
There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a golden, hearty loaf out of a bread machine and knowing exactly what went into it. This whole wheat bread is built on a short, honest ingredient list — warm water, butter, honey, salt, whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, and yeast — so you never have to squint at a label wondering what's hiding inside. For anyone avoiding turmeric, store-bought whole wheat breads can be a minefield, since the spice sometimes sneaks into commercial loaves as a natural coloring agent. Here, every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify, which means you can bake with total confidence. The honey adds a gentle sweetness that balances the nuttiness of the whole wheat, while the vital wheat gluten gives the loaf that satisfying chew and structure you want from a hearty sandwich bread. The bread machine does all the heavy lifting — just layer in the ingredients, select the Whole Wheat cycle, and let it run. The hardest part is waiting the full hour before slicing so the crumb sets up properly, but that patience pays off in every single slice.
Fig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →12 servings







Add the ingredients to the bread machine pan in the order listed: water, butter, honey, salt, whole wheat flour, vital wheat gluten, and yeast. Keep the yeast separate from the salt by making a small well in the center of the flour and adding the yeast there.
Insert the pan into the bread machine, select the Whole Wheat cycle, choose a 1.5 lb loaf size, and set the crust to Medium. Press Start and allow the machine to complete the full cycle, including kneading, rising, and baking — typically 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes total.
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!
