tips & Variations
- Vital wheat gluten: While optional, it dramatically improves the rise and softness of 100% whole wheat bread. If you skip it, expect a denser loaf.
- Sweetener swaps: Maple syrup adds lovely flavor, but agave or molasses works too. For a less sweet bread, reduce to 1 tablespoon.
- Oil choices: Olive oil brings subtle richness, but avocado, canola, or melted coconut oil are also great.
- Add-ins: After the first knead, try mixing in up to 1/2 cup of sunflower seeds, chopped nuts, raisins, or dried cranberries.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is designed for wheat flour, but if you’re gluten-free, try our dehydrated vegetable bread ideas for a nourishing alternative.
- Crust color: Dark crust settings yield a deeper flavor. If your machine allows, experiment to find your favorite.
- Freezing: Slice and freeze for up to 2 months. Toast slices straight from the freezer for a quick breakfast.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition values are approximate and based on 1 slice (out of 12) of bread, made as directed:
Nutrient | Per Slice |
---|---|
Calories | 110 |
Fat | 2g |
Carbohydrates | 20g |
Fiber | 3g |
Protein | 4g |
Sugar | 2g |
Sodium | 200mg |
This bread is a good source of dietary fiber and plant-based protein, with minimal fat and no cholesterol.
Serving Suggestions
- Classic Toast: Slather with vegan butter, nut butter, or your favorite jam.
- Sandwiches: Use it as a base for veggie sandwiches, vegan grilled cheese, or open-faced avocado toast.
- Soup Companion: Serve alongside hearty vegan soups. Try with Lipton Vegetable Soup Mix Recipes for Easy Family Meals for a comforting combo.
- Breakfast: Top with banana slices and cinnamon or almond butter for a quick, nourishing start.
- Croutons: Cube day-old bread, toss with olive oil and herbs, bake until crisp for delicious homemade croutons.
- Picnic Favorite: Pack thick slices with hummus and roasted veggies for an easy lunch outdoors.
- Plant-Based Platters: Pair with Rutabaga Recipes Vegan: Tasty Plant-Based Meal Ideas for a nutritious, satisfying spread.
Conclusion
Baking your own 100% whole wheat vegan bread in the bread machine brings unbeatable flavor, nutrition, and satisfaction to your table. With wholesome ingredients and a super simple process, you’ll find that homemade bread is not only better for you but also incredibly rewarding.
This recipe is perfect for meal prep, family sandwiches, or even just enjoying a warm, fresh slice straight out of the machine. Remember, the beauty of bread baking is that you can experiment—add seeds, nuts, or dried fruit to make it your own.
If you’re looking to expand your plant-based baking horizons, check out these other delicious vegan ideas on the blog. Dive into Smoked Vegetarian Recipes for Flavorful Meatless Meals, spice up your week with Vegan Cinco de Mayo Recipes for a Flavorful Fiesta, or try something unique with Recipes Dehydrated Vegetables: Easy Meals and Snacks.
Happy baking and bon appétit!
📖 Recipe Card: 100% Whole Wheat Bread (Vegan, Bread Machine)
Description: This vegan 100% whole wheat bread is soft, hearty, and easy to make in a bread machine. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT3H
Total Time: PT3H10M
Servings: 1 loaf (about 12 slices)
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 4 cups whole wheat flour
- 2 teaspoons instant yeast
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed (optional)
- 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Add warm water, olive oil, and maple syrup to the bread machine pan.
- Sprinkle salt over the liquid.
- Add whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, and sunflower seeds.
- Make a small well in the flour and add the instant yeast.
- Set the machine to the whole wheat or basic cycle.
- Start the machine and let it knead, rise, and bake.
- Remove the loaf when finished and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 140 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 3g | Carbs: 25g
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