Baking your own bread at home can be an incredibly rewarding and healthy experience, especially when you opt for a vegan recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious. This healthy vegan bread recipe uses wholesome ingredients to deliver a loaf that’s soft on the inside with a crisp crust, perfect for sandwiches, toast, or simply enjoying with a drizzle of olive oil.
Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner wanting to explore plant-based baking, this recipe is straightforward and packed with flavor.
Unlike many store-bought breads that contain preservatives, refined sugars, and animal products, this homemade vegan bread offers a clean, natural alternative. Plus, it’s rich in fiber and free from dairy and eggs, making it ideal for a variety of dietary needs.
You’ll love how easily it fits into your healthy lifestyle without sacrificing taste or texture. Ready to knead some goodness into your kitchen?
Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This healthy vegan bread recipe stands out for several reasons. First, it uses whole wheat flour to provide extra fiber and nutrients, supporting digestion and sustained energy.
Second, the combination of flaxseed meal and olive oil adds healthy fats and omega-3s, making it heart-friendly.
Unlike breads that rely on eggs or dairy for texture, this loaf gets its perfect crumb from a clever use of flaxseed as an egg substitute and natural yeast activation. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can customize it with seeds, nuts, or herbs to suit your taste.
Finally, baking this bread at home means you control every ingredient, ensuring a wholesome, additive-free result that’s great for you and your family.
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour (you can substitute half with spelt or all-purpose flour)
- 1 cup warm water (about 110°F/43°C)
- 2 tablespoons flaxseed meal mixed with 6 tablespoons water (flax egg)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons active dry yeast
- Optional: 2 tablespoons sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chopped nuts for topping or mixing in
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or fork (to mix flax egg)
- Wooden spoon or dough scraper
- Loaf pan (8×4 inch recommended) or baking sheet
- Kitchen towel or plastic wrap
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Instructions
- Prepare the flax egg: In a small bowl, combine the flaxseed meal with 6 tablespoons of warm water. Whisk well and let it sit for 5-10 minutes until it becomes gel-like. This will act as your egg substitute.
- Activate the yeast: In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm water with the maple syrup and yeast. Stir gently and let it sit for about 5-7 minutes until it’s foamy and bubbly. This signals that your yeast is active and ready to work.
- Mix dry ingredients: Add the whole wheat flour and salt to the yeast mixture. Stir to combine.
- Add wet ingredients: Pour the flax egg and olive oil into the bowl. Using a wooden spoon or dough scraper, mix until a shaggy dough forms.
- Knead the dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes. The dough should become smooth and elastic but still slightly sticky. If it’s too sticky, sprinkle a little more flour as you knead.
- First rise: Shape the dough into a ball and place it back in the bowl. Cover with a kitchen towel or plastic wrap and let it rise in a warm place for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until it doubles in size.
- Shape the loaf: After the dough has risen, gently punch it down to release excess air. Shape it into a loaf and place it into a greased loaf pan. If you wish, sprinkle seeds or nuts on top and gently press them in.
- Second rise: Cover the loaf pan again and let the dough rise for another 30-45 minutes until it puffs up slightly above the pan’s rim.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom.
- Cool: Remove from oven and let the bread cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer the loaf to a cooling rack to cool completely before slicing. This helps set the crumb and prevents a gummy texture.
Tips & Variations
For a gluten-free option, substitute whole wheat flour with a gluten-free blend, but note texture may vary.
Adding seeds like chia, flax, or sesame not only enhances texture but boosts nutritional value. Feel free to mix in herbs such as rosemary or thyme for a savory twist.
If you prefer a slightly sweeter bread, incorporate a bit more maple syrup or add raisins and chopped nuts. For a quicker version, check out our Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves which uses a bread maker for convenience.
Remember, the key to great bread is patience with the rising process — don’t rush it! Also, for a crispier crust, place a small oven-safe dish of water on the bottom rack while baking to create steam.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrient | Amount per slice (1/12 loaf) |
---|---|
Calories | 110 kcal |
Carbohydrates | 20 g |
Protein | 4 g |
Fat | 3 g |
Fiber | 3 g |
Sugar | 1 g |
Sodium | 150 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This healthy vegan bread is a perfect base for a variety of meals. Toast it and spread with avocado and tomato slices for a quick breakfast.
Or use it to make hearty sandwiches filled with roasted vegetables or vegan deli slices.
It also pairs beautifully with soups and stews. For a tasty snack, try dipping slices into our Lipton Vegetable Dip Recipe: Easy Party Favorite.
For a sweet treat, spread with nut butter and top with fresh fruit.
Don’t forget to check out other delicious plant-based recipes on our site such as Peruvian Vegetable Recipes for Flavorful Healthy Meals and the Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for dessert after your wholesome bread meal.
Conclusion
Baking this healthy vegan bread at home is a wonderful way to nourish your body with wholesome ingredients while enjoying the comforting process of bread making. The combination of whole grains, flaxseed, and natural sweeteners creates a bread that’s not only tasty but packed with nutrition to keep you energized throughout the day.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll appreciate how easy it is to make plant-based baking a part of your lifestyle. Plus, with endless customization options, you can keep the recipe fresh and exciting every time you bake.
Whether for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this bread is a versatile staple that belongs in every vegan kitchen.
For more delicious vegan recipes to complement your bread baking adventures, explore our collection of plant-based delights and discover new favorites to enjoy today!
📖 Recipe Card: Healthy Vegan Bread
Description: A simple and nutritious vegan bread recipe made with whole grains and natural ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT40M
Total Time: PT55M
Servings: 1 loaf
Ingredients
- 3 cups whole wheat flour
- 1 cup warm water
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 packet (7g) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons ground flaxseed
- 1/4 cup rolled oats
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit 5 minutes until foamy.
- Add maple syrup, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture.
- Mix in whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, and salt until a dough forms.
- Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.
- Place dough in an oiled 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 bread pan.
- Sprinkle rolled oats on top and bake for 35-40 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let cool before slicing.
Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 6g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 30g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Healthy Vegan Bread”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A simple and nutritious vegan bread recipe made with whole grains and natural ingredients. Perfect for sandwiches or toast.”, “prepTime”: “PT15M”, “cookTime”: “PT40M”, “totalTime”: “PT55M”, “recipeYield”: “1 loaf”, “recipeIngredient”: [“3 cups whole wheat flour”, “1 cup warm water”, “2 tablespoons olive oil”, “2 tablespoons maple syrup”, “1 packet (7g) active dry yeast”, “1 teaspoon salt”, “2 tablespoons ground flaxseed”, “1/4 cup rolled oats”, “1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine warm water and yeast; let sit 5 minutes until foamy.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add maple syrup, olive oil, and apple cider vinegar to the yeast mixture.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mix in whole wheat flour, ground flaxseed, and salt until a dough forms.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Knead the dough on a floured surface for 8-10 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Place dough in an oiled bowl, cover, and let rise for 1 hour.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Preheat oven to 375\u00b0F (190\u00b0C).”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Shape dough into a loaf and place in a greased bread pan.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Sprinkle rolled oats on top and bake for 35-40 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove from oven and let cool before slicing.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “180”, “proteinContent”: “6g”, “fatContent”: “5g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “30g”}}