Flaxseed Bread - freshly baked bread

Flaxseed Bread

Whole Wheat & Multigrain Bread

Nutty, nutritious bread packed with ground flaxseed for omega-3s and fibre.

Prep Time

15 min

Proof Time

1h 25m

Bake Time

35 min

Servings

10

Calories

190

Ingredients

  • 2 cups whole wheat flour
  • 1½ cups bread flour
  • 2¼ tsp active dry yeast
  • 1¼ cups warm water
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 1½ tsp salt

Instructions

  1. 1

    Activate Yeast

    Dissolve 1 tbsp honey in warm water. Add yeast and wait 5 minutes.

  2. 2

    Mix

    Add remaining ingredients and both flours. Mix and knead 10 minutes until smooth.

  3. 3

    First Rise

    Cover and rise 60 minutes until doubled.

  4. 4

    Shape & Second Rise

    Shape into a loaf, place in a greased pan. Rise 30 minutes.

  5. 5

    Bake

    Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 30–35 minutes. Brush with butter.

Baker's Notes

Pure whole wheat bread can be dense and bitter. My secret is the 60/40 blend of whole wheat to bread flour — you get the nutrition without sacrificing texture.

Baker Thomas Moreau

About This Recipe

This loaf gets its deep, nutty flavour from ground flaxseed folded right into a soft whole wheat and bread flour dough, the kind of combination that gives you a hearty crumb without the density that turns people off whole grain bread. A touch of honey wakes up the yeast and caramelizes into a golden, tender crust once it hits the oven at 375°F (190°C).

Tips for the Best Flaxseed Bread

Whole wheat flour drinks up more water than expected, so if the dough feels stiff during kneading, add water a tablespoon at a time. Don't rush either rise — a full, doubled proof gives this flaxseed loaf its tender, open crumb instead of a dense brick.

What to Serve With It

Slice this loaf thick and toast it for breakfast with maple butter or a smear of local honey, or serve it alongside a bowl of pea soup or chili for a heartier lunch. It also makes a sturdy base for a smoked salmon or cheddar sandwich.

Storage & Reheating

Once fully cooled, wrap the loaf tightly in plastic or store in an airtight bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, slice and freeze for up to 3 months, then toast slices straight from the freezer for a quick, warm breakfast.

Nutrition Facts

190

cal

6g

Protein

6g

Fat

38g

Carbs

4g

Fiber

351mg

Sodium

Frequently Asked Questions

Why mix whole wheat flour with bread flour?+

Bread flour's higher protein content adds structure and lift that whole wheat alone can't provide, so the loaf still gets a good rise despite the density of the flaxseed and whole grain flour.

Can I substitute maple syrup for honey?+

Yes, maple syrup works well and gives the crust a slightly deeper colour and flavour, staying true to the Canadian twist mentioned in the variations, though the rise may take a few minutes longer.

Why does my dough feel so stiff?+

Whole wheat and flaxseed both absorb more water than white flour, so add an extra tablespoon or two of warm water while kneading until the dough turns smooth and elastic rather than crumbly.

How do I know the loaf is fully baked?+

Tap the bottom of the loaf, it should sound hollow, and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the centre should read about 90°C (195°F) after the full 30 to 35 minutes at 375°F (190°C).

Can I add extra seeds without ruining the rise?+

A quarter cup of sunflower or pumpkin seeds folded in during mixing won't interfere with the rise, though adding much more can weigh down the dough and slow the yeast's work.

Tips & Tricks

  • Whole wheat flour absorbs more water — add extra if dough feels dry.
  • Honey feeds the yeast and helps the bread brown beautifully.
  • Let cool completely before slicing for the best texture.

Reviews (4)

Sarah M.★★★★★

So glad I found this recipe. The instructions are clear and the result is consistently great. I've made it four times already and it's perfect every time.

David C.★★★★★

Bakery-quality bread at home. I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out amazing. The proofing tips really helped.

Lisa P.★★★★★

Made this for a dinner party and everyone wanted the recipe. The bread was the star of the table — warm, crusty, and absolutely delicious.

Robert B.★★★★★

Five stars! The crust was perfectly crispy and the crumb was soft and airy. I'll never buy store-bought bread again.