Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf

Featured in: Weekend Zesty Comfort Recipes

This nutty whole wheat loaf combines the earthiness of whole wheat flour with the crunch and flavor of chopped walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts. After mixing and kneading the dough to develop structure, it's left to rise twice for perfect lightness. Baking results in a golden crust and soft crumb, ideal for hearty sandwiches or a simple buttered slice. Variations include adding seeds or dried fruits for extra texture and flavor.

Updated on Sat, 06 Dec 2025 10:37:00 GMT
Golden, crusty Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread with a soft interior, perfect for toasting. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crusty Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread with a soft interior, perfect for toasting. | citrusfern.com

A wholesome, soft whole wheat bread enriched with a variety of nuts—perfect for hearty sandwiches or enjoying with butter.

This recipe has become my go-to bread for sandwiches and toast especially when I want something filling yet wholesome.

Ingredients

  • Dough: 2 1/4 cups (280 g) whole wheat flour, 1 cup (125 g) bread flour (plus extra for kneading), 2 1/4 tsp (7 g) active dry yeast, 2 tbsp (25 g) light brown sugar, 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt, 1 1/4 cups (300 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 1/4 cup (60 ml) neutral oil (e.g., sunflower or canola)
  • Nuts: 1/2 cup (60 g) chopped walnuts, 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped pecans, 1/4 cup (30 g) chopped hazelnuts (or almonds)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large bowl, combine the whole wheat flour, bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt. Mix well.
Step 2:
Add the warm water and oil to the dry ingredients. Mix until a soft dough forms.
Step 3:
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead for 8 10 minutes, until smooth and elastic.
Step 4:
Gradually knead in the chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.
Step 5:
Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with a damp cloth, and let rise in a warm spot for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.
Step 6:
Punch down the dough and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Gently shape into a loaf.
Step 7:
Place the shaped dough into a greased 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan. Cover and let rise for 45 minutes, or until the loaf has risen about 1 inch above the pan.
Step 8:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 9:
Bake the loaf for 30 35 minutes, or until golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.
Step 10:
Remove from the pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.
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| citrusfern.com

My family especially enjoys this bread toasted with butter on Sunday mornings, making brunch a warm and comforting ritual.

Notes

Add 2 tbsp of sunflower or pumpkin seeds for extra crunch. For a touch of sweetness, swirl in 1/4 cup raisins with the nuts.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, 9x5-inch (23x13 cm) loaf pan, measuring cups and spoons, dough scraper (optional), wire rack.

Allergen Information

Contains wheat (gluten) and tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds). May contain traces of other allergens depending on nut source and flour.

A close-up of a freshly baked Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread, showcasing varied nut pieces. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of a freshly baked Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread, showcasing varied nut pieces. | citrusfern.com

This nutty whole wheat loaf is a perfect blend of wholesome nutrition and satisfying texture, ideal for homemade sandwiches or a simple snack.

Recipe FAQs

What types of nuts can be used in this loaf?

Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are recommended, but almonds or other nuts can be substituted as preferred.

How should the dough be kneaded for best results?

Knead the dough on a lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic to develop gluten structure.

Can seeds be added to the loaf?

Yes, adding sunflower or pumpkin seeds can provide extra crunch and complement the nutty flavors nicely.

What is the ideal baking temperature and time?

Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the crust is golden brown and the loaf sounds hollow when tapped.

How can this loaf be stored to maintain freshness?

Store cooled slices wrapped tightly or freeze them individually for convenience and extended shelf life.

Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf

A wholesome loaf blending whole wheat flour and mixed nuts for rich texture and taste.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Time to Cook
35 minutes
Overall Time
55 minutes
Recipe by Citrus Fern Wyatt Palmer


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 12 Portions

Diet Preferences Vegetarian-Friendly, No Dairy

What You Need

Dough

01 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
02 1 cup bread flour (plus extra for kneading)
03 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast
04 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
05 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
06 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F)
07 1/4 cup neutral oil (sunflower or canola)

Nuts

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
02 1/4 cup chopped pecans
03 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts or almonds

Steps

Step 01

Combine dry ingredients: In a large bowl, mix whole wheat flour, bread flour, yeast, sugar, and salt until evenly blended.

Step 02

Form dough: Add warm water and oil to dry ingredients and mix until a soft dough develops.

Step 03

Knead dough: Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead 8 to 10 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 04

Incorporate nuts: Gradually knead in chopped nuts until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 05

First rise: Shape dough into a ball, place in a lightly oiled bowl, cover with damp cloth, and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Step 06

Shape loaf: Punch down dough and transfer to a floured surface. Shape gently into a loaf.

Step 07

Second rise: Place dough in a greased 9x5-inch loaf pan, cover, and let rise for 45 minutes or until risen 1 inch above pan.

Step 08

Preheat oven: Set oven temperature to 375°F.

Step 09

Bake loaf: Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and hollow-sounding when tapped.

Step 10

Cool and slice: Remove bread from pan and cool on a wire rack before slicing.

Tools Needed

  • Large mixing bowl
  • 9x5-inch loaf pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Dough scraper
  • Wire rack

Allergy Details

Always review every ingredient for possible allergens. If unsure, chat with your healthcare provider first.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds).
  • May contain traces of other allergens due to nut and flour sources.

Nutrition Info (per serving)

Details provided to help guide you. For health decisions, speak with a professional.
  • Energy (kcal): 170
  • Fat Content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrate: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams