Baking With White Whole Wheat Flour

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Six or seven years ago, I went through a huge baking with white whole wheat flour phase and to be quite honest, I’m not really sure why I stopped using it. Whole wheat (and white whole wheat) baked goods are really, really wholesome and tasty.

I know, I know—when you hear “whole wheat flour,” you picture dense, hearty loaves of bread or tough, chewy baked goods. But tell me my friend, have you ever heard of white whole wheat flour?

You’re going to love this. White whole wheat flour offers the nutritional benefits of whole wheat with a lighter taste and texture, making it a fantastic flour for all your baking needs. Here’s why you should consider using white whole wheat flour, and how to substitute it in all of your most favorite recipes.

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    What is White Whole Wheat Flour?

    Let’s start at the very beginning, white whole wheat flour comes from hard white spring or winter wheat, which differs from the traditional red wheat used to produce regular whole wheat flour. The key difference lies in the bran layer: white whole wheat flour has a lighter-colored bran, giving it a milder flavor and a lighter color compared to the traditional whole wheat flour’s more robust, and somewhat bitter taste.

    Despite its name, white whole wheat flour is just as nutritious as traditional whole wheat flour. It retains the bran, germ, and endosperm, ensuring it is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals (unlike traditional white flour). This makes it a whole grain product, offering all the health benefits associated with whole grains (woooo!).

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    Why Use White Whole Wheat Flour?

    1. Nutritional Benefits

    White whole wheat flour is a powerhouse of nutrients. It contains more fiber than all-purpose flour, which is beneficial for digestion and can help you feel fuller for longer. It also provides essential vitamins and minerals, such as iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, which are often stripped away in refined flours.

    2. Milder Flavor

    One of the main reasons bakers love white whole wheat flour is its mild flavor. Traditional whole wheat flour can have a pronounced, sometimes overpowering taste. In contrast, white whole wheat flour offers a subtler, sweeter flavor that blends seamlessly into a variety of baked goods. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want the benefits of whole grains without the strong taste.

    3. Versatility in Baking

    White whole wheat flour’s lighter color and texture make it versatile in the kitchen. It works beautifully in recipes where you might not want the heavier taste of traditional whole wheat, such as cakes, cookies, muffins, and pastries. You can even use it to make pizza dough or pancakes, adding a nutritional boost to your favorite treats.

    How to Substitute White Whole Wheat Flour

    If you’re ready to give white whole wheat flour a try, substituting it in your recipes is straightforward. Here are some tips to help you make the switch:

    1. Direct Substitution

    In many cases, you can substitute white whole wheat flour for all-purpose flour or traditional whole wheat flour on a one-to-one basis. However, because white whole wheat flour has a higher fiber content and absorbs more liquid, you might need to adjust the moisture in your recipe slightly. Start by adding an extra tablespoon or two of liquid (like water, milk, or juice) to your dough or batter.

    2. Blending Flours

    If you’re new to baking with whole grain flours, consider blending white whole wheat flour with all-purpose flour. This can help you gradually adjust to the different texture and flavor. A good starting point is to replace half of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour. Over time, you can increase the proportion of white whole wheat flour as you become more comfortable with its baking properties.

    3. Adding Extra Leavening

    Because whole grain flours can produce denser baked goods, you might need to add a bit more leavening to your recipes. For every cup of white whole wheat flour, try adding an extra 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder or 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda. This can help ensure your baked goods rise nicely and have a light, fluffy texture.

    4. Allowing Rest Time

    When using white whole wheat flour, giving your dough or batter a bit of rest time can improve the final product. Letting it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before baking allows the flour to fully hydrate and the gluten to relax, resulting in a better texture.

    Ideas for Baking With White Whole Wheat Flour

    Now that you know the benefits of white whole wheat flour and how to substitute it, here are a few of my favorite baking ideas to get you started:

    1. Muffins and Quick Breads

    White whole wheat flour is perfect for muffins and quick breads like banana bread and muffins or zucchini muffins. Its mild flavor won’t overpower the other ingredients, and the added fiber makes these treats a bit healthier.

    2. Pancakes and Waffles

    Upgrade your breakfast by using white whole wheat flour in your pancake or waffle batter. The flour’s light texture ensures your breakfast staples remain fluffy, while the extra nutrients provide a really great start to your day.

    3. Cookies and Bars

    White whole wheat flour works wonderfully in cookies and bars. It adds a subtle nutty flavor that complements chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits. Try it in your favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe for a delicious, slightly healthier treat.

    4. Yeast Breads and Pizza Dough

    Don’t be afraid to use white whole wheat flour in yeast breads and pizza dough. It can add a nice depth of flavor and extra nutrition without making the dough too heavy. Just remember to adjust the liquid and leavening as needed.

    So you see my friend, white whole wheat flour is a versatile, nutritious alternative to both all-purpose and traditional whole wheat flour. Its mild flavor and lighter texture make it an excellent choice for a wide range of baked goods, from cookies and cakes to bread and pizza dough.

    By making a few simple adjustments to your recipes, you can enjoy the health benefits of eating more whole grains without sacrificing taste or texture. So next time you’re in the baking aisle, might I suggest you pick up a bag of white whole wheat flour and do some experimenting. Your taste buds—and your body—will thank you.

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    One Comment

    1. Hello! My go to for organic white whole wheat flour was King Arthur, but they no longer manufacture the organic version. What brand(s) do you use?