Whole wheat bread has a warm, nutty flavour and is packed with fibre, making it a great everyday choice. This recipe keeps things simple so you get the satisfaction of homemade bread without spending hours kneading or waiting around.
This Easy whole wheat bread recipe for busy days! is ideal for students, beginners, and anyone who wants fresh bread without fuss.
⭐ Ingredients
You only need a handful of basic ingredients:
3 cups (360 g) whole wheat flour
1 tablespoon sugar or honey
1 ½ teaspoons salt
1 tablespoon active dry yeast
1 ¼ cups (300 ml) warm water (not hot—just warm to the touch)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Optional add-ins:
2 tablespoons rolled oats
1 tablespoon flax seeds
1 tablespoon sunflower seeds
1 teaspoon cinnamon + 1 tablespoon honey (for a slightly sweet loaf)
⭐ Step-by-Step Instructions
This Easy whole wheat bread recipe for busy days! is designed to be smooth and stress-free.
Step 1: Activate the yeast
In a large bowl, mix:
Warm water
Sugar or honey
Active dry yeast
Let it sit for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy on top.
If it doesn’t foam, your water might have been too hot or the yeast might be old—try again.
Step 2: Mix the dough
Add the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture.
Stir in the whole wheat flour gradually using a spoon or spatula.
Mix until a shaggy dough forms.
Step 3: Knead (just a little!)
Lightly flour your hands and counter.
Knead for 5 minutes—the dough will be slightly sticky but should become smoother.
If it’s too sticky to manage, sprinkle in a tiny bit more flour.
Step 4: First rise (quick version)
Place the dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover with a towel.
Let it rise for 45–60 minutes, or until doubled in size.
To speed things up, set it near a warm spot in your kitchen.
Step 5: Shape the loaf
Punch down the dough gently.
Shape into a smooth log.
Place in a greased loaf pan.
Step 6: Second rise
Let the shaped dough rise for 20–30 minutes until puffy.
Step 7: Bake
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Bake the loaf for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the bread sounds hollow when tapped.
Let cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.
⭐ Tips for the Best Whole Wheat Bread
✔ Don’t use hot water
Water that’s too hot can kill the yeast. Use warm water that feels like comfortable bath water.
✔ Add vital wheat gluten (optional)
If you want a lighter loaf, add 1 tablespoon of vital wheat gluten to the flour. It helps whole wheat rise higher and become softer.
✔ Don’t add too much flour
Whole wheat flour absorbs moisture as the dough rests. A slightly sticky dough is normal and leads to softer bread.
✔ Brush the top
Before baking, brush the loaf with:
A little olive oil for shine
Milk for a softer crust
Water + oats for a rustic look
✔ Make it ahead
You can prepare the dough earlier in the day and refrigerate after the first rise. When ready to bake, let it warm up for 30–45 minutes, then shape and bake.
⭐ Variations (Still Quick!)
Honey Wheat Bread
Add:
3 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon soft butter
Result: softer, slightly sweeter bread.
Seeded Whole Wheat Bread
Mix in or sprinkle on top:
Sunflower seeds
Sesame seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Great for extra crunch and nutrition.
Cinnamon Swirl Bread
Roll the dough into a rectangle.
Sprinkle with:
1–2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 tablespoon sugar
Roll it up and bake!
⭐ Serving Ideas
This Easy whole wheat bread recipe for busy days! works for almost anything:
Toast with butter or jam
Sandwiches
Grilled cheese
French toast
Avocado toast
PB&J
Soup + bread combo
Snack with honey drizzle
It also freezes well—slice the loaf first so you can grab one piece at a time.
⭐ Storage Tips
Store at room temperature for 3–4 days in a bread box or airtight bag.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Avoid keeping fresh bread in the fridge—it dries out faster.
Final Thoughts
This Easy whole wheat bread recipe for busy days! proves that you don’t need special tools or hours of time to enjoy warm, fresh homemade bread. With simple ingredients and a straightforward method, you can bake a delicious, nutritious loaf that’s perfect for everyday meals.