The King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe is the perfect way to bake a wholesome, hearty loaf that’s full of flavor and nutrition.
Made with King Arthur’s premium whole wheat flour, this recipe delivers a soft, slightly nutty bread that’s ideal for sandwiches, toast, or enjoying on its own.
Infused with the natural sweetness of honey or maple syrup and enriched with the goodness of olive oil or melted butter, this bread is both delicious and nutritious.
In this post, I’ll walk you through the entire process of making this bread from scratch—explaining every step clearly so you can bake with confidence. Let’s dive in King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe!
Why Will Choose King Arthur Flour?
King Arthur Flour is celebrated for its high quality and consistency. Known for its robust texture and flavor, this flour ensures that every loaf of bread rises beautifully and has a consistent texture.
King Arthur Flour is made from 100% whole wheat, providing you with the pure, nutritious quality that makes a difference in baking.
How To Prepare King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Rise Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (divided)
Bake Time: 35 minutes
Course: Bread
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: American
Yield: 1 loaf (about 5 slices)
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Loaf pan
- Clean kitchen towel
- Baking rack
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups King Arthur Golden Wheat Flour
- 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 packet (2 ¼ teaspoons) active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (28g) King Arthur Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
How to Make
1. Activate the yeast:
In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water and honey (or maple syrup). Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
2. Mix dry ingredients:
In a large bowl, combine King Arthur Golden Wheat Flour, salt, dry milk, and ground flaxseed.
3. Combine wet and dry ingredients:
Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter) to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
4. Knead the dough:
Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
5. First rise:
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
6. Shape and second rise:
Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
7. Bake:
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
8. Cool:
Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.
Note
For best results, always use fresh yeast. Old or expired yeast may not activate properly, leading to a dense loaf.
If you don’t have King Arthur Flour, any high-quality whole wheat flour can be used, but you may notice slight variations in texture and flavor.
Nutritional Amount Information
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Protein | 4g |
| Fat | 2g |
| Carbohydrates | 23g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Serving Suggestions
Here are some delicious ways to enjoy your homemade King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe:
1. Top a slice of toasted bread with mashed avocado, a sprinkle of salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a poached egg on top for extra protein.
2. Use this whole wheat bread for a heartier grilled cheese sandwich. Add your favorite cheese and grill until golden brown and gooey.
3. Spread peanut butter on a slice of bread and top with sliced bananas for a quick, nutritious snack or breakfast.
4. Layer slices of turkey, lettuce, tomato, and a smear of mustard or mayo on a slice of bread for a satisfying lunch.
5. Spread hummus on your bread and top with thinly sliced cucumber, bell peppers, and a handful of greens for a refreshing and filling snack.
Health Benefits Of King Arthur Wheat Bread Recipe
Whole wheat flour is packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and essential vitamins. These nutrients support energy, immunity, and brain function, making wheat bread a nutritious choice.
One of the significant benefits of whole wheat bread is its high fiber content, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy digestive tract.
Whole grains are beneficial for heart health, helping to reduce cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood pressure. Adding whole wheat bread to your diet can be a simple step towards better cardiovascular health.
Authentic Variations Of King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
1. Honey Oat Whole Wheat Bread
Mix in ½ cup of rolled oats with the dry ingredients for a nutty texture. You can also top the loaf with oats before baking for a rustic, wholesome finish.
2. Cinnamon Raisin Wheat Bread
Add 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon and ¾ cup of raisins or currants to the dough before the first rise. This variation is perfect for a sweeter twist, ideal for breakfast or dessert.
3. Seeded Whole Wheat Bread
For added crunch and nutrition, incorporate 2-3 tablespoons of sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chia seeds into the dough. Top the loaf with a sprinkle of sesame seeds before baking for a delightful finish.
4. Garlic Herb Whole Wheat Bread
Mix in 1-2 teaspoons of dried herbs (like rosemary, thyme, or oregano) and 1-2 cloves of minced garlic. This savory variation is great as a side to soups or salads.
5. Whole Wheat Bread with Walnuts and Cranberries
Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts and ½ cup of dried cranberries to the dough after the first rise. This slightly sweet and nutty bread makes a delicious snack or accompaniment to cheese.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this bread gluten-free?
Unfortunately, wheat bread relies on gluten for structure, so it can’t be made gluten-free with this recipe. You’d need a specialized gluten-free bread recipe.
How can I add more flavor?
Consider adding spices, dried fruits, or seeds to the dough for additional flavor. You can also experiment with different types of honey or syrup.
What’s the best way to store homemade bread?
Store bread at room temperature for a few days, but for longer storage, freeze it. Bread stored in the fridge can lose its moisture and texture.
Can I freeze the dough?
Yes, you can freeze the dough after the first rise. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before shaping and baking.
Why is King Arthur Flour recommended for this recipe?
King Arthur Flour is known for its quality, consistency, and purity. It’s minimally processed, which helps yield a better-tasting and more nutritious bread.
Conclusion
The King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe offers a simple yet satisfying way to bake a healthy and flavorful loaf at home.
With its wholesome ingredients like whole wheat flour, honey, and olive oil, this bread is perfect for any meal, whether you’re making sandwiches, enjoying a slice with butter, or serving it alongside soups and salads.
It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for anyone looking to add a bit of homemade goodness to their diet.
I hope this recipe inspires you to bake and enjoy fresh, delicious whole wheat bread right from your own kitchen! Happy baking!
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King Arthur Whole Wheat Bread Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or dough whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- loaf pan,
- Clean kitchen towel
- Baking rack
Ingredients
- 3 ¾ cups King Arthur Golden Wheat Flour
- 1 ¼ cups lukewarm water
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 packet 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup 28g King Arthur Baker’s Special Dry Milk or nonfat dry milk
- 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
Instructions
Activate the yeast:
- In a small bowl, combine lukewarm water and honey (or maple syrup). Sprinkle yeast over the top and let sit for 5-10 minutes, until frothy.
Mix dry ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine King Arthur Golden Wheat Flour, salt, dry milk, and ground flaxseed.
Combine wet and dry ingredients:
- Add the yeast mixture and olive oil (or melted butter) to the dry ingredients. Stir until the dough begins to come together.
Knead the dough:
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and knead for about 8-10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
First rise:
- Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp towel or plastic wrap, and let rise in a warm place for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
Shape and second rise:
- Punch down the dough and shape it into a loaf. Place it in a greased 9×5-inch loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 30-45 minutes, until it has risen above the rim of the pan.
Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the bread for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Cool:
- Remove the bread from the pan and let it cool on a wire rack before slicing.