Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf

Featured in: Meadow-Inspired Everyday Dinners

This nutty whole wheat loaf combines whole wheat and bread flour with a variety of chopped nuts, offering a soft, textured crumb perfect for sandwiches or spreading butter on. The dough is kneaded thoroughly, including the nuts evenly, then allowed to rise twice—first in the bowl and then in a loaf pan—before baking until golden brown. Versatile and wholesome, this loaf can be customized with different nuts or seeds to suit your preferences.

Updated on Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 GMT
A close-up of a warm, golden Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread, ready to slice and serve. Pin it
A close-up of a warm, golden Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread, ready to slice and serve. | meadowspoon.com

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

This bread has become a staple in my kitchen for its hearty texture and the satisfying crunch of mixed nuts.

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.
Freshly baked Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread with a beautiful, textured crust and visible nuts throughout. Pin it
Freshly baked Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread with a beautiful, textured crust and visible nuts throughout. | meadowspoon.com

This bread brings my family together, especially on cozy weekend mornings with fresh butter melting on warm slices.

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/almonds). May contain traces of other allergens depending on nut source and flour. Always check ingredient labels for cross contamination warnings.

Nutritional Information

Calories 170. Total Fat 7 g. Carbohydrates 23 g. Protein 5 g per slice (approx 1/12 loaf).

Enjoying a slice: This Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread features a soft interior and satisfying nut pieces. Pin it
Enjoying a slice: This Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf Bread features a soft interior and satisfying nut pieces. | meadowspoon.com

Enjoy this nutty whole wheat loaf warm or toasted for a nourishing treat any time of day.

Recipe FAQ

What types of nuts work best in this loaf?

Walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts are recommended, but almonds or other tree nuts can be used. Chopped nuts add texture and flavor.

How can I ensure the loaf rises properly?

Keep the dough in a warm, draft-free spot for both rising periods. Make sure the yeast is fresh and the water temperature is around 110°F (43°C).

Can I add seeds for extra crunch?

Yes, adding sunflower or pumpkin seeds boosts crunchiness and nutrient variety without altering the dough's texture significantly.

How do I check if the loaf is baked through?

Tapping the bottom of the loaf should produce a hollow sound. Additionally, look for a golden-brown crust and a firm texture.

What’s the best way to store leftover bread?

Slice the cooled loaf and wrap it tightly before freezing. Thaw slices as needed to maintain freshness and texture.

Nutty Whole Wheat Loaf

Wholesome whole wheat loaf baked with walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts for a hearty touch.

Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
35 minutes
Overall time
55 minutes
Recipe by Jack Henderson


Skill level Easy

Cuisine International

Makes 12 Portions

Diet preferences Vegetarian-friendly, No dairy

What You'll Need

Dough

01 2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour (280 g)
02 1 cup bread flour (125 g), plus extra for kneading
03 2 1/4 teaspoons active dry yeast (7 g)
04 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (25 g)
05 1 teaspoon fine sea salt (6 g)
06 1 1/4 cups warm water (about 110°F/43°C, 300 ml)
07 1/4 cup neutral oil, such as sunflower or canola (60 ml)

Nuts

01 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (60 g)
02 1/4 cup chopped pecans (30 g)
03 1/4 cup chopped hazelnuts or almonds (30 g)

Directions

Step 01

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

Step 02

Form dough: Add warm water and neutral oil to the dry mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.

Step 03

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

Step 04

Incorporate nuts: Gradually knead in chopped walnuts, pecans, and hazelnuts or almonds until evenly distributed throughout the dough.

Step 05

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

Step 06

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

Step 07

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

Step 08

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

Step 09

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

Step 10

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

What You’ll Need

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

Allergy details

Review every ingredient for allergen risks and reach out to a healthcare provider if unsure.
  • Contains wheat (gluten) and tree nuts (walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts or almonds).
  • May contain traces of other allergens depending on nut source and flour.

Nutrition info (per portion)

Use these nutrition details as a guide only—not a substitute for professional advice.
  • Calorie count: 170
  • Fat content: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 23 grams
  • Proteins: 5 grams