39 Whole Wheat Flour Recipes We Love to Bake (2024)

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39 Whole Wheat Flour Recipes We Love to Bake (1)Laurie DixonUpdated: Feb. 28, 2024

    All out of all-purpose flour? Don't sweat it! We've got tons of whole wheat flour recipes to try.

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    Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Roll

    Come home to the heavenly aroma of fresh-baked cinnamon rolls! This better-for-you version tastes just as decadent as a regular cinnamon roll, but it smartly sneaks in some whole grains. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado

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    2/38

    Whole Wheat Strawberry Shortcakes

    Nothing says spring better than a fresh strawberry shortcake. It is heavenly. My mother and I usually make this with strawberries we picked ourselves. —Sarah Hatter, Brodhead, Wisconsin

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    French Toast Cookies

    I created these soft, sparkly cookies because my sister loves cinnamon French toast covered in maple syrup. In the case of these cookies, bigger is definitely better! I like to use white whole wheat flour, but any whole wheat flour will work.—Mary Shenk, Dekalb, Illinois

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    Honey Whole Wheat Pan Rolls

    With their pleasant wheat flavor and a honey of a glaze, these rolls impress my guests. Every time I take them to potluck dinners, I come home with an empty pan. —Nancye Thompson, Paducah, Kentucky

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    Whole Wheat Blueberry Muffins

    Whole wheat flour gives nutritious flair to these healthy blueberry muffins. Fresh from the oven, they’ll warm you up on cold, winter days. —Sheila Siem, Calumet, Michigan

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    Swedish Apple Pie

    This decadent Swedish apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan

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    Homemade Honey Grahams

    The way my boys eat them, I would spend a fortune on honey graham crackers at the grocery store. So I decided to make a homemade version that is less processed—and less expensive. These are wonderful, although they still don't last long. —Crystal Jo Bruns, Iliff, Colorado

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    Taste of Home

    Whole Grain Banana Pancakes

    My kids love homemade banana bread, so why not make it in pancake form? These freeze well for a special breakfast any day. —Ally Billhorn, Wilton, Iowa

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    Taste of Home

    We lightened up biscuits and gravy to curb our guilt for eating them the day after having pancakes. Here’s a terrific homemade recipe for brunch guests. —Ian Cliffe, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Apple Cider Doughnuts

    Apple doughnuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider doughnut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Beef Pot Pie

    For more than a dozen years, this has been the No. 1 dish to serve company at our house. So far, everyone has given it a thumbs-up rating. —Hannah McDowell, Penns Creek, Pennsylvania

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    Whole Wheat Pizza Dough

    Pizza, egg pockets, stromboli—this make-ahead whole wheat pizza dough has endless potential for quick and impressive breakfasts, lunches or dinners. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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    Triple-Ginger Gingersnaps

    These crunchy treats feature fresh, ground and crystallized ginger, making them a bit more special than the traditional cookie. They are always a hit around the holidays. —Jessica Follen, Waunakee, Wisconsin

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    Carrot Honey Loaf

    As a busy health-care professional and mom, one of the most meaningful gifts I give to the people I love is my time and skills in the kitchen. I have been baking since I was 7 years old and while I still am an avid baker, raising three children, caring for three dogs and working full-time leaves me with little energy! My family appreciates all my efforts and this is a favorite extra "gift" I give people for special events like a housewarming or welcoming a new baby. It is especially good toasted with butter. —Krystal Horudko, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada

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    Taste of Home

    Dark Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

    A colleague brought this in one day for someone’s birthday. I grow zucchini in my garden so I had a lot of opportunities to experiment with the recipe. My mother-in-law loves it, and not just because it's pretty good for you! —Sally Newton, Smethport, Pennsylvania

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    Yogurt Yeast Rolls

    People tend to snap up these fluffy, golden rolls, in a hurry whenever I take them to a potluck. It's a nice contribution since rolls are easy to transport, and one batch goes a long way. — Carol Forcum, Marion, Illinois

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    18/38

    Sesame Wheat Braids

    When I started making this bread, my husband and our six children liked it so much that I was baking every day! I was thrilled when the judges at our county fair gave these braids both a blue ribbon and a best of show award! —Nancy Montgomery, Hartville, Ohio

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    19/38

    Almond Berry Pancakes

    Whole wheat flour and two kinds of berries add an extra helping of nutrition to these hearty pancakes. It’s a breakfast I feel good about eating. —Sarah Haengel, Bowie, Maryland

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    20/38

    Pumpkin Banana Muffins

    These pumpkin banana muffins are the perfect bite-sized snack for fall. —Desiree Rasch, Blue Springs, Missouri

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    Sage Fontina Focaccia

    These rustic loaves have plenty of sage flavor—a tasty addition to any feast.— Beth Dauenhauer, Pueblo, Colorado

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    22/38

    Honey-Oat Pan Rolls

    These tender rolls are relatively quick to make. Whole wheat flour and oats make them nutritious, too.—Arlene Butler, Ogden, Utah

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    23/38

    Caramel Apple Scones

    A drizzle of caramel complements the apple and whole wheat flavors of these rustic-looking scones. —Arlene Cook, Bainbridge, Georgia

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    24/38

    Taste of Home

    Rosemary Walnut Bread

    I received this recipe from a friend who was moving into a new apartment. To celebrate, she made this bread to share and now it is served at many of my family functions.—Robin Haas, Cranston, Rhode Island

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    Taste of Home

    Hearty Multigrain Pancakes

    Oats and whole wheat flour make these tasty pancakes extra hearty. Try them with applesauce spooned on top! —Jeri Tirmenstein, Apache Junction, Arizona

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    Cran-Apple Crisp

    Cranberries, walnuts, brown sugar and orange peel help give this apple-packed crowd-pleaser its rich flavor. After the first taste, guests will be asking for the recipe...and a second helping. —Diane Everett of Newtown, Connecticut

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    Taste of Home

    Peanut Brittle Bars

    Pairing the old-fashioned flavor of peanut brittle with yummy chocolate chips turns these bars into a satisfying treat and a sought-after holiday gift. —Kristin Gleason, St. John, Kansas

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    Taste of Home

    Wonderful Carrot Cake

    This healthy carrot cake recipe is moist, tender and delicious. Kids will love it because it's sweet, and you'll love it because it's packed with good-for-you carrots. —Brenda Rankhorn, New Market, Alabama

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    Taste of Home

    Wholesome Wheat Bread

    My sister and I were in 4-H, and Mom was our breads project leader for years. Because of that early training, fresh homemade bread like this is a staple in my own kitchen.-Karen Wingate, Coldwater, Kansas

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    Fluffy Pumpkin Pancakes

    These pumpkin pancakes are also delicious served with butter or whipped topping and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice. Freeze any extras in a single layer on a cookie sheet, then store in a freezer bag. They're great fresh out of the toaster! —Mindy Bauknecht, Two Rivers, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Applesauce Cinnamon Bread

    This whole wheat apple cinnamon bread recipe contains quite a bit of applesauce, which provides natural sweetness so you use less sugar. As a bonus, it also allows for a minimal amount of oil to be used. —Sherry Craw, Mattoon, Illinois

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    TMB studio

    Chunky Breakfast Cookies

    Who says cookies aren’t for breakfast? We devour these hearty oatmeal cookies, especially on the run. Add any dried fruits and nuts you have on hand. —Lea Langhoff, Round Lake, IL

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    Rustic Rye Bread

    This gorgeous rye bread has just a touch of sweetness and the perfect amount of caraway seeds. With a crusty top and firm texture, it holds up well to sandwiches, but a pat of butter will do the job, too. —Holly Wade, Harrisonburg, Virginia

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    Taste of Home

    Yummy Zucchini Coffee Cake

    The first time I made this, I gave some to my daughter, who hates zucchini, and she said it was the best thing I ever made! It has been an excellent and wholesome way to use up all of the zucchini from my garden. If using thawed shredded zucchini, make sure to drain very well. —Tammy Kirsch, Arcade, New York

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    Taste of Home

    Blue-Ribbon Herb Rolls

    These rolls have been a favorite of ours for nearly 25 years. I even baked them in an old wood stove when we lived on a farm. I developed the recipe using several techniques I learned while studying the art of bread making. The recipe won a blue ribbon at our county fair. —Mary Ann Evans, Tarpon Springs, Florida

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    Chapati Breads

    My daughter and I prepare this Indian flatbread frequently. It is so fun to make and goes well with any spiced dish. We use the extras to make sandwich wraps. —Joyce McCarthy, Sussex, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Mushroom Pizza

    What's great about this wild mushroom pizza is you don't need to worry about finding the right toppings. Whatever wild mushrooms are in season or at your market will work beautifully. I like to get as many different ones as possible. —James Schend, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin

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    Taste of Home

    Cardamom Sour Cream Waffles

    Sweet with just the right amount of spice, these easy waffles make it nearly impossible to skip your morning meal. —Barbie Miller, Oakdale, Minnesota

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    Originally Published: May 22, 2020

    39 Whole Wheat Flour Recipes We Love to Bake (38)

    Laurie Dixon

    Having a passion for writing her whole life, Laurie joined the Taste of Home team to bring together her two favorite things—creative writing and food. She spends most of her time playing with her dog, drafting up short stories and, of course, trying out new recipes.

    39 Whole Wheat Flour Recipes We Love to Bake (2024)

    FAQs

    How to use whole wheat flour in baking? ›

    Start off by substituting half of the all-purpose flour in your favorite recipe with spelt or white whole-wheat flour. Occasionally you will need to add slightly more liquid. When using all whole-grain flour in quick breads, select whole-wheat pastry, white whole wheat, spelt or kamut flours.

    How do you adjust when baking with whole wheat flour? ›

    The solution: When substituting whole wheat for 100% of the white flour in your own favorite yeast recipe, do this: For every cup of whole wheat flour substituted, increase the liquid in the recipe by 2 teaspoons. Once you've mixed up the dough but before kneading, let it rest for 30 minutes.

    Can you replace all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour? ›

    Most recipes can't tolerate a complete substitution, so start by substituting one-quarter of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. Increase to half the next time you bake if you would like to try more and note how it changes the final product.

    Are there any disadvantages to whole wheat flour? ›

    Home and commercial bakers may also be confounded by whole wheat. Although it makes a healthier product, whole-wheat flour is not optimal for high-rising breads and tender baked goods. While refined white flour has had its bran and germ removed, whole-wheat flour retains them, which can result in baking complications.

    Is it better to bake with all-purpose flour or whole wheat flour? ›

    Whole-wheat flour makes your baked goods denser and a lot heavier than those made with just all-purpose flour. You can start by substituting some whole-wheat flour for all-purpose flour, but no more than 25 percent of the total amount unless you're willing to really sacrifice the texture of your baked goods.

    What is whole wheat flour best for? ›

    Use any whole wheat flour to make cookies, muffins, quick breads (banana bread, biscuits, and scones), and breakfast items (waffles, pancakes). If a recipe calls for all-purpose flour, feel free to replace it with the same measure of whole grain flour.

    Do you need more yeast for whole wheat flour? ›

    Because yeast has to work harder to make whole wheat flour rise, we'll use slightly more yeast in this dough compared to my regular pizza dough recipe. You need 1 Tablespoon (8.5g).

    How do you make whole wheat baked goods less dense? ›

    Mixing whole wheat flour and water together and then letting it rest can soften the bran in the dough and make the dough more extensible, which can result in a more open interior. Autolyse for a few hours or even overnight for a softer and more open crumb.

    What helps whole wheat flour rise? ›

    To make 100% whole wheat bread rise well, you need to pay attention to a few key factors. First, make sure your yeast is active and alive by proofing it in warm water with a bit of sugar. This step ensures that the yeast will help the bread rise properly.

    Does whole wheat flour make cookies taste different? ›

    Start by substituting just 25% whole wheat and you probably won't even notice a real difference in the flavor or final texture of the cookie.

    Does whole wheat flour need more water? ›

    So, 1,000 grams of flour and 750 grams of water will always be 75% hydration; it doesn't matter if the flour is rye, whole wheat, buckwheat, or gluten-free. However, whole-grain flours are “thirstier,” and doughs made with whole-grain flours typically require more water.

    What is the unhealthiest grain? ›

    Grains to avoid are wheat (such as wheat berries, spelt, kamut, farro and bulgur), rye, barley and triticale.

    What does whole wheat flour do to your body? ›

    Whole-grain foods are good choices for a nutritious diet. Whole grains provide fiber, vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. Whole-grain foods help control of cholesterol levels, weight and blood pressure. These foods also help lower the risk of diabetes, heart disease and other conditions.

    Why is whole wheat flour so expensive? ›

    There are increased production costs in working with whole grains. Whole grain flour costs more (since it's a niche product) and extra ingredients like ad- ditives and dough conditioners may be needed. Longer rising times or baking times may limit throughput and fixed costs are spread over fewer units.

    Do you need to add more water for whole wheat flour? ›

    So, 1,000 grams of flour and 750 grams of water will always be 75% hydration; it doesn't matter if the flour is rye, whole wheat, buckwheat, or gluten-free. However, whole-grain flours are “thirstier,” and doughs made with whole-grain flours typically require more water.

    Does whole wheat flour rise with yeast? ›

    The reality is that whole wheat yeasted dough just cannot rise to the same level as white flour dough—literally! But back in 2014, I worked to develop a 100% whole wheat pizza dough that not only rises wonderfully, it's soft with great flavor too.

    Do I need to soak whole wheat flour? ›

    Soaking whole grains overnight or for a few hours can help break down anti-nutrients, making them easier to digest. Soaking whole wheat flour before baking can improve its texture and reduce the heaviness often associated with whole grain products.

    Does whole wheat flour change the taste of baked goods? ›

    Whole-wheat flour tends to produce baked goods with a heavy, dense texture as well as a bitter taste, especially when used in recipes developed for all-purpose flour. And while some people have learned to love (or at least tolerate) this, most have not.

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